What’s Up Wilma? Dear Lupin, The 39 Steps and more theatre news

Hello dears,

I hope you’re enjoying the glorious summer weather we seem to finally be getting here in the West End!

This week I popped to the launch of the new play, Dear Lupin, which is based on the award-winning book by Roger Mortimer. Father and son, James and Jack Fox, will star in this show, which takes a look back at the letters a father wrote to his son throughout his life. I must say, I started reading the book yesterday and now I cant put it down, so I’m very much looking forward to seeing the show when it opens at the Apollo Theatre from 30 July for a seven week run.

After nine years in London’s West End, The 39 Steps will close at the Criterion Theatre on 5 September 2015. Based on John Buchan’s 1914 spy thriller, the story was adapted for the screen by Alfred Hitchcock. By the time it closes, will be the fifth longest running play in West End history! If you haven’t seen this gripping comedy thriller where four actors plays 139 roles in 100 minutes, check it out.

The legendary television improv show, Whose Line Is It Anyway, is coming to the London stage for a limited two week run at the Adelphi Theatre from 20 June 2015. Hosted by Clive Anderson, the 1988 comedy show saw comedians go face to face in a game show based on quick thinking improvisation.

You Won’t Succeed on Broadway if you don’t have any Jews will play at the St James Theatre from 25 August – 5 September 2015, celebrating 80 years of Jewish contributions to musical theatre. The show will star Lloyd Daniels (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat), Sarah Earnshaw (Spamalot, Wicked) and Sophie Evans (The Wizard of Oz).

Cool Rider – the musical concert version of the 1982 cult classic film, Grease 2, played a short, sell out run at the Duchess Theatre in April 2014 and will now release its Original Cast Recording on 29 June 2015. Featuring Ashleigh Gray, Aaron Sidwell and Reece Shearsmith, the musical Recording features songs including Who’s That Guy, Score Tonight and of course the title track Cool Rider.

The Chichester production of Guys and Dolls, the 1950 Broadway musical will play a limited three month run at London’s Savoy Theatre from 10 December 2015. The show, which includes classic songs like Luck Be A Lady and Sit Down You’re Rockin’ the Boat, will replace Gypsy (another Chichester Festival production) starring Imelda Staunton.

Boys of the Barricade – a new group, made up of some of the West End’s hottest male performers, will play a one-off concert at the Charing Cross Theatre on 26 July 2015. Starring Craig Mather, Kieran Brown, Andy Coxon, Simon Schofield and James Charlton this is one performance you don’t want to miss!

See you next week for more news!

Be good until then,

WEW xx