The past week in theatre has been full of exciting news and openings. From eagerly-anticipated transfers to star casting, it’s all been happening in the West End this week. In case you missed anything, we’ve put all the week’s top stories here in one handy place.
Richard Fleeshman joins the cast of Company
Since its announcement, Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s upcoming production of Company has the West End all riled up. With Patti LuPone, Mel Giedroyc, and Rosalie Craig announced to play the gender-flipped roles of Joanne, Sarah, and Bobbie respectively, the star-power of this show is already blinding. And this week saw the announcement of the three male love interests.
Playing Bobbie’s boyfriends are Richard Fleeshman as Andy, George Blagden as PJ, and Matthew Seadon-Young as Theo.
Read the whole story and more casting news about Company, here
In conversation with Andrew Scott and Simon Stephens
Last week, Andrew Scott concluded his special two-week appearance in Sea Wall – a devastating 30-minute play by Simon Stephens (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time). To mark the end of the run, he and Simon sat down with Sarah Hemming to discuss the play at a Voices Off Live Q&A.
Watch the video and find out what they said, here
West End theatre dimmed their lights in memory of Dame Gillian Lynne
Just days after she became the first woman to have a theatre named after her, Dame Gillian Lynne sadly passed away at the age of 92. Theatres across London’s West End dimmed their lights at 7pm on 2 July in memory of the outstanding and ground-breaking British choreographer.
Come From Away is coming to London
This week it was announced that the Tony-winning musical about 7,000 people who are stranded in a small Canadian town following the 9/11 attacks is heading to London.
Find out more about the show and when it’s winging its way into town, here
Emma Rice announced School For Wise Children
With preparations for the launch of her company Wise Children – and its first show of the same name – Emma Rice has also announced details of the company’s new training and apprenticeship scheme, School for Wise Children.
The Kind And I opened at the London Palladium
The West End has been eagerly awaiting the multi-award-winning production of The King And I. And this week, it finally arrived. We attended the glittering gala night where Kelli O’Hara, Ken Watanabe and the rest of the cast told us about the joys of working together, the themes of the show, friendship etc, etc, etc.
Heathers The Musical transfers to the West End with Carrie Hope Fletcher
Westerberg High is coming to the West End; the smash-hit success Heathers – The Musical, along with Carrie Hope Fletcher as Veronica Sawyer, will transfer to Theatre Royal Haymarket this autumn. How Very.
Find out more about the transfer, here
Iwan Rheon to star in West End premiere of Foxfinder
Olivier Award-winning star of Game Of Thrones and Misfits, Iwan Rheon, will lead the cast of acclaimed play Foxfinder in its West End premiere.
Find out more about the upcoming production, here
Harry Potter play to cast its spell over Germany
Magical Olivier Award record-breaking play Harry Potter And The Cursed Child will celebrate its German premiere in Hamburg in Spring 2020.
Matt Cardle to join Strictly Ballroom cast
You loved him at West End LIVE. Now, you’ll be able to see (almost) every night of the week! Multi-platinum selling artist, Matt Cardle, will be donning some sequins, putting on an Aussie accent and singing his heart out as the narrator, Wally Strand, in Strictly Ballroom The Musical from the end of this month.
The Jungle opened at the Playhouse Theatre
The moving, humbling and harrowing play that tells of life in the famed Calais refugee camp opened this week. With themes of humanity, togetherness and hope juxtaposed with the crushing reality of the lives lived by refugees, the distinctly unique and beautiful piece of theatre is essential watching for a contemporary audience.
Here are five reasons to see The Jungle
Theatre’s seven best kisses
It was International Kissing Day this week and to celebrate we chose our seven favourite on-stage smooches.
Pucker up and see the list, here
There was plenty of other news this week. To see what else you missed, click here.