Never Forget, the musical based on the back catalogue of boy band Take That, has cancelled its planned transfer to the Lyric theatre and will now end its London run when it closes at the Savoy on 15 November.
Commenting on the decision, Producer Bronia Buchanan said: “The show was going to have to be substantially re-conceived for the smaller Lyric theatre, and after discussions with the theatre, the unions, our fabulous cast and creative team, we have decided we need to re-imagine this version and protect the integrity of the production in its current format which has been proven to work time and time again, astounding and thrilling audiences every single night. So this show will now be going out on UK tour, new productions will open in territories around the world next year and there is no doubt that it will be back in the West End in the not too distant future.”
Written by Shameless’s Danny Brocklehurst, Never Forget follows the fortunes of an unlikely Take That tribute band in Manchester. Aspiring singer-songwriter Ash has dreams of making it big and, when the chance comes along to win some cash to help his debt-ridden mother, he grabs it. But, quickly seduced by promises of fame and fortune, Ash loses his way – until his friends and fiancée Chloe to remind him just what is important.
The show features all the hits from Take That’s 1990s heyday, including Relight My Fire, Back For Good, Babe and the title track, Never Forget.
A UK tour is now planned for 2009, ahead of a possible West End comeback.
CB