It’s officially half-term! Where does the time go? This week, we’ve shared some great ways to entertain the kids while school’s out. Plus, we’ve told you how to enrol them into the school of West End life. But it’s not all been about the children. There were awards a-plenty as the ceremony for the UK Theatre Awards 2018 happened on Sunday, Company opened to rave reviews which resulted in some even bigger news, we heard more about Only Fools And Horses, and a lot more!
Here are our highlights of the week.
The winners of the UK Theatre Awards 2018 were announced
On Sunday 14 October, the 2018 UK Theatre Awards were held at London’s Guildhall. In addition to Maxine Peake being honoured for her Outstanding Contribution To British Theatre, 19 awards were handed out to theatre and individuals across the UK. See the winners list by clicking below.
It’s half-term – here’s how to keep them entertained
It may feel like the summer was only yesterday, but half-term is here! You have a whole week to organise for the kids but late nights at the theatre aren’t an option – no matter how dreamy they sound. That’s why these family-friendly shows have added an extra matinee to their schedule this week! Keep the kids occupied while giving them a life-long memory with one of these eight shows.
Further casting for Only Fools And Horses The Musical announced
The announcement that multi-BAFTA-winner Only Fools And Horses was returning as a musical was the news that rocked the West End and beyond last week. And to add even more excitement, the rest of the cast was announced! Find out who’s joining Paul Whitehouse, Tom Bennett, and Ryan Hutton in this musical adaptation of everyone’s favourite dodgy dealer and his extended family. It’s promising to be the creme de la menthe.
Superstars extend their Chicago appearances
Due to popular demand, X Factor-winner Alexandra Burke and former boy band Blue-member, Duncan James have extended their runs in Chicago The Musical. They will be appearing in the saucy musical until 10 and 17 November respectively. Both will have a week off during their runs so click below to find out when they’re on!
School Of Rock kids’ auditions are coming to London
Are you ready to rock? Well, if you’re like us, your back is probably hurting and you’d rather sit in the audience and enjoy the show. But your child, on the other hand, might have an opportunity of a lifetime. School Of Rock – The Musical is holding open auditions for performers aged 8-12 years old on 13 or 15 November. The audition is for ensemble roles so warm up those singing voices and get ready to belt out your most rebellious number. Find out how to enrol your kid below.
Cameron Mackintosh celebrated his 72nd birthday
The world’s most famous theatre producer celebrated his birthday this week (17 October). To celebrate the great man and his work, we put together a list of seven little-known facts about him! Find out more about one of the wealthiest men in the UK, below.
Company has been extended until the end of March!
Following an astounding opening that received rave reviews across the board, Marianne Elliott’s gender-swapped production of Company is being extended. There have been an extra 100,000 tickets released to the all-star production which means we know what all your family is getting for Christmas…
The Price to transfer to the West End with David Suchet and Brendan Coyle
After his stint in the Pinter At The Pinter season, West End sweetheart David Suchet will be returning to the London stage in The Price, alongside Downton Abbey’s Brendan Coyle. The pair will be reprising their roles in Theatre Royal Bath’s production of the Arthur Miller classic.
Michelle Visage made her West End debut
Drag royalty, Michelle Visage, took on the role of Miss Hedge in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. The long-running judge of RuPaul’s Drag Race will be bringing all her fierceness to the Apollo Theatre until Saturday 26 January 2019 and we’re super excited. Want to know why? We’ve listed five reasons, below.
Theatre Spot Test: Can you name these London theatres?
Every week, we like to test your theatrical knowledge. And this week, we’ve tested something a little bit different. We want you to name London theatres based on the last five shows that have been played in them. Sounds easy enough, right? Well, you have four minutes to work out 10 of them. Can you do it?
There was plenty of other news this week. To see what else you missed, click here.