It’s been another busy week in Theatreland. With (most) shows now fully recovered from the festive period, there have been lots of exciting developments going on. From several shows announcing new casts to the Duchess of Sussex taking a new role for the National Theatre, to say it’s been a hectic week is an understatement!
Have you been too busy back at work to keep up with it all? Don’t worry, that’s what the weekly roundup is for!
Zawe Ashton & Charlie Cox join Tom Hiddleston in Betrayal
The Pinter at the Pinter season has been spoiling us, from Lee Evans, Tamsin Greig and Meera Syal in Pinter Three, to the upcoming appearances of Danny Dyer and Martin Freeman in Pinter Seven, it’s safe to say there’s been a star-studded cast from the start.
And now joining the previously announced Tom Hiddleston in Betrayal is Zawe Ashton (Fresh Meat, Wanderlust) and Charlie Cox (Daredevil, The Theory Of Everything).
The final show in this successful season, performances begin 5 March for a strictly limited time until 1 June.
Apply to be a public panellist for the Olivier Awards 2020!
The Society of London Theatre is looking for public panellists to help judge two categories for the Olivier Awards 2020; Best Entertainment or Comedy Play, and Best Family Show.
As well as helping to decide who wins London’s most prestigious theatrical prize, if you sit on the judging panel, you’ll also get to attend the ceremony and the after-show party.
For more information on this unique opportunity, check out our application form below.
Louise Redknapp unable to perform in 9 To 5
Unfortunately, due to an injury, Louise Redknapp has temporarily pulled out of 9 To 5 The Musical. While Louise recovers, another actress will take on the role of Violet, and Louise is expected to return at the end of March/early April 2019.
If you’ve already bought a ticket to the show and would like to exchange it for a performance with Louise as Violet, contact your point of sale.
Alex Kingston returns to the West End in Admissions
Swapping the TARDIS for the West End, Alex Kingston will be making her return to Theatreland in the comedy-hit Admissions. The show will be on at the Trafalgar Studios for a limited run between 28 February till 25 May, before embarking on a UK tour.
The show follows the journey of Sherri (played by Alex), a Head of Admissions at a private school that fights hard for diversity within her student intake. But when her son doesn’t get a university place, but his best friend, who “ticks more boxes” does, her ambition and progressive values clash.
Motown The Musical to perform a Relaxed Performance
Motown The Musical will be performing a Relaxed Performance at the Shaftesbury Theatre on Tuesday 22 January at 6.30pm. The performance will be ideal for families who have children with special needs, including autism, learning difficulties or other sensory and communication needs who require a more relaxed environment. Presented by Mousetrap Theatre Projects in collaboration with Adam Spiegel Productions, there will also be Relaxed Performance Administrator present on the evening.
Les Misérables announces dates for West End move
Moving to a new house is one of the most stressful things you can do, so imagine moving an entire West End production somewhere else! That’s the task ahead of the cast and crew of Les Misérables!
The show is temporarily moving to the Gielgud Theatre for a four-month season from the end of July while renovation work finishes at the Queen’s Theatre.
Shakespeare’s Globe announces summer season for 2019
We may only be in January, but some theatres are already gearing up for their summer seasons. This week, Shakespeare’s Globe announced their summer plans, which includes some Shakespeare classics, touring productions, festivals and panel discussions.
The Young Vic to host virtual reality preview
The Young Vic are hosting a one-hour theatrical preview of an immersive, VR experience in the show, Draw Me Close. A combination of live performance, VR and animation, the story focuses on the relationship between a mother and son, in the wake of her terminal cancer diagnosis.
Hayley Tamaddon joins Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
Introducing (the new) Miss Hedge, Hayley Tamaddon (Coronation Street) will be joining the cast of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie from 28 January. And she’s not the only new cast member in town, Sabrina Sandhu will be taking on the role of Jamie’s best friend, Pritti Pasha, and Sejal Keshwala will perform the part of Ray.
10 theatre shows that finish before 10pm
Is your theatre experience ruined by the constant worry that you’re going to miss the last train home? Worry no more, these fantastic shows all finish before 10pm! So now you can stop packing your running trainers every time you want to go and see a show!
Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, becomes Royal Patron of National Theatre
The Duchess of Sussex has certainly been busy recently, and she’s about to get a whole lot busier with her latest role. Her Majesty The Queen has now passed on her Royal Patronage of the National Theatre to The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, after 45 years in the role.
Theatre quiz: Musical lyrics by numbers
Got five more minutes to procrastinate? Of course you do! Kick-start your weekend now and see how many of our numerical-based questions you can get right. It’s like maths, but fun!