Kristin Scott Thomas Begins West End Reign, Imelda Staunton Extends In Gypsy + More #WestEndUpdate
Posted on 23 April 2015
Kristin Scott Thomas has begun her reign over the West End, starring as The Queen in the West End revival of Peter Morgan’s The Audience. The play, which premiered in the West End in February 2013 starring Helen Mirren, is now in previews at the Apollo Theatre. The piece has been adapted especially for Scott Thomas who recently starred in Electra at the Old Vic.
The Audience imagines a series of pivotal meetings between Elizabeth II and each of her twelve Prime Ministers who she met with once a week. The cast also includes David Calder as Winston Churchill, Mark Dexter as David Cameron, Michael Gould as John Major, Gordon Kennedy as Gordon Brown, Sylvestra Le Touzel as Margaret Thatcher, David Robb as Anthony Eden and Nicholas Woodeson as Harold Wilson.
Everything’s coming up roses for Imelda Stanton who looks set to win every award going for her triumphant portrayal of Momma Rose in Gypsy at the Savoy Theatre. To say Staunton's performance is triumphant would be the understatement of the year, audiences have been jumping to their feet night after night. Gypsy’s run has been extended to 28th November 2015 – don’t miss it!
This week’s big opening is Golem which has transferred to Trafalgar Studios following its run at the Young Vic. Described as a “visually arresting and satirical take on our misuse of technology”, the piece mixes live performance and music with film and animation. Running until 22nd May, Golem promises to provide a spectacularly thought provoking theatrical experience.
The West End revival of Cats will conclude its run at the London Palladium this weekend. The musical returned to London last December with Nicole Scherzinger as Grizabella before Kerry Ellis, the first lady of the West End, took over the role in February.
Next Cats will transfer to Blackpool for a summer season at the Opera House with Jane McDonald as Grizabella. If you missed Cats this time around fear not as the Daily Mail have revealed that Andrew Lloyd Webber may bring the show back to the Palladium for another limited run later this year. Watch out for further info!
Matthew Warchus has announced his first season as artistic director of the Old Vic. The highlight of the season promises to be the 2016 world premiere of Groundhog Day, which sees Warchus (director) reunite with Tim Minchin (music and lyrics) following their success with Matilda The Musical.
Elsewhere Gavin and Stacey star Rob Brydon is set to star in a new play called Future Conditional (from 1st September) which will be followed by revivals of Eugene O'Neill's The Hairy Ape (from 17th October) directed by Richard Jones, Ibsen's The Master Builder starring Ralph Fiennes and Pinter's The Caretaker starring Timothy Spall.
Cameron Mackintosh has confirmed the new West End cast for his production of Miss Saigon. Broadway actor Chris Peluso (Beautiful / Wicked) will make his West End debut as Chris whilst Jon Jon Briones, Eva Noblezada and Hugh Maynard will continue as The Engineer, Kim and John.
Also joining the cast are Siobhan Dillon (Ghost The Musical / Cabaret) as Ellen, Natalie Mendoza (Here Lies Love / Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark) as Gigi and Sangwoong Jo (Korean production of Wicked) as Thuy. The new cast begin performances at the Prince Edward Theatre on 11th May 2015.
In other news Mamma Mia! has extended at the Novello Theatre to April 2016, Michael Flatley is set to return to Lord of the Dance at the Dominion Theatre for limited performances and Made In Dagenham star Sophie-Louise Dann has joined the cast of Bend It Like Beckham as Paula, replacing the previously announced Ronni Ancona.
