Theatre
West End Wilma answers your theatre questions, plus the latest West End news
Hello dears!
Sorry it’s been a few weeks since I gave you your last fix of all the latest West End news. I’ve been busy recording my first ever YouTube Q&A video, answering some of your theatre questions that you put to me!
Check out the finished product and let me know what you think! I can only apologise for saying Liza Minelli was dead, I don’t know what my mind was thinking of when I said that!
Billy Elliot celebrates 10 years in the West End
This week Billy Elliot celebrated 10 years in the West End, with a special performance and news that the show is extending its booking period to 17 December 2016! Also, we heard news that the first ever UK Tour of Billy Elliot will begin at the Theatre Royal Plymouth in February 2016. Plans to refurbish the Victoria Palace Theatre (current home to the London show) in Autumn 2016 will likely mean that the show will close at the end of this new booking period. Read the full story here.
Matt Cardle to join Beverly Knight in Memphis the Musical
Multi-platinum selling recording artist and songwriter, Matt Cardle – who rose to fame winning the seventh series of ITV’s The X Factor – will join the cast of Memphis in London. Matt will play radio DJ, Huey Calhoun, from 6 July, taking over from Killian Donnelly; who originated the role in the West End. Matt will join Queen of British Soul, Beverley Knight, who extends her run as club singer Felicia Farrell through October 2015. Read the full story here.
Rachelle Ann Go leaves Miss Saigon to join Les Misérables
From 15 June 2015, Rachelle Ann Go will join the cast of Les Misérables (now in its record-breaking 30th year) to play the role of Fantine. Rachelle recently left the cast of Miss Saigon, where she was playing the role of Gigi. Phil Daniels also joins the cast as Thénardier, Jeremy Secomb as Javert, Katy Secombe as Madame Thénardier and Zoë Doano as Cosette. Peter Lockyer will continue to star as Jean Valjean, Rob Houchen as Marius and Carrie Hope Fletcher as Eponine. Bradley Jaden, who is currently in the ensemble, will play Enjolras. Read the full story here.
The Audience updated following election results
Following the General Election, Peter Morgan has updated his script for The Audience – a play about the weekly meeting between the Queen and her Prime Ministers – on the day HMQ invites David Cameron to form a new Government. The updated scene between The Queen and David Cameron, played by Kristin Scott Thomas and Mark Dexter, is now being performed at performances. Read the full story here.
New cast sail into Mamma Mia!
There will be major cast changes for Mamma Mia! in London from Monday 8 June. Mazz Murray will be joining the cast as Tanya, Jo Napthine as Rosie, Gabriella Williams as Sophie Sheridan and James Darch as Sky. Also joining the cast from 8 June, is Louise Young as Ali, Stephanie Fearon as Lisa, Dan Partridge as Pepper and Rory Phelan as Eddie. Dianne Pilkington will continue to star as Donna Sheridan, with Richard Trinder as Sam, Alasdair Harvey as Harry and Charles Daish as Bill. At certain performances, the role of Donna Sheridan will be played by Shona White. Read the full story here.
Follow me on Twitter and Like my Facebook page to keep fully updated with my crazy stagey life!
Wilma x
West End Wilma
www.westendwilma.com
