Blog / Michael Longhurst
Check here for the latest musical news with links to all your #StageFaves performers, shows and theatres. Also look out for our regular #GetSocial features and contributions from our syndicate media partners including MyTheatreMates.com and the Musical Theatre Appreciation Society.
2019
There's no watery fog in these rehearsal images from Queen of the Mist, just reams of sheet music, plenty of cases, the odd juggling ball and a host of performers, which all makes us very intrigued about the UK premiere that comes to the Jack Studio Theatre from 9 to 27 April 2019. Take a look, then book your tickets!
2019
"I will tempt my fate, take a chance." So says Anna Edson Taylor in this atmospheric, watery new trailer for musical Queen of the Mist, which comes to the Jack Studio Theatre from 9 to 27 April 2019. Have a watch, then book your tickets!
Wrap up warm because Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez and Jennifer Lee’s stage adaptation of the Disney favourite Frozen is on its way with the West End production named as the first to open at the newly refurbished Theatre Royal Drury Lane in autumn 2020. Are you ready to let it go?
2019
Queen of the Mist, Michael John LaChiusa’s award-winning musical based on the incredible true story of a groudnbreaking woman, will receive its professional UK premiere at the Jack Theatre next month, when Pint of Wine Theatre Company stage the show from 9-27 April 2019.
2019
Romance is in the air as West End performer, Strictly Come Dancing favourite and TV actor Danny Mac joins the UK touring company of Amélie The Musical, based on the much-loved film, opposite French-Canadian stage and screen star Audrey Brisson as Amélie Poulain. Danny will portray the sweet daydreamer Nino Quincampoix from 22 May 2019, with Chris Jared playing the part during performances at the Watermill Theatre from 11 April to 18 May.
Did you hear the gossip? The multi-talented Peter Polycarpou – well-known for his stage, film and TV performances – has been cast in the role of Don Quixote’s squire, Sancho Panza, alongside Kelsey Grammer’s Don Quixote in the first West End production of Man of the Mancha for 50 years, running at the London Coliseum from 26 April to 8 June 2019. Could that be double trouble?
Did you hear the gossip? The multi-talented Peter Polycarpou – well-known for his stage, film and TV performances – has been cast in the role of Don Quixote’s squire, Sancho Panza, alongside Kelsey Grammer’s Don Quixote in the first West End production of Man of the Mancha for 50 years, running at the London Coliseum from 26 April to 8 June 2019. Could that be double trouble?
2019
Our #FirstNightTakeover series continues with Perry O’Bree attending the West End opening of Dolly Parton’s 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL at the Savoy Theatre, continuing in the West End to 31 August 2019. Perry was there at the after-party to catch up with several members of the cast including Caroline Sheen, Amber Davies, Natalie McQueen, Brian Conley and Bonnie Langford. Watch out for Brian describing Perry as one of the best theatre vloggers around & some expert video-bombing fromOlivier Award winner Michael Jibson!
Perhaps best known to UK theatre-goers for her roles in The Grinning Man and La Strada, French-Canadian actress Audrey Brisson has been cast as the iconic Amélie Poulain in the musical stage adaptation of Amélie The Musical, beginning a UK tour in April 2019 at the Watermill Theatre, Newbury. Are you feeling romantic?
In the same week that queues of hopefuls lined up for the Dear Evan Hansen open auditions, dates have been confirmed for the Tony Award-winning Broadway show’s West End transfer, with previews at the Noël Coward Theatre set to begin on 29 October 2019 followed by an opening night on 19 November. Now it’s all about what the casting will be!
It’s a family affair for Laura Pitt-Pulford as she takes on the role of Sheryl, the matriarch of the eccentric Hoover family, in Little Miss Sunshine, running at the Arcola Theatre from 21 March to 11 May 2019 before heading off on a UK tour. Among the other Hoovers she will be attempting to keep in check will be Gary Wilmot, Gabriel Vick, Paul Keating and Sev Keoshgerian. Happy travels…
2019
Mob Wife, A Mafia Comedy, Michael Mott and Corey Skaggs' criminally funny musical, receives a handful of developmental performances at Cockpit Theatre later this month. Get a flavour for the wiseguy-filled tale with these clips of a trio of songs being performed at New York's 54 Below.
2019
Starbuck Theatre Company is bringing Mob Wife, A Mafia Comedy, created by the team of Michael Mott and Corey Skaggs, to the UK later this month. The tale of marriage and mobsters will have a series of developmental performances at the Cockpit Theatre from 24 to 26 January 2019. Time to book your tickets!
2018
Our #FirstNightTakeover series continues with Perry O’Bree attending the West End opening of CAROLINE, OR CHANGE at the Playhouse Theatre, continuing in the West End to 9 February 2019 following sell-out seasons at Chichester and Hampstead. Perry was there at the after-party to catch up with several members of the cast including Sharon D Clarke (who “blew the roof off the Playhouse”), Naana Agyei-Ampadu, Alastair Brookshaw, Me’sha Bryan and Lauren Ward. It turned out to be quite an emotional night!
Newbury’s Watermill Theatre will host Amélie The Musical, an adaptation of the much-loved 2001 French movie hit, from 11 April to 18 May 2019 before the production embarks on a major UK tour from 20 May. So who do you see playing the title role?
2018
Much-loved tenor Alfie Boe is returning to the solo spotlight with the release of his vibrant album As Time Goes By and the announcement of a 2019 tour. Will you be joining him on the road?
2018
There’s a star-studded bunch preparing to travel back in time for the world premiere tour of Michael Gyngell’s Club Tropicana The Musical, the 1980s answer to Love Island packed with pop classics from the era all performed live on stage. Have you got your shoulder pads & parachute pants ready?
Just as it’s getting a bit chilly, there’s some exciting news to warm us up as it’s revealed that James Lapine & William Finn’s quirky musical adaptation of the Oscar-winning movie Little Miss Sunshine will have its European premiere at the Arcola Theatre – in a brand new co-production with Selladoor – opening on 21 March 2019 for a seven-week season before hitting the road for a UK tour. Are you going to take the trip too?
2018
Following on from one final, sold-out show at the O2 arena, comes news that the musical Tainted, featuring the memorable sounds of Marc Almond and Soft Cell, will have its first-ever public performances in a special showcase at The Vaults on 24 October 2018, supported by an ambitious KickStarter campaign.
Following sell-out seasons at Chichester and Hampstead, Jeanine Tesori & Tony Kushner’s celebrated musical will run at London’s Playhouse Theatre from 20 November 2018 to 9 February 2019. Among the #StageFaves joining Sharon D Clarke are Alastair Brookshaw, Sue Kelvin, Keisha Amponsa Banson, Ako Mitchell, Teddy Kempner & Lauren Ward.