Jeremy Jordan led musical adaptation of Bonnie and Clyde streaming next month on demand! The musical that was filmed live back in 2022 will be available as of 24 June. Several of his original cast members will be joining him in this filmed production and fans are excited to learn that the original leading lady, Frances Mayli McCann, is also set to appear alongside her co-star.
The Savoy Theatre is going to be so fetch with the new casting for Mean Girls West End debut. While the show is currently touring North America, the plastics get to be the centre of attention across the pond in London’s West End. The show is originally based on the 2004 film featuring Lindsay Lohan and Rachel McAdams, with book writer Tina Fey who featured in the original film.
The classic tale Romeo and Juliet featuring Tom Holland has received a ‘barrage of deplorable racial abuse’ after a casting announcement was made. The Hollywood English actor has stood up for his fellow lead in the Shakespearean story, but Juliet has found herself in a house divided amongst the internet. With the show opening next month, the company has quickly issued a statement saying that the racism must stop.
American singer-songwriter Cyndi Lauper sells her publishing catalogue and the majority share of her master recording revenue to Pophouse Entertainment Group. This is the Swedish entertainment company’s first US deal, however Pophouse Entertainment Group have already made a name for themselves through ABBA’s Voyage and the upcoming KISS avatar show.
As of Wednesday, 6th of March, Jeremy Hunt announced a permanent rate for Theatre Tax Relief (TTR). The chancellor announced the rate of 45% for touring productions and 40% for non-touring shows. This announcement comes just before the general election, and has been the saving grace for the entire live entertainment industry throughout the United Kingdom.
Last Saturday was the 30th Annual SAG Awards and there were reunions and smiles everywhere, even for devils who wear Prada. The film Oppenheimer is now favourable to do well at the Oscars, while Barbie stars were left bewildered why they were left behind in a male dominated industry again.
After three years on the West End, London’s Frozen announces closing dates. The news came as quite the surprise to fans and critics alike as the show has done well on the West End and the franchise remains a staple point in the Disney company. The show opened on the West End soon after theatres began to reopen after the pandemic, and to see it close after only a few years has everyone reeling to get last minute tickets as they come on sale.
Elton John achieves EGOT status after being the recipient of an Emmy Award for Elton John Live: Farewell From Dodger Stadium. This achievement was greatly deserved as Elton John has had a lengthy career since his debut album back in 1969 (later released in the U.S. in early 1975). He was one of the first openly gay artists and gave a voice to the LGBTQ+ community. Although he claims he has retired from touring, the artist still does the occasional show and is rumoured to be working on a new album.
Glynis Johns, after 100 years on Earth, has passed away. While the British actress became best known for her role in Mary Poppins, she heavily contributed to live theatre, film, and an eight decade career most people in Hollywood only dream of.
Some of the best known musicals coming to the UK in 2024 are new and returning fan favourites. A portion of these musicals are transfers from Broadway in New York but there are a few that will be making their world premiere with their sights set high.
Dreams of sugar plum fairies, tiny toys coming to life, a little girl’s dream to become a dancer. The Nutcracker ballet has been around for over 130 years and many of its themes are still commonly shown on stages across the world.
It can be difficult to have a long-running Broadway hit if your play or musical portrays a time of merry and cheer for the holidays. However, there are a few that have done just that. Going to Broadway for the holidays isn’t traditional in the sense that most people think of churches or the Rockettes when it comes to thoughts of Christmastime. These Broadway hits have somehow managed to be classics while portraying the happy holidays.
An Industry Report since BREXIT became official has been released to the public, and things are not looking good for the live entertainment industry. The insight from several major organisations makes it clear that a smoother service is needed for those working in the industry and something more sustainable is being called for. The report highlights concerns from the masses who have to deal with the ins and outs of BREXIT and trying to work in the European Union from the UK, or the other way around. In short, the complexities of BREXIT and the added issues of a pandemic have made European work for UK professionals and vice versa nearly impossible and definitely not for the faint of heart.
As of 12:01 AM (PT) on 9 November, the SAG-AFTRA Strike is over! The TV and Theatrical Negotiating Committee voted unanimously on approving a tentative agreement, establishing an extraordinary win for the union’s members everywhere. Strikes were suspended immediately upon the approval of the agreement and picket locations closed. The following days came with copious amounts of information being released to the union’s members as well as public statements from several people on the committee.
Following an extensive public consultation, Bedfordshire Council has approved plans for a 1.75 million ft2 Film and TV studio. The studio plans were originally announced back in spring of 2022 with the 143 acre land already purchased. Construction was supposed to begin earlier this year with hopes of finishing the site sometime the following year. However, it seems the strikes across America and rising costs have delayed those plans.
The stage production of The Hunger Games is well underway and has announced a debut for autumn of 2024. The internationally acclaimed book series “The Hunger Games” had a rapid success after the first book in the four part series was published back in 2008 with a film adaptation that was released in 2012.
The moment so many of us have craved is finally here, after 13 years! Burlesque, the movie that helped put Christina Aguilera on the charts, is getting a stage adaptation from those who worked very closely on the film. Christina Aguilera is the one spearheading the production of the upcoming stage adaptation. The film’s Director, Steven Antin, is reportedly writing the new soon-to-be musical himself.
During a performance on 4 October by the West End production Les Miserables, 5 protesters stormed the stage during the famous protest song “Do You Hear The People Sing” bringing the performance to a quick halt. Unfortunately, the show could not go on.
Even though the strikes are happening across the pond in America, it is having major impacts in the TV and Film industries in the United Kingdom. According to a recent survey conducted by BECTU (a UK entertainment industry union), found that three quarters of workers are currently not working. Most of those who answered they are not working are freelancers.
I have some bad and even disturbing news, in short the answer is simply it’s not going to happen. For anyone in the entertainment industry who is affected by the SAG-AFTRA strikes in America, benefits are unfortunately not accessible for the majority of workers. Where does this leave the workers? It means once again, most of its people are barely holding on and surviving off of their savings. As there is no end in sight for the SAG-AFTRA strikes, this means people are running out of time with the holiday season fast approaching.
The Vault Festival in London has been running for 11 years and featured more than 3,000 shows during that time period. But, as of 1 September, the Vault Festival team has announced that the festival will not be going ahead in 2024.
“Willkommen, bienvenue, welcome!” Another revival is coming to Broadway in the spring of 2024, and we couldn’t be more excited that it’s going to be Cabaret! The seven-time Oliver award winning musical will play at the August Wilson Theatre. A cast has yet to be announced, but with the revival being less than a year away, an official cast list is sure to be announced soon.
Since it’s inception in 2005, West End Live has grown into a full weekend for theatre fans everywhere to experience performances from some of their favourite shows. Some shows that have closed over the years or are still up and coming for the West End are always presented as well.
Musical Con, the West End’s Official Musical Theatre Fan Convention will return this October, following a successful debut last year. The exhibition proved popular with musical theatre lovers in its premiere, and will be reprising its role at ExCel London on 21st – 22nd October 2023. Musical Con 2023 There’s a place where we belong […]
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