Pinch, punch first of the month! (no return!). We’re already into the second month of 2019, and still writing 2018 on everything, which is nice and awkward.
So while we’re all getting used to 2019, and how fast it’s going already, here’s everything you need to know about Theatreland this week.
West End LIVE 2019 announcement!
We’re very excited to reveal that West End LIVE will be returning to Trafalgar Square on the on the 22 and 23 June 2019.
This completely free event will showcase the biggest, newest and downright awesome musicals in the West End over two days. So save the date and we’ll see you there!
February picks: shows to see this month
Roses are red, violets are blue, our team have a whole load of new show recommendations for you! From brand new musicals and rip-roaring dance shows to unforgettable thrillers that you’ll be thinking about all the way home, we’ve got LOTS to recommend this month!
Famous faces in Theatreland
There have been lots of exciting casting announcements this week, and there are some very recognisable faces making their way to Theatreland over the next few months.
Making his West End return after 18 years away from us, Clive Owen will be appearing alongside Breaking Bad’s Anna Gunn and stage star Lia Williams in a production of Tennessee Williams’ The Night Of The Iguana.
While BAFTA-award winning actor Nicholas Lyndhurst will be co-starring opposite stage sensation Cassidy Janson, as well as the previously announced Kelsey Grammer and Danielle de Niese in Man Of La Mancha.
And if that wasn’t enough, Miranda star Sarah Hadland is joining the cast of Admissions, playing the role of Ginnie opposite Alex Kingston.
West End Flea Market to be held
If you’re looking to add to your collection of theatre memorabilia, then get on down to The West End Flea Market on Saturday 18 May 2019.
Taking place at St Paul’s Church in Covent Garden, the market is being held by theatrical charity Acting for Others.
As well as showstopping goodies and stalls, there’ll be chances to meet some West End stars and a few surprises are thrown in for good measure!
Caroline, Or Change to end in five weeks
If you’re not seen the critically acclaimed show Caroline, Or Change, yet, you’ve not got long, as the show will be closing its magic doors in just five weeks.
Starring the Olivier Award-winning superstar Sharon D Clarke, you’ll be captured by the show’s story, score and set.
Based in 1960s Louisiana, the story revolves around Caroline (Sharon), an underpaid maid working in the basement of the Gellman household. Change and revolution are happening, so when Caroline befriends the young son, who keeps hiding money for her in the basement, Caroline’s world is transformed. Prepare for singing radios, washing machines and dryers, as well as some serious dilemmas.
Sweet Charity returns to the West End
It’s been away for a long time (too long if you ask us!) but Sweet Charity is finally coming back to the West End. And it’s bringing a super sweet cast with them!
Anne-Marie Duff, who will be making her musical debut, will play Charity, and Arthur Darvill will be playing the role of Oscar.
Playing at the Donmar Warehouse between 6 April – 8 June 2019, the show will also be the final production of its Artistic Director, Josie Rourke.
All About Eve photos released
We’ve previously teased you with rehearsal photos of All About Eve, but now it’s time to show you some production photos!
Starring Gillian Anderson and Lily James in the title roles, this show will leave you talking about more than just Eve!
8 things you didn’t know about Charlie Stemp
He’s recently been cast as Bert in the upcoming Mary Poppins musical and received critical acclaim (and an Olivier Award nomination) for his performance in Half A Sixpence, but there are some things you may not know about Charlie Stemp…
John Malkovich returns in David Mamet play
Thought we were done with announcing famous faces in Theatreland productions? Nope.
After a 30-year hiatus from the West End, John Malkovich is returning to perform in David Mamet’s new play.
Entitled Bitter Wheat, the show revolves around a corrupt Hollywood mogul and predatory studio head, whose notoriety within show business goes before him. The show promises drama and dark comedy in abundance when it arrives at the Garrick Theatre on the 7 June for a limited season until 14 September.
Tea For Two talks announced for MT Fest UK
Forget everything you know about festivals, as MT Fest UK’s programme keeps adding to its already impressive line-up.
As well as the late night concerts and new musical showcases, there will now also be Tea for Two talks. A series which will run throughout the festival, Tea For Two will be intimate chats with theatre professionals, providing advice and insider information that will be incredibly useful for anyone wanting to work in the theatre.
Theatreland’s 10-year challenge
Seems like everyone is doing the 10-year challenge at the moment, and so considering Theatreland changes every 10 weeks, we figured looking back over 10-years would be interesting; and we weren’t wrong!
In this feature we take a look back over long-runners and who played title roles within them.