West End Welcomes New Jersey Boy, Lord Of The Dance Returns + More #WestEndUpdate
Posted on 11 March 2015
Next week (18th March) the West End production of Jersey Boys at the Piccadilly Theatre will welcome Gary Watson to the cast. The actor, who previously played Marius in Les Miserables and Zach in A Chorus Line, replaces Matt Nalton as Nick Massi. Watson joins a stellar cast at the Piccadilly Theatre including Michael Watson as Frankie Valli, Edd Post as Bob Gaudio and Jon Boydon as Tommy DeVito, all of whom have been in the show for many years.
Returning to the company next week is original cast member Simon Adkins who was the first actor to play Bob Crewe in London. Since working on Jersey Boys, Simon has starred in Singin’ In The Rain and the shortlived Viva Forever. One of the West End’s most popular musicals, Jersey Boys is known for always being in tip top shape. Featuring iconic music whilst telling an interesting story, the musical has something for everyone.
Last year Michael Flatley brought his production of Lord Of The Dance: Dangerous Games to the London Palladium. As the run sold out, Flatley is bringing the show back to the West End for a limited run at the Dominion Theatre where We Will Rock You played for twelve years. Lord Of The Dance returns from 13th March 2015.
Due to unprecedented demand, Michael Flatley is scheduled to make a special appearance in the show from 13th to 24th March at the Dominion Theatre, paving the way for upcoming star James Keegan who will be performing the lead role of the Lord of the Dance. Michael has confirmed that these shows will mark his final West End performances.
Further casting has been announced for the West End transfer of Chichester’s Gypsy. Gemma Sutton (Legally Blonde/Carousel) and Dan Burton (The Pajama Game/Jersey Boys) will both reprise their acclaimed roles as June and Tulsa at the Savoy Theatre from 28th March 2015. They join the previously announced Imelda Staunton as Momma Rose, Lara Pulver as Louise and Peter Davison as Herbie.
The cast will also include: Billy Hartman as Uncle Jocko, Jack Chissick as Mr Goldstone, Anita Louise Combe as Tessie Tura, Harry Dickman as Pop, Lucinda Shaw as Mother, Roger Dipper as L.A., Louise Gold as Mazeppa, Clare Halse as Majorie May, Tom Hodgkins as Mr Weber, Kieran Jae as Yonkers, Julie Legrand as Electra, Danielle Morris as Geraldine, Luke Street as Little Rock, Damien Poole as Kansas, Lauren Hall as Delores and Natalie Woods as Agnes.
The Young Vic's production of Golem will transfer to Trafalgar Studios after Jamie Lloyd’s Trafalgar Transformed concludes its second season next month. Mixing live performance and music with film and animation, the piece is described as a “visually arresting and satirical take on our misuse of technology.”
As The Producers prepares to launch a brand new UK Tour, Mel Brooks has revealed plans for his first ever solo show in the UK! Mel will play a one-off live show in London at the Prince of Wales Theatre on Sunday 22nd March 2015. The show is said to feature "childhood memories, Hollywood history, unforgettable live music and uproarious laughter." Mel said, “It will be an evening the audience will never forget—whether they want to or not!”
Finally, the final curtain is came down for two shows last Saturday (7th March). BOA starring husband and wife Harriet Walter and Guy Paul concluded its limited engagement at Trafalgar Studios 2 whilst Jerry Mitchell’s production of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels starring Robert Lindsay and Bonnie Langford played its final West End performance at the Savoy Theatre before heading off on tour.
