Over The Footlights

2014
1
LOST BOY
London run: Finborough, Jan 2nd – 11th
Transfer: Charing Cross Theatre Jan13th to Feb 15th
& Charing Cross Theatre, March 3rd – 29th
Music: Phil Willmott & Mark Collins
Book & Lyrics: Phil Willmott
Director: Phil Willmott
Choreographer: Racky Plews
Musical Director: Isaac McCullogh
Cast: Steven Butler (George Davies, Peter Pan), Grace Gardner (Wendy), Joseph Taylor (Michael),
Andrew C. Wadsworth (Mr Darling, Captain Hook), Joanna Woodward (Tinker Bell to Feb 15th),
Jodie Jacobs (Tinkerbell March 2rd – 29th ), Natalie Lipin (Tiger Lily)
Songs: Neverland’s Blue Lagoon, Jungian Dream Analysis
Story: George Llewelyn Davies, the inspiration for the character of Peter Pan, is now an adult, and is an army
Captain on the eve of a battle in 1914. This is a Peter who has been encouraged to grow up and join his friends
(reunited as young adults) on a new adventure that will take them from genteel Kensington to the fields of
Flanders. Peter’s (George’s) dreams of life after Neverland are about to die, along with the innocence of his
compatriots in the trenches of the First World War.
Notes: This musical, aimed at the centenary of the First World War, was praised for its intent, its theatricality,
its obviously talented cast, and its musical style. However, it was mostly felt to be an over-crowded farrago,
with too many clever ideas failing to hit the mark, and lapsing into “a convoluted and schmaltzy muddle of
history and fantasy.”
London run: Finborough, Jan 5th – January 25th
Music: Ivor Novello
Lyrics: Christopher Hassall
Book: Phil Park
Director: Benji Sperring
Choreographer: Sally Brooks
Musical Director: Adam Morris
Cast: Sandy Walsh (Nan Brewster),
Linford Hydes (David Evans), Katy Treharne (Lily),
Richard Mark (Ricardo), Lee van Geelen (Gwilym),
Jill Nalder (Olwen Jones), Laura Allen, Katie Arundel,
Amelia Clay, Amira Matthews, Ross McNeill,
Harrison Rose, Phillippa Tozer, Carla Turner
Songs: I Know a Valley, Rainbow in the Fountain, Heart of the Melody, Where Do We Go From There, Look
in my Heart, Soldier Lad.
Story: Set in the Welsh valleys in 1913, where Nan Brewster, the wealthy landowner, supports the local valley
choir, and its choirmaster, David Evans. David is totally in love with Lily, his leading soprano, who had
ambitions to become a leading soprano. Lily gets the opportunity to sing in Venice, where she is encouraged
by Ricardo, an Italian “Count”, whose intentions are not entirely honourable. Following an affair with
Ricardo, Lily loses her voice. Meantime Europe has been plunged into the Great War, and David , wounded
but alive, has to decide how much he is willing to sacrifice for the woman he loves.
Notes: Ivor Novello was working on this as his next West End show when he suddenly died in 1951. The
work was completed by Christopher Hassall, his long-time collaborator, - who had worked with Novello for
many years - and adapted by Phil Park and Ronald Hanmer for the amateur stage. This was the professional
premiere of the work, though it had been performed many times by amateur companies. It was presented as
part of the Finborough Theatre's “Celebrating British Music Theatre and the Great War” series. It played a
week of Sunday and Monday evening and Tuesday matinee performances from Sunday, 5 January 2014,
followed by a two week run from Sunday, 12 January 2014.
Photo by Donald Cooper
VALLEY OF SONG
2
2014
A SPOONFUL OF SHERMAN
London run: St James Studio Jan 6th & 13th
Revived: April 15th – 22nd
Music & Lyrics: Robert & Richard Sherman;
Al Sherman; Robert J. Sherman
Musical Director: Colin Billing
Photo by Ben Davies
Cast: Greg Castiglioni, Charlotte Wakefield,
Stuart Matthew Price, Emma Williams,
Robert J. Sherman
Emma Williams, Charlotte Wakefield,
Stuart Matthew Price & Greg Castiglioni
Notes:
This musical cabaret had been
performed for two sell-out studio evenings on
January 6th and 13th at the St James Studio
Theatre, and was then revived for a short run in
April. It celebrated 90 years of Sherman family
music, including songs by Al Sherman, a TinPan alley tunesmith in his own right, and the
songs of his two sons, Robert & Richard
Sherman. (Robert died in 2012 at the age of 86,
and the show was narrated by his son, Robert J.
– who also writes songs.)
Al’s songs were presented in a medley, and came over as charming but dated; Robert J’s songs were “decent
enough”; but the Sherman Brothers with their scores for “Mary Poppins”, “Jungle Book”, “The Aristocats”, “The
Slipper and the Rose” and “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” were the obvious winners of the show. The narration did not
delve into the legendary feud between the song-writing brothers, but merely presented the songs – introduced in a
nervous, amateurish but charming way by Robert J.
TELL ME ON A SUNDAY (1st revival)
London run: St James Theatre, January 7th – 12th
Transfer: Duchess Theatre February 18th
(Limited two week run)
Music: Andrew Lloyd Webber
Lyrics: Don Black
Additional material: Jackie Clune
Musical Director: Simon Lee
Cast: Marti Webb (In the first half: John O’Gara, Amelia Jackson, Michael Colbourne, Tess Kabler)
Songs: (New or re-worked) Goodbye Mum Goodbye Girls, Haven in the Sky, Speed Dating, Tyler King,
Unexpected Song, Let’s Talk About You
Notes: Originally part of the “Song and Dance” double-bill staged at the Palace Theatre in 1982 and again in
1990, “Tell me on a Sunday” was much updated and expanded into a stand-alone piece and staged at the Gielgud
in 2003 with Denise van Outen, and later Marti Webb returning to the part she had played in the original doublebill.
This production reverted to the original hour-long version
with Marti Webb, now 69 years old, and although it made
little dramatic sense for her to be writing letters home to
her Mum in Muswell Hill, the evening was more of a
tribute to her professionalism and great artistry and to the
power of the early Lloyd Webber songs. The first half of
the show consisted of a collection of four songs from Don
Black’s “Bonnie and Clyde”, two from the forthcoming
“Urinetown” and one from “Once”
Original London production: Gielgud Theatre, April 2003
(351 Performances)
2014
3
PUTTING IT TOGETHER
London run: St James Theatre, January 15th - February 1st
Music & Lyrics: Stephen Sondheim
Director: Alastair Knights
Choreographer: Matthew Rowland
Musical Director: Theo Jamieson
Cast: David Bedella, Daniel Crossley,
Janie Dee, Damian Humbley, Caroline Sheen
Story: At a cocktail party a couple are filled with
sadness and a sense of regret about the failure of
their marriage. Across the room another couple
are filled with excitement, lust and a little
anxiety as they are about to start a relationship.
A third man acts as a commentator.
Notes: This compilation of Sondheim songs from various sources was first seen in Oxford in 1992 with Diana
Rigg, and later in New York with Julie Andrews. This was its London premiere. Unlike the other Sondheim
compilation works, this one attempts to link the songs in to a character-driven story. It was a feast for Sondheim
fans and generally received excellent notices, though one reviewer reflected: “ a thoroughly professional
evening which will delight Sondheim fanatics but may leave others feeling that half an hour less would have
been equally fine.”
HAPPY DAYS
London run: Churchill, Bromley, January 11th-18th
Music & Lyrics: Paul Williams
Book: Gary Marshall
Director-Choreographer: Andrew Wright
Musical Director: Greg Arrowsmith
Cast: Heidi Range (Pinky Tuscadero), Ben Freeman (Arthur Fonzarelli) ,
Cheryl Baker (Marion Cunningham), Scott Waugh (Richie Cunningham), Andrew Waldron (Ralph),
Eddie Myles (Chachi), Henry Davis & Sam Robinson (The Malachi Brothers)
Songs: Welcome to Wisconsin, Snap, The Thing About Girl, Romeo Midnight, Leopards are We, The Pink’s
in Town, Malachis, What I Dreamed Last Night, Maybe it’s Time to Move On, Legend in leather, Aaay’mless,
Guys Like Us, Hot Love, Dancing on the Moon, Ordinary Hero
Story: Based on the popular TV sitcom of the 1970s, this rose-tinted
view of middle-America in the 1950s is set in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in
1959. Richie Cunningham is about to graduate high school and go off to
college, and his friends and family are having a party at Arnold's malt
shop. But Arnold breaks the bad news that a construction company plans
to turn his restaurant into a shopping mall. Arthur Fonzerelli (The Fonz)
vows to save the day and leads plans to stage a fund-raising dance
competition and wrestling match. And, of course, the plans are
complicated when the Fonz’s ex-girlfriend, Pinky, turns up, and all
manner of misunderstandings and teenage rites-of-passage ensue.
Notes: Gary Marshall (the author of the book) directed the first tryout
of “Happy Days” at the Falcon Theatre, Burbank California in 2006, and
then saw it developed the following year for regional productions in
Connecticut and New Jersey, and eventually going into a First National
USA tour with Joey Sorge as the Fonz. The show was given an Italian
production in 2011, and this was its UK premiere, opening in Bromley
and then undertaking a national tour.
2014
4
THE WORLD GOES ROUND (Revival)
London run: Union Theatre, January 15th – February 8th
Music: John Kander
Lyrics: Fred Ebb
Director: Kirk Jameson
Choreographer: Sam Spencer-Lane
Musical Director: Michael Riley
Photo by Darren Bell
Cast: Lisa Stokke, Simon Green,
Emma Francis, Gareth Snook,
Susan Fay,
(Dancers) Elliot Berry, Shahail
Woodcock, Charlotte Oakley,
Gabrielle Allen, Genevieve Leeney
Songs: Coffee in a Cardboard Cup,
Coloured Lights, Sara Lee, Arthur in
the Afternoon, My Coloring Book,
Sometimes a Day Goes By, All that
Jazz, How Lucky Can You Get, Ring
Them Bells, Marry Me, The Grass is
Always Greener, Maybe This Time,
Cabaret, etc.
Notes: An eclectic mix of love songs,
torch songs and wry, comic songs,
many of them from Kander & Ebb’s
lesser-known shows, this show was first
conceived by Scott Ellis, Susan
Stroman and David Thompson as an Off-Broadway revue which ran for over a year from March 1991. The
following year a revised and enlarged version did a ten month US national tour. Over the years this show had
received the occasional amateur and fringe production in the UK, though this was promoted as its “official”
London fringe debut, staged with a cast of five established singers and five young dancers.
NO WAY TO TREAT A LADY (1st revival)
London run: Landor , January 21st—February 9th
Music, Book & Lyrics: Douglas J. Cohen
Director: Robert McWhir
Choreographer: Cressida Carre
Musical Director: Nicholas Chave
Cast: Graham Mackay-Bruce(Morris Brummell),
Simon Loughton(Christopher Gill),
Judith Paris (Alexandra Gill, Mrs Sullivan, Carmella, Sadie),
Kelly Burke (Sarah Stone)
Notes: The original 1998 London production with Donna McKechnie,
Joanna Riding and Tim Flavin managed just three weeks in what was said to
be a very cheap staging which received mixed notices. This revival was
much better received, described as a “joy from start to finish” and “an
absolute cracker”.
Original London production: Arts Theatre, Aug 1998
2014
5
DRUNK
London run: Bridewell, February 6th - March 1st
Music & Lyrics: Grant Olding
Book: Drew McOnie
Director-Choreographer: Drew McOnie
Cast: Gemma Sutton (Ice), Ashley Andrews (Scotch), Fela Lufadeju (Rum), Lucinda Lawrence (Vodka),
Katy Lowenhoff (Champagne), Anabel Kutay (Absinth), Simon Hardwick (Cider) , Daniel Collins.
Story: Set in a bar, where Ice, a lonely drinker is awaiting the arrival of a blind date, and is musing in song about
her unsatisfactory love life. Around her the other bar patrons include a bubbly, jazz-babe Champagne; a vodkasoaked Russian diva; a slinky absinthe siren, a lounge-lizard martini; a chorus of wine connoisseurs singing about
bouquets and taste, and a quartet of Pimm'sdrinking rugger Yahoos. A series of
vignettes include Scotch and Rum as two
soldiers meeting on a beach at the end of the
war before Ice finally frees herself by
melting into water in a sort of coming-of-age
narrative.
Photo by Marc Hankins
Notes: This was an experiment to make
dance elements equally as strong as the
music in a musical theatre format,
structuring movement, scenes and songs
around a conceptual plot. The result was a
kind of revue which was neither a standalone song- or dance-show. It was generally
regarded as very entertaining but “neither
fish nor fowl”.
OH WHAT A LOVELY WAR! (3rd Revival)
London run: Theatre Royal, Stratford East, February 11th – March 15th
Music & Lyrics: Various
Book: Charles Chilton & Company
Director: TerryJohnson
Choreographer: Lynne Page
Musical Director: Mike Dixon
Cast: Alice Bailey-Johnson, Ian Bartholomew, Alex Giannini, , Oliver J. Hembrough, Rebecca Howell,
Tom Lorcan, Ciaran Owens, Shaun Prendergast, Caroline Quentin, Zoe Rainey, Kyle Redmond-Jones,
Michael Simkins
Original London production:
Theatre Royal Stratford/ Wyndham’s Theatre,
June 1963;
1st revival: South Bank/Roundhouse
April/August 1998
2nd Revival: Open Air, Regent’s Park, July
2002
Photo by Alastair Muir
Notes: This was a revival to mark the centenary of the First World War and, by chance, the centenary of the birth
of Joan Littlewood. Fifty years after its premiere, to some critics its ultra-Left wing Sixties anti-establishment
approach jarred : the war was engineered by ultra-posh people on grouse shooting expeditions; all politicians and
generals were to blame; all Americans were
warmongering capitalists. It was felt by some
that nowadays the show had moments that
were “glib, ponderous and trading in mirthless
stereotypes”. On the other hand, most critics
admitted that certain scenes were moving and
powerful and the show could bring the
occasional lump to the throat.
2014
6
FINIAN’S RAINBOW (1st Revival)
London run: Union Theatre, February 11th – March 15th
Transfer: Charing Cross Theatre, April 3rd – May 10th
Music: Burton Lane
Lyrics: E.Y. Harburg
Book: E.Y. Harburg & Fred Saidy
Director: Phil Willmott
Choreographer: Thomas Michael Voss
Musical Director: Richard Baker
Cast: James Horne (Finian McLonegan), Christina Bennington (Sharon ),
Joseph Peters (Woody Mahoney), Raymond Walsh (Og), Laura Bella Griffin (Susan),
Michael J. Hayes (Senator Billboard Rawkins), Michael Moulton (Preacher), Chris Kayson, Joshua Coley,
Carl Bradley, Stacey Victoria Bland
Photo by Scott Rylander
Notes: Surprisingly, this was its first London revival
since the original in 1947. Its first production was a
flop, running for just 55 performances, and was
considered far too whimsical and fey for British
audiences in spite of its long-running success on
Broadway. (It had been filmed in 1968 with Fred
Astaire, Petula Clark and Tommy Steele.) The critical
reaction to this revival was generally one of delight –
all agreeing it was a load of sweet nonsense that
wouldn’t make it today, but loving the score and the
sheer old-fashioned nostalgic delight of good oldfashioned show tunes and sheer entertainment.
Original London run: Palace, October 1947
James Horne & Christina Bennington
FAME (5th Revival)
London run: New Wimbledon, February 20th
Music: Steve Margoshes
Lyrics: Jacques Levy
Book: David de Silva & Jose Fernandez
Director-Choreographer: Gary Lloyd
Musical Director:
Management: Bill Kenwright
Photo by Hugo Glendinning
Cast: Alex Jordan Mills (Nick Piazza), Sarah Harlington (Serena Katz), Molly Stewart (Mabel),
Jodie Steele (Carmen), Harry Bleumenau (Schlomo Metzenbaum), Alex Thomas (Tyrone Jackson),
Sasi Strallen (Iris Kelly), Joseph Giacone (Joe Vegas), John Canmore, Alexandra Sarmiento,
Ross Lee Fowkes, David Haydn.
Notes: With an updated story, now set in 2014 at the High School for Performing Arts New York, this was the
start of yet another UK tour, opening at
Wimbledon and initially planned to tour until
October 18th. The tour was withdrawn three
months earlier, ending at Glasgow on June 28th
following poor ticket sales.
Original London Production:
Cambridge Theatre , June 1995
1st revival: Victoria Palace, November 1997;
2nd revival: Prince of Wales, October 1998
3rd revival: Victoria Palace, Sept 2000
(transfer: Cambridge Theatre, Sept 2001
then Aldwych , Sept 4th 2002)
th
4 revival : Shaftesbury May 2007
2014
7
THE A-Z OF MRS P
Photo by Alastair Muir
London run: Southwark Playhouse,
Feb 24th – March 29th
Music & Lyrics: Gwyneth Herbert
Book: Diane Samuels
Director: Sam Buntrock
Choreographer: Nick Winston
Musical Director: Steve Ridley
Cast: Isy Suttie (Mrs P. ),
Frances Ruffelle (Bella Gross),
Michael Matus (Alexander Gross),
Stuart Matthew Price (Tony Gross),
Ian Caddick, Sarah Earnshaw,
Max Gallagher, Sidney Livingstone,
Dawn Sievewright
Songs: Best Foot Forward, Lovely London Town, Ship Comes In
Story: Mrs P. , who has abandoned her artist husband in Venice and returned to London, is forever getting
lost, and decides that a portable street-map would be very helpful. Goaded on by her brutally demanding,
jealous Hungarian father, and hindered by alcoholic Irish mother, she begins to walk all 23,000 of London’s
streets to create the iconic “London A-Z Street-Map”
Notes: Phyllis Pearsall is often praised as the inventor of London’s famous A-Z street atlas, although this is
something of a myth that the artist-turned-businesswoman created around herself in her autobiographies. This
musical telling promotes itself as a “fable” , but the story itself is somewhat lacking in dramatic interest. The
focus is sometimes on her mother’s descent into alcoholism and destitution; and sometimes on her fight to
escape the tyranny of her overbearing father; and on how she and her brother, Tony, react to the family’s
disintegration. And throughout, the story shifts to and from the actual mapping of the streets. Generally the
critics were complimentary about the music, the performances, and especially about the staging – but felt the
overall impression was a fuzzy, unbalanced and overlong show.
DO I HEAR A WALTZ? (2nd Revival)
London run: Park Theatre, March 6th
Music: Richard Rodgers Lyrics: Stephen Sondheim
Book: Arthur Laurents Director: John Savournin
Choreographer: Damian Czamecki
Musical Director: David Eaton
Cast: Rebecca Seale (Leona Samish), Philip Lee (Renato di Rossi), Rosie Strobel (Signora Floria),
Victoria Ward (Mrs McIlhenny), Bruce Graham (Mr McIlhenny), Matthew Kellett (Eddie),
Rebecca Moon (Jennifer), Caroline Gregory (Giovanna), Theo Coleridge/ Ernesto Xhema, Will Haswell,
Arcadio Fernandez
Photo by Bill Knight
Notes: Very mixed notices
greeted this revival:
“limp,
lacklustre”, “bland characters,
overbearing schmaltz”, lacking
“energy and sparkle”, “not a
good production”. On the other
hand there was some praise for
the performers.
Original London production:
Landor, June 1999
1st revival: Landor, Sept 2005
2014
8
IT’S A BIRD. . .IT’S A PLANE. . .IT’S
SUPERMAN
London run: Ye Olde Rose & Crown, E17, March 7th – 22nd
Music: CharlesStrouse
Lyrics: Lee Adams
Book: David Newman & Robert Benton
Director: Randy Smartnick
Choreographer: Kate McPhee
Musical Director: Aaron Clingham
Cast: Craig Berry (Superman/Clark Kent),
Michelle LaFortune (Lois Lane), Paul Harwood (Max Mencken),
Matthew Ibbotson (Dr Abner Sedgwick), Sarah Kennedy (Sydney),
Charlie Vose, Andrew Truluck, Joseph Murray, Thomas Widdop,
Susanna Porter, Alexander Bartles, Jade Nelson,
Charlotte Debattista, Danielle Black
Craig Berry & Michelle LaFortune
Songs: Doing Good, We Need Him, It’s Superman, We Don’t Matter
at All, Revenge, The Woman for the Man, You’ve Got Possibilities,
Everything’s East When you Know How, It’s Super Nice, So Long
Big Guy, I’m Not Finished Yet, Pow! Bam! Zonk!
Story: Dr. Abner Sedgwick, a scientist who is so annoyed at being passed over for the Nobel Prize ten times,
decides his revenge will be to kill Superman – the man who gets all the praise for good works, while
Sedgewick himself is ignored. Superman needs to eliminate this threat, as well as another threat from Max
Mencken, a journalist on the Daily Planet, and the man who resents Lois Lane’s s attraction to Superman.
Notes: The musical opened on Broadway on March 29th, 1966, directed by Harold Prince and with Bob
Holliday as Clark Kent and Jack Cassidy as Max Mencken. Although the reviews were mostly good ones, the
show failed to catch on, and closed on July 17th, after 129 performances. This production was its British
premiere, and was greeted as a joyful, camp pleasure with some rousingly good songs. With a cast of fourteen
and a five piece band this was felt to be an all-round success.
ORDINARY DAYS (2nd Revival)
London run: London Theatre Workshop, March 10th – 29th
Music & Lyrics: Adam Gwon
Director: Ray Rackham
Musical Director: Thomas Lees
Cast: Marcia Brown (Claire),
Oliver Watton (Jason),
Anton Tweedale (Warren),
Olga Marie Pratt (Deb)
Notes: This was chosen as the
opening production at the new
London Theatre Workshop in
Fulham. The song-cycle set in the
Metropolitan Museum of Modern
Art has proved to be a popular and
successful chamber piece and its
third London production was greeted
with considerable praise.
Original London production: Finborough Theatre, November 2008
First Revival: Trafalgar Studio, February 2011
2014
9
URINETOWN
London run: St James Theatre, March 11th – May 3rd
Transfer: Apollo Theatre, September 29th—Jan 10th ,2015
Music & Lyrics: Mark Hollmann
Book & Lyrics: Greg Kotis
Director: Jamie Lloyd
Choreographer: Ann Yee
Musical Director: Alan Williams
Transfer cast changes: Matthew Seadon-Young (Bobby Strong),
Nathan Amzi (Officer Barrel), Vicky Lee Taylor,
Christina Modestou, Kane Oliver Parry, Vicky Lee Taylor
Photo by Johan Persson
Cast: Simon Paisley Day (Caldwell B. Cladwell),
Jenna Russell (Penelope Pennywise),
Richard Fleeshman (Bobby Strong), Rosanna Hyland (Hope Cladwell),
Jonathan Slinger (Officer Lockstock), Karis Jack (Little Sally),
Chris Bennett, Katie Bernstein, Alasdair Buchan, Marc Elliott,
Cory English, Madeleine Harland, Julie Jupp, Aaron Lee Lambert,
Mark Meadows, Joel Montague, Jo Napthine, Jeff Nicholason,
Adam Pearce, Charlotte Scott, Matthew Seadon-Young,
Matthew seadon-Young
Songs: Too Much Exposition, Urinetown, It’s a Privilege to Pee, Look at the Sky, Don’t Be the Bunny, Snuff that
Girl, Run Freedom Run, We’re not Sorry, I See a River.
Story: A 20-year drought has forced the government to ban all private toilets in an effort save water. Citizens must
now use the public, pay-as-you-go amenities provided by the Urine Good Company (UGC) - run by the corrupt
Caldwell B. Cladwell. Citizens try to save money by relieving themselves in the bushes are imprisoned in
“Urinetown”, a mysterious place where many are sent, but no one ever returns. The oppressed masses queuing at
the filthiest urinal in town, Public Amenity Number 9, are bullied by the harridan Penelope Pennywise. When price
increases are announced, the poor rise up under the leadership of the dashing young rebel, Bobby Strong and fight
the tyrannical regime for the right to pee for free. The rebels seize Cladwell’s daughter, Hope, as a hostage, and,
inevitably. . . Bobby and Hope fall in love.
Notes: This satire on government, citizens and old-fashioned musicals was described as an hilarious tale of greed,
corruption, love, and revolution and was first staged at a USA fringe festival in 1999 and then off-Broadway in May
2001. It transferred to Broadway itself on September 20th 2001 and ran for 965 performances. London previews
began on February 22nd. The critical reaction was generally very
favourable, acknowledging it
was a satirical pastiche that
sometimes sat uncomfortably
with its serious ecological
message – but its Brechtian
style and its send-up of
existing musicals made it “a
darkly entertaining and
exceptionally sharp show
“ (Telegraph).
Richard Fleeshman
Photo by Johan Persson
Photo by Johan Persson
Following its time-limited run
at the small St James Theatre it
transferred to the Apollo, and
at one time announced it was
taking bookings up to eight
months ahead. However, this
was re-announced as booking
till January 24th, and then,
because of poor ticket sales,
advertised it would end on
January 10th.
Jenna Russell
M
2014
10
THE MAN INSIDE
London run: Landor Theatre, March 13th – 29th
Music: Tony Rees
Book & Lyrics: Gary Young
Additional lyrics: Dave Willetts
Director: Robert McWhit
Musical Director: Matheson Bayley
Cast: Dave Willetts, Alexandra Fisher, Jessie Lilley
Notes: This was a three-handed chamber -musical version of the Jekyll and Hyde story. It was generally
condemned for being tuneless, with “reiterations of the same musical ideas on an endless loop” and a book
devoid of dramatic
interest.
It
had
originated at the
Everyman Theatre,
Cheltenham.
(Frank Wildhorn’s
musical version of the
Jekyll and Hyde story
opened on Broadway in
1997 and ran for 1,543
performances, and has
been
performed
throughout Europe and
in several UK regional
theatres. However, it
has never been staged
in the West End. )
SATAN SINGS MOSTLY SONDHEIM
London run: Jermyn Street, March 11th – 29th
Director: Adam Long
Cast: Adam Long (Satan), Mark Caven (Satan’s Manager)
Story: It’s 1964, a “golden age” of musical theatre and Satan has come to earth – complete with horns and
tail. Thanks to his human parents and his Manager, he has had a great career in musicals, but now, approaching
50, he would like to do a one-man show called Satan Sings Mostly Sondheim. But Sondheim refuses to give
him the rights. So he puts on a show to try and persuade Sondheim to change his mind.
Notes: The Times said: “What an enjoyable 20-minute skit on Satan being a Sondheim-loving, musicaltheatre nut this could be. Unfortunately, Adam Long, its writer, director and co-star, has made a whole hourlong show out of it. Long co-created the Reduced Shakespeare Company’s The Complete Works of William
Shakespeare (Abridged), which ran in the West End for nine years. The complete works of Stephen Sondheim
(pastiched) prove less fertile territory. For all its bursts of ingenuity, this show has worn thin long before its
closing number.”
2014
11
I CAN’T SING
London run: London Palladium, March 26th – May 10th
Music & Lyrics: Steve Brown
Book: Harry Hill
Director: Sean Foley
Choreographer: Kate Prince
Musical Supervisor: Phil Bateman
Cast: Nigel Harman (Simon Cowell), Simon Lipkin (Barlow), Cynthia Erivo (Chenice),
Alan Morrisey (Max), Simon Bailey (Liam O’Deary)
Story: In this fictional look
behind the scenes of TV’s hitshow, The X Factor, thinly
disguised portraits of Simon
Cowell, Louis Walsh, Cheryl
Cole and Dermot O’Leary judged
the talent show contestants whose
back-story formed much of Act
One of this
parody.
The
contestants include Chenice,
(who lives with her ailing
grandfather, kept alive by an iron
lung, in a caravan parked under a
flyover); Max, a plumber from
Rochdale (who longs to get back
to de-scaling shower-heads) , and
a hunchback.
Notes: The show was scheduled to begin previews on February 27th, but these were cancelled due to technical
reasons. Previews began on March 5th, with the official opening on March 26th. The initial reviews were generally
enthusiastic: “it’s deliberately daft, cheesy, good-natured and dotted with pastiche songs “ (Financial Times).
However, one or two critics disagreed: “. . . this is witless, infantile, noisy, embarrassing, derivative, shamelessly
money-grubbing tripe “ (Sunday Times). Bookings were originally taken until October 25th – but audience
attendance was extremely poor, and it was announced that the show would be taken off after just two months.
DAMN YANKEES (2nd Revival)
London run: Brockley Jack, April 3rd – 12th
Music & Lyrics: Richard Adler & Jerry Ross
Book: George Abbott & Douglass Wallop
Director: Dom O’Hanlon
Choreographer: Becky East
Musical Director: Sarah Burrell
Cast: Paul Tate (Mr Applegate), Liam Christopher Lloyd (Joe),
Charlotte Donald (Lola), Adam Samuel Ball (Sohovick), Vicki Mason (Doris),
Rachel Lea Gray (Gloria), Jenny Delisle (Meg), James Lorcan, Kevin Sherwin,
Daniel Mack Shand, Joe Leather, Amber-Rose Summers, Heidi Gowthropre,
Rosie Bennett.
Notes: The 1997 revival with Jerry Lewis managed just a nine week run. This ten-day run in the tiny Brockley Jack
claimed to be the London fringe premiere of “Damn Yankees” (and was followed within six months with a second
fringe outing (see the Landor Theatre in October). It was considered an interesting effort, but generally the reviews
confirmed the general feeling that this American hit-show is not one likely to appeal to a British audience
See: Original London run: Coliseum, March 1957
First Revival: Adelphi, June 1997
2014
12
THÉRÈSE RAQUIN
London run: Finborough, March 25th – April 19th
Transfer: Park theatre, July 30th—August 24h
Music: Craig Adams
Book & Lyrics: Nona Shepphard
Director: Nona Shepphard
Musical Director: James Simpson
Cast at Finborough: Julie Atherton (Therese Raquin),
Jeremy Legat (Camille), Tara Hugo (Madame Raquin),
Ben Lewis (Laurent), Lila Clements (Suzanne),
Christopher Logan (Michaud), Gary Tushaw (Grivet),
Matt Willman, Claire Greenway, Ellie Kirk, Verity Quade
Cast at Park Theatre: Julie Atherton (Therese Raquin), Jeremy Legat (Camille),
Tara Hugo (Madame Raquin), Greg Barnett (Laurent), Lila Clements (Suzanne), James Hume (Michaud),
Gary Tushaw (Grivet), Claire Greenway, Ellie Kirk, Lucy O’Byrne, Iwan Lewis, Matthew Harvey.
Story: 1860s Paris. In a small dusty haberdasher’s shop near the Seine in the dank, narrow Passage du Pont
Neuf, the young and beautiful Thérèse Raquin is trapped into a loveless marriage to her sickly cousin, Camille.
While her husband is out all day working, Therese spends her days confined behind the counter of a small shop
and - every Thursday evening - watching her domineering aunt, Madame Raquin, play dominoes with an
eclectic group of ne'er-do-wells. Until the Thursday evening that her husband Camille brings an old friend to the
party – the alluring Laurent – and she embarks on an illicit affair that leads Thérèse to abandon all her
inhibitions and loyalties as their brutal and overwhelming passion overturns both their lives and has results that
lead to the murder of Camille.
Notes: Based on the 1867 novel by Emile Zola, this was an intense chamber musical which some critics felt
echoed the portrait of obsessiveness in Sondheim’s “Passion”. It was uncompromisingly dark, haunting and
harrowing, and was described as a “one-of-a-kind British musical that is as ambitious as it is resonant”. It
transferred to the Park Theatre for a limited four week run, previews from July 30th with a press night on August
5th.
Emile Zola’s 1867 novel had already been given musical treatment, as an opera by British composer Michael
Finnissy (1993) and again as an opera by the American Tobias Pickett (performed at the Linbury Studio, Royal
Opera House in 2006.)
Photo by Darren Bell
An earlier musical version
by Harry Connick, Jr. had
been staged on Broadway
under the title “Thou Shalt
Not”. After 22 previews
which had been delayed a
week due to the September
11th attack, the musical
opened at the Plymouth
Theater on October 25,
2001. It ran until January 6,
2002 with 85 performances.
Directed by Susan Stroman,
it received largely negative
reviews, but was deemed to
be a very worthy failure.
Ben Lewis, Tara Hugo, Matt Willman and Julie Atherton - Finborough Cast
2014
13
DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS
London run: Savoy Theatre, April 1st- March 7th 2015
Music & Lyrics: David Yazbek
Book: Jeffrey Lane
Director – Choreographer: Jerry Mitchell
Musical Director: Richard John
Cast: Robert Lindsay (Lawrence Jameson),
Rufus Hound (Freddy Benson), Katherine Kingsley (Christine Colgate),
Samantha Bond (Muriel Eubanks), John Marquez (Andre Thibault),
Lizzy Connolly (Jolene Oakes)
Songs: Give Them What They Want, What was a Woman to Do?, Great Big Stuff, Chimp in a Suit, All About
Ruprecht, Nothing is too Wonderful to be True, Ruffhousin’ with Schuffhausen, Like Zis-Like Zat, The More
We Dance, Love is My Legs, Dirty Rotten Number
Story: Lawrence Jameson and Freddy Benson are jaded master criminals on the French Riviera, both on the
lookout for wealthy ladies they can fleece. An obvious target is Christine Colgate, a chirpy and loaded midWesterner. Another is the wealthy do-gooder Muriel Eubanks, who falls in love with Lawrence but gets fobbed
off with his dopey French sidekick, the Chief of police, Andre. Freddy pretends to be a war hero, needing help
to get him out of a wheelchair; Lawrence tries to out-do him by posing as a disinherited Prince who is also a
psychiatrist.
This UK premiere was a
“reimagined version”,
and was praised for its
slickness, energy, and
overall sense of fun. For a
few critics there was a
little too much corpsing
and self-indulgence on
the part of the leading
men, but almost all hailed
Katherine Kingsley as the
outstanding star of the
show.
Photos by Johan Persson
Notes: Adapted from the
1988 Michael CaineSteve Martin film (there
was an earlier film
version with Marlon
Brando and David Niven)
– this musical version by
the same team that
created “The Full Monty”
opened on Broadway on
March 3rd 2005 and ran
for 627 performances,
with John Lithgow and
Norbert Lero Butz in the
lead roles. Later cast
replacements included
Jonathan Pryce and Keith
Carradine.
2014
14
ONCE WE LIVED HERE
London run: King’s Head, April 4th – 26th
Music: Matthew Frank
Book & Lyrics: Dean Bryant
Director: Dean Bryant
Musical Director: Alex Beetschen
Photo by Roy Tan
Cast: Melle Stewart (Amy),
Belinda Wollaston (Lecy),
Iestyn Arwel (Shaun),
Simone Craddock (Claire),
Shaun Rennie (Burke)
Songs: What the Hell, As Far as the Eye
Can See, Patch of Dust
Story: Amy McPherson, the eldest of three
Belinda Wollaston, Iestyn Arwel and Melle Stewart
siblings, runs the family sheep station in
Victoria, Australia, looking after her sick mother Claire, and hanging on to the property through drought, bush
fire and tumbling wool prices, determined that the McPhersons should have a legacy and a home. But over a
scorching weekend, sophisticated city-dwelling sister Lecy descends on the old home , as does Brother Shaun.
Amy has to face up to the myths and lies the place has been built upon. Is she holding on or is she stuck?
Notes: Originally produced in Melbourne in 2009, followed by a successful Australian tour and a New York run
in 2013, this was its British premiere. The overall reaction was regret that a show with good songs and witty
dialogue became bogged down with a confused story-line. It was a mix of sitcom, serious intent, occasional farce
and not enough depth of character to involve the audience. It had moments that worked and some hard-working
performances, but lacked any real impact.
ORTON THE MUSICAL
London run: Above the Stage, April 4th – May 9th
Music, lyrics & book: Richard Silver & Sean J. Hume
Director: Tim McArthur
Choreographer: Phil Aiden
Musical Director: Chris Huntley
Cast: Richard Dawes (Joe Orton), Andrew Rowney (Kenneth Halliwell), Simon Kingsley (Kenneth Williams),
Valerie Cutko (Peggy Ramsay), Kate Brennan, Millie Dunn, Robert McNeilly.
Songs: I Don’t Think I Know One, Another Night Another Man, Sex in the Suburbs, Form an Orderly Line,
Together in Paradise
Story: The real life story of Joe Orton, rebellious playwright, and Kenneth Halliwell, his long-time lover,
collaborator and eventual murderer, is set against the backdrop of the social and sexual revolution of the 1960s.
Was Kenneth simply jealous of Joe's success, or was there anything more sinister lurking in the wings?
Photo by Derek Drescher
Notes:
The mixed critical reaction
acknowledged the show as a fresh, witty and
inventive exploration of a fascinating gay
couple, but many felt that when dealing with
Halliwell’s collapsing mental state the
show didn’t work. Real-life murder and
suicide and a frequently camp and funny
musical did not sit easily together, and for
many critics the ending of the show was too
abrupt and too unreal. A number of reviews
thought the songs themselves did little to
advance the story.
However, it was
generally regarded as a worthwhile and
interesting experiment.
Richard Dawes & Andrew Rowney
2014
15
SHELLSHOCK
London run: Waterloo East, April 8th – 19th
Music, book and Lyrics: Tim Thomas
Director: Matthew Gould
Musical Director: David Keefe
Cast: Simeon John-Wake (John), Annie Kirkman (Mary),
Ana Martin (Emily), Maggie Robson (Ada) Peter Willoughby (Mark)
Songs: My Dad Is Coming Home, Music Is The Key, What Did I Do
Wrong?, Sweet Baby, Remember We Were, It’s Nothing, They Shot Him At
Dawn, Warzone, I’ve Gone Too Far, For A Moment
Story: It is 1975, when Britain is fighting a secret desert war in Dhofar, and
John, a soldier, returns traumatised by his experiences. His wife, Mary, and
daughter, Emily, struggle to deal with his state of mind, and his daughter
escapes by remembering how wonderful her father used to be. A separate story tells of Mark and Ada, his
grandmother. Mark discovers his grandfather was shot as a deserter in World War 1 – an undiagnosed victim of
shellshock.
Notes: Intended, perhaps, as a parallel study of what used to be called shellshock and nowadays is termed
post-traumatic stress disorder, and the dramatic effects this can have on family life – this was overwhelmingly
dismissed as a cliché-ridden, banal and unfocussed mistake. There was some praise for the music, especially
the pastiche of the First World War era, but the lyric writing was generally felt to be weak.
BEAUTIFUL GAME (1st Revival)
London run: Union Theatre, April 8th – May 3rd
Music: Andrew Lloyd Webber
Lyrics: Ben Elton
Director: Lotte Wakeham
Choreographer: Tim Jackson
Musical Director: Benjamin Holder
Cast: Carl McCrystal (Father O’Donnell), Stephen Barry (Del),
Daniella Bowen (Christine), Freddie Rogers (Thomas), Ben Kerr (John),
Niamh Perry (Mary), Will Jeffs (Daniel), Alan McHale (Ginger),
Natalie Douglas (Bernadette), Joanna O’Hare, Tom Brandon, Shane McDaid,
Charlie Royce, Mark Laverty, Leigh Lothian.
Notes: This first revival of
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s
musical about football and the
Irish Troubles was warmly
received.
The small-scale
production focussed on the
core relationships and for
many critics the lack of a
“big” approach gave the work
an intensity they had not
previously noticed.
The
performances of Ben Kerr and
Niamh Perry were much
praised.
Original London run:
Cambridge Theatre,
September 2000
2014
16
DORIAN GRAY (2nd Revival)
London run: Riverside Studios,
April 17th – May 10th
Music & Lyrics: Joe Evans
Book: Adaped by Linnie Reedman
Director: Linnie Reedman
Musical Director: Adam Morris
Photo by Roy Tan
Cast: Jack Fox (Dorian),
Daisy Bevan (Sibyl Vane),
Fenton Gray (Isaacs),
Joe Wredden (Lord Henry),
Anthony Jardine (Basil Hallward),
Shelley Lang (Lady Henry),
Alma Fournier-Carballo (Juliet)
Daisy Bevan & Jack Fox
Notes: Linnie Reedman, artistic director of
the Ruby in the Dust company, has stuck
doggedly to this production since its first outing six years ago. It seems that all earlier attempts to make a musical
out of Oscar Wilde’s novel have failed to make a mark ( these include “Picture of Dorian Gray” by Neil
McCurley at the Tabard in 2008 and the earlier “Dorian” by David Reeves at the Arts in 1997) and this version is
no exception.
Linnie Reedman’s first attempts in 2008 and 2009 were unsuccessful, but presumably she hoped to win out this
time by casting the latest two members of the venerable Redgrave and Fox theatre dynasties: Daisy Bevan is the
granddaughter of Vanessa Redgrave and daughter of Joely Richardson; and Jack Fox is the nephew of Edward.
The reviews were unanimously dismissive: “forgettable and frankly indulgent” (Times); “unhelpful musical
interludes” (Eve Standard), and “ghastly. . . theatrical stinker” (Telegraph).
Original London run: Café Royale, Oct 2008;
1st revival Leicester Square Theatre, Jan 2009 (and re-staged May 2009)
BEST OF FRIENDS
Photo by Matt Cocklin
London run: Landor Theatre,
April 23rd – May 10th
Music & Lyrics: Nick Fogarty
Book: Nick Fogarty
Director: Robert McWhir
Musical Director: Tom Turner
Daisy Bevan & Jack Fox
Cast: Aidan O’Neill (Mike),
Nick Gogarty (Jim),
Rosie Glossop (Natalie),
Alex James Ellison, Serena Giacomini,
Sarah Goggin.
Story: Promising musician Mike abandons his best mate, Jim, and his girlfriend Natalie in his blinkered search
for fame. He eventually realises his mistake, but, when he returns, will he be forgiven?
Notes: This was a salvage attempt, following the disastrous collapse of “The Golden Voice” which was
cancelled at the last minute in 2013, and led to a charge of fraud being made against one of the producers. Nick
Fogarty has re-imagined the show under a new title – re-working it for five performers (instead of the original 20)
– although the original star, Darren Day, does not appear in this cut-down version. The composer wanted to see
this version go ahead because otherwise it would be a waste of the eight years he had spent developing this
musical. Unfortunately it was not well received: the music was praised, but the lyrics were deemed to be cheesy
and the plotting woeful. Fogarty had cast himself in the role of Jim – and his lack of acting ability was much
commented on. “In attempting to resuscitate his show, Fogarty has banged the final nail into its coffin” (Time
Out)
2014
17
BLUES IN THE NIGHT (1st Revival)
Photo by Marilyn Kingwill
London run: Hackney Empire, April 25th - May 4th
Music: Various
Book: Sheldon Epps
Director: Susie McKenna
Choreographer: Frank Thompson
Musical Director: Mark Dickman
Cast: Sharon D. Clarke, Paulette Ivory. Gemma Sutton, Clive Rowe
Notes: This short-run revival was much praised for the quality of its
vocals and an especially fine onstage band.
Original London run: Donmar Warehouse (trans. Piccadilly) June 1987
AVENUE Q (2nd Revival)
Cast: Stephen Arden (Nicky/Trekkie),
Richard Morse (Brian),
Tom Streedon (Princeton / Rod),
Lucie-Mae Sumner (Kate/Lucy),
Jessica Parker (Mrs T / Bad Idea Bear),
acqueline Tate (Christmas Eve),
Ellena Vincent (Gary Coleman), Greg Airey,
Emily-Jane Morris, Will Hawksworth,
Wreh-Asha Walton.
Notes: The production received warm praise, with
Lucie-Mae Sumner stealing the show as Kate.
Original London run: Noel Coward Theatre, June 2006 (Transfer Gielgud/Wyndhams)
First revival: Gatehouse, May 2013
RAGS (3rd Revival - Concert version)
London run: Lyric Theatre, one night concert April 28th
Music: Charles Strouse
Lyrics: Stephen Schwartz
Book: Joseph Stein
Director: Bronagh Lagan
Choreographer: Grant Murphy
Musical Director: Caroline Humphris
Cast: Maureen Lipman (Narrator), Caroline Sheen (Rebecca),
Sebastian Croft (David), Graham MacDuff (Nathan Hershkowitz), Tim Rogers (Saul),
Leila Benn Harris (Bella Cohen), Matt Zimerman (Avram), Jenny Logan (Rachel),
James Yeoburn (Ben Levitowitz)
Notes: This was the fourth time “Rags” had been staged in London, but this time it was in a semi-staged and
shortened concert version. Although several numbers were missed out, it did include a “Fourth of July” number
which had not featured in UK productions before.
Original London run: Kenneth More Theatre, November 1992
First revival: Spitalfields Market Opera, July 1996
Second revival: Bridewell, November 2001
Photo by Darren Bell
London run: Greenwich Theatre, April 28th – May 11th
Music & Lyrics: Robert Lopez & Jeff Marx
Book: Jeff Whitty
Director-Choreographer: Cressida Carré
Musical Director: Daniel Griffin
18
Photo by Dominic Maxwell
2014
SUNNY AFTERNOON
London run: Hampstead, May 1st – 24th
Transfer: Harold Pinter Theatre, October 4th
Music & Lyrics: Ray Davies
Book: Joe Penhall
Director: Edward Hall
Choreographer: Adam Cooper
Musical Director: Elliott Ware
Cast: John Dagleish (Ray), George Maguire (Dave),
Ned Derrington (Pete), Adam Sopp (Mick), Carly Anderson (Gwen),
Philip Bird (Mr Davis/Allen Klein), Ben Caplan (Eddie), Lillie Flynn (Rasa),
Emily Goodenough (Peggy), Helen Hobson (Mrs Davies/ Marsha),
Vince Leigh (Larry), Amy Ross (Joyce), Marvin Springer (Gregory),
Dominic Tighe (Robert), Tam Williams (Grenville),
Transfer changes: Ashley Campbell (Gregory),
Elizabeth Hill (Mrs Davies/Marsha), + Pete Friesen (Guitarist).
Story: Using Ray Davies’ greatest hits, this is an autobiographical story of the
early days of the Kinks, between their first hit in 1964 and 1966. Two brothers, Ray and Dave, the drummer
Mick, and the guitarist Pete, variously fall out with each other, are cheated by managers, and find themselves
blacklisted by the American show-business unions.
Notes: This was described in the Times as “the most exhilarating rock’n’roll stage show since ‘Jersey Boys’,
full of “wit, deft story-telling, great acting and musicianship, and some of the best pop songs of the 1960s”. It
was felt that the story of the Kinks made great theatre since they were “one of the most dysfunctional bands of
all time” – a story that was wildly funny, with Dave “at one point swinging from a chandelier in women’s
clothing before attacking a hotel reception desk with an axe”, and also with an underlying sadness for missed
opportunities. (Previews began on April 14th with the official opening night on May 1st)
Following excellent reviews it transferred to the Harold Pinter Theatre
DE PROFUNDIS
London run: Leicester Square Theatre. May 1st – June 8th
Music & Lyrics: Paul Dale-Vickers
Director: Stuart Saint
Musical Director: Michael Riley
Cast: Alastair Brookshaw
Notes: This was the winning entry in the Leicester Square Theatre’s first New Musical Project competition. It
was based on the prison-letters of Oscar Wilde and was a one-man show. It was not a success.
2014
19
CATS (1st Revival)
London run: New Wimbledon, May 6th
Revival London Palladium: December
Music: Andrew Lloyd Webber
Lyrics: T.S. Eliot
Extra lyrics: Richard Stilgoe & Trevor Nunn
Director- Choreographer: Gillian Lynne
Musical Director: Anthony Gabrielle
Cast: Sophia Ragavelas (Grizabella), Fillipo Strocchi (Rum Tum Tugger), Paul F. Monaghan (Asparagus),
Joseph Poulton (Mister Mistoffoles), Nicholas Pound (Deuteronomy), Ross Finnie (Skimbleshanks),
Clare Rickard (Griddlebone), Dawn Williams (Rumpleteazer), Benjamin Yates (Mungo Jerrie),
Callum Train (Munkustrap), Abigail Jaye Jennyandots) , Natasha Mould (Jemima),
Notes: This revival was a touring production with a few international dates booked in Portugal and Monaco. It
returned to London for a limited 12 week engagement at the Palladium. An earlier UK tour in 2008 had played
at the Wimbledon Theatre but this was the first time it returned to the West End.
Original London run: New London, May 1981, and ran for 21 years and 8949 performances.
HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS
WITHOUT REALLY TRYING (2nd Revival)
London run: Rose and Crown, Walthamstow May 6th -24th
Music & Lyrics: Frank Loesser
Book: Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstein & Willie Gilbert
Director: Dawn Kalani Cowle
Choreographer: Brendan Matthew
Musical Director: Aaron Clingham
Cast: Adam Pettigrew (J. Pierpoint Finch), Mark Turnbull (J.B.Biggeley),
Josh Wilmott (Bud Frump), Alyssa Nicol (Rosemary), Amy Burke (Hedy la Rue),
Geraldine Allen (Smitty), Hayley Jo Whitney (Miss Krumholz), Tony Rosenberg ,
Harry Stone, Annie Wensak, Benjamin Newhouse Smith, Lizzie McConachie,
Adam Mitchell, Charlotte Tooth, Nicholas Devlin,
This revival was very warmly received, with particular praise for Adam Pettigrew and Mark Turnbull.
Notes: Original London Production: Shaftesbury Theatre, March 1963
First revival: Landor Theatre, February 1999
2014
20
CLOSER THAN EVER (2nd Revival)
London run: Jermyn Street, May 8th – June 7th
Music: David Shire
Lyrics: Richard Maltby Jr
Book & concept: Steven Scott Smith
Director: Richard Maltby Jr
Choreographer: Kurt Stamm (reproduced by Emily Maltby)
Musical Director: Nathan Martin
Cast: Graham Bickley, Sophie-Louise Dann, Arvid Larsen, Issy van Ryndwyck
Story: Four singers with 24 songs sing about love, rejection, obsession,
fatherhood, marriage, sex, friendship, getting old. There is no plot, but, a bit
like Sondheim’s “Company”, a great deal of emotional life is covered as the
characters slide in and out of a mocked up subway train.
Notes: This was an intimate but “very American” entertainment, regarded by
some as intelligent, musical fare, but by others as “proper old-fashioned fun,
but half-an-hour too long and a spoonful of sentiment too heavy to make it a
must see”. (Time Out)
Original London production: Bridewell, 1995
First revival: Jermyn Street Theatre, July 1998
ACE OF CLUBS (2nd Revival)
London run : Union Theatre, May 9th – 31st
Music and lyrics: Noel Coward
Director: Jack Thorpe-Baker
Choreographer: Mark Smith
Musical Director: Gemma Hawkins
This was its second revival in
64 years, and was generally
felt not worth the effort. It
was sub-standard Coward,
and felt very dated. The
staging was praised –
creating the effect of a
nightclub inside the Union
Theatre, the choreography
was inventive, and the chorus
work impressive, but the
overall reaction was – why
bother?
Notes: Original London run:
Cambridge Theatre,
July 1950
1st Revival: Wimbledon
Studio, January 1999
Photo by Alex Lentati
Cast: Emma Harris (Pinkie),
Gary Wood (Sailor Boy),
Kate Milner-Evans (Rita Marbury),
Lucy Mae Barker (Baby Belgrave),
John Game (Jo Snyder),
Michael Hobbs (MC), Patrick Neyman (Benny Lucas)
2014
21
London run: Southwark Playhouse,
May 9th – June 7th
Music & Lyrics: Lin-Manuel Miranda
Book: Quiara Alegria Hudes
Director: Luke Sheppard
Choreographer: Drew McOnie
Musical Director: Phil Cornwell
Cast: David Bedella (Kevin),
Christina Modestou (Nina),
Sam Mackay (Usnavi),
Eve Polycarpou (Abuela),
Victoria Hamilton-Barritt (Daniela),
Nathan Amzi, Josie Benson,
Damian Buhagiar, Emma Kingston,
Jonny Labey, Sarah Naudi,
Wayne Robinson,
Courtney-Mae Briggs, Raffaello Covino, Gabriella Garcia, Reiss Hinds, Dex Lee
Songs: In the Heights, Breathe, It Won’t Be Long Now, No Me Diga, 96,000, Pacienia y Fé, When You’re Home,
Piragua, Blackout, Sunrise, Carnaval del Barrio, Alabanza, Ebverything I Know, Champagne, When the Sun Goes
Down.
Story: The residents of Manhattan’s Washington Heights include Kevin, who arrived from Puerto Rica with
nothing, but has built up a cab firm which he is now ready to sell so that his daughter, Nina, can have a good
education. His good-hearted neighbour, Usnavi, the son of Dominican Republic immigrants, is the owner of a
local bodega, facing money and women problems, and considerable pressure from his adopted grandmother,
Abuela. The gossiping Daniela owns a beauty parlour, and is simply hoping to survive. It’s a community on the
brink of change, full of hopes, dreams and pressures, where the biggest struggle can be deciding which traditions to
take with you, and which ones to leave behind.
Notes: “In The Heights” opened at Broadway’s Richard Rodgers Theatre in February 2008. The production was
nominated for thirteen Tony Awards, winning four for Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Choreography and
Best Orchestrations. It was also nominated for the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. It was hailed as a Latino “West
Side Story”. This British premiere was universally praised for its pulsating mix of Latino beats, rap and Spanish,
for its “breathlessly sexy” choreography, and its performers who created a vibrant, blazing sense of community.
One or two critics commented on its somewhat deficient story-line, but acknowledged a triumphant style over
substance.
THE PAJAMA GAME (3rd Revival)
Photo by Tristram Kenton
London run: Shaftesbury Theatre, May 13th – September 13th (Limited run)
Photo by Dominic Maxwell
IN THE HEIGHTS
2014
22
THE PAJAMA GAME (3rd Revival)
London run: Shaftesbury Theatre, May 13th – September 13th (Limited run)
Music & Lyrics: Richard Adler & Jerry Ross
Book: George Abbott & Richard Bissell
Director: Richard Eyre
Choreographer: Stephen Mear
Musical Director: Michael England
Producers: Chichester Festival Theatre, etc.
Cast: Peter Polycarpou (Vernon Hines to May 31st),
Gary Wilmot (Vernon Hines from June 1st),
Joanna Riding (Babe Williams), Michael Xavier (Sid Sorokin), Alexis Owen-Hobbs (Gladys),
Claire Machin (Mabel), Eugene McCoy (Prez), Colin Stinton (Mr Hasler/Pop), Sion Lloyd,
Jennie Dale, Sharon Wattis, Keisha Amponsa Bandson, Lauren Varnham, Jo Morris,
Nola Frederick, Richard Jones, Dan Burton, James O’Connell.
Notes: Originally staged at Chichester in 2013, this production came to the Shaftesbury
Theatre for a limited run and was heaped with praise from all quarters. It was felt to be a close rival to Richard
Eyre’s legendary 1982 “Guys and Dolls” at the National Theatre. Stephen Mear’s choreography was felt to be
outstanding, but all the central performances were felt to be as good as they could get, with Joanna Riding and
Michael Xavier receiving critical ovations.
Original London run: Coliseum, October, 1955.
First revival: Victoria Palace, October 1999
Second revival: Union, April 2008
FINGS AIN’T WOT THEY USED TO BE (3rd Revival)
Cast: Jessie Wallace (Lil),
Gary Kemp (PC Collins),
Sarah Middleton (Rosie),
Ruth Alfie Adams (Brenda),
Christopher Ryan (Red Hot),
Mark Arden (Fred),
Will Barton (Percy),
Stephan Booth (Tosher),
Vivian Carter (Myrtle),
Suzie Chard (Betty), Stevie Hutchinson, Ryan Molloy, John Olohan, Gary Watson, Joanna Woodward
Notes: This was major revival to mark Joan Littlewood’s centenary. Almost 55 years on, the show’s low-dive bar
setting with its tarts, crooks and bent coppers was still felt to skip along , “humming its lawks-a-daisy airs and
puttin’ a smile on yer face, darlin’” (Daily Mail). However, its nostalgia for the good-old-days of unchecked
prostitution felt somewhat dated. This revival had been adapted and given a new version by Elliott Davis. It
assimilated a number of Lionel Bart songs that were not originally in the show, including “Living Doll” and “Do
You Mind”. Although most of the critics were able to pinpoint flaws in its construction, the overall reaction was
most welcoming, delighting in its musical inventiveness and its glorious cockney humour.
Original London production: Garrick Theatre, February 1960
First revival: Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch, April 1999
Second Revival: Union, May 2011
Photo by Roy Tan
London run: Theatre Royal Stratford East,
May 20th – June 8th
Music & Lyrics: Lionel Bart
Book: Frank Norman,
adapted by Elliott Davis
Director: Terry Johnson
Choreographer: Nathan M. Wright
Musical Director:
2014
23
MISS SAIGON (1st Revival)
London run: Prince Edward, May 21st
Music: Claude-Michel Schonberg
Book & Lyrics: Alain Boublil
Additional lyrics: Richard Maltby Jr,
& Michael Mahler
Director: Laurence Connor
Choreographer: Geoffrey Garratt
Musical Director: Alfonso Casado Trigo
Producer: Cameron Mackintosh
Notes: Fifteen years after it closed, this first
revival was said to be less operatic and grittier
than the original. It contained one new song –
“Maybe” - written for Ellen, the wife Chris
acquires on his return to America.
Photo by Michael LePoer Trench
Cast: Eva Noblezada / Tanya Manalang (Kim),
Alistair Brammer (Chris),
Jon Jon Briones (The Engineer),
Hugh Maynard (John),
Tamsin Carroll (Ellen),
Kwang-Ho Hong (Thuy)
Eva Noblezada & Alistair Brammer
The new production was felt to be critic-proof, since it sold £4.4 million of tickets on its first day and opened to
an advance of more than £10 million. The critics were full of praise for the performers, with rave notices for
18 year old Eva Noblenza who shares the role of Kim, and for Jon Jon Briones as the Engineer. But the general
reaction was total admiration for the spectacle, the professionalism, the staging, the scale and the ambition,
with many finding it “easier to admire Miss Saigon than to love it” and describing it as “a stone cold hit”.
Photo by Roy Buesker
Original London run: Drury Lane, September 1989 (4,264 performances)
2014
24
BLONDE BOMBSHELLS OF 1943 (1st Revival)
London run: Upstairs at the Gatehouse, May 21st – June 29th
Music: Various
Book: Alan Plater
Director: John Plews
Choreographer: Chloe Porter
Musical Director: Angharad Sanders
Cast: Louisa Beadel (Betty), Emma Jane Morton (Elizabeth),
Katie Arnstein (Lily), Lauren Storer (Miranda), Josh Haberfield (Patrick),
Eloise Kay, Giovanna Ryan, Ashley Stirling,
Notes: This portrait of wartime Britain, told in flashback, and ending with a
staged version of a wireless broadcast, was first created as a TV play and then
adapted for theatre in 2006. With actor musicians, and a cast of just eight, this
received excellent notices.
Original London run: Hampstead, July 2006
WE WILL ROCK YOU (closing performance)
London run: Dominion, May 14th 2002 - May 31st 2014
(4,600 performances)
Music: Queen
Book: Ben Elton
Director: Christopher Renshaw
Choreographer: Arlene Phillips
Musical Director: Mike Dixon
Final Cast: Oliver Tompsett (Galileo), Rachael Wooding (Scaramouche), Brenda Edwards (Killer Queen),
listair Harvey (Khashoggi), Rolan Bell (Britney), Amanda Coutts (Meat), Kevin Kennedy (Pop),
Patrick Smyth (Rebel Leader); Amanda Ainsley, Sophie Ayres, Louisa Barratt, Harriet Bunton, Sarah Covey,
Kristy Cullen, Lisa Darnell, Jennifer Hilton, Gemma Marie, Katie Paine, Emma O'Toole, Catriana Sandison,
Caitlin Ward, Michael Anthony, Adam Bracegirdle, Phillip Comley, Ashley Cooper, Matt Corner, Martin
Dickinson, Gavin Eden, Anton Fosh, Matt Holland, Peter Houston, Waylon Jacobs, Matt McKenna, Olly Pike,
Andrew Simeon, Patrick Smyth
Notes: In 2002 its chances were rated at nil. It received some of the worst notices ever, including remarks like:
"Ben Elton should be shot for this risible story”, “sticky goo", “Utterly preposterous”, “ a disastrous excuse for a
musical”, “the show should die of chronic embarrassment”, “precious little rhapsodic here”, “a pathetic adolescent
piece of work”, “don’t give them your money”. (However, some individual performances received praise).
“We Will Rock You” went on to
become the longest running
musical at that venue, and had
already extended its booking date
to March 2012, its tenth
anniversary. (Like the damning
reviews for “Charlie Girl” in 1965,
and the gloomy predictions for
“Les Miserables” in 1985, it only
goes to show the critics do not
always get it right.)
Brian May makes a guest appearance
at the final performance
2014
25
THE LIFE OF THE PARTY
London run: Menier Chocolate Factory, May 27th – June 14th
Music & Lyrics: Andrew Lippa, David Babani,
Brian Crawley, Tom Greenwald
Director: David Babani
Choreographer: Lynne Page
Musical Director: Andy Massey
Cast: Andrew Lippa, Caroline O’Connor,
Damian Humbley, Summer Strallen, and
(Musicians) Debs White, Rachel Robson, Hannah Ashenden
Notes: A compilation showcase presenting lengthy and fully
staged extracts from four of Andrew Lippa’s major credits, along
with other selected songs from his various undertakings. The major extracts included items from “The Adams
Family”, “Big Fish”, and “The Wild Party”. Other shows represented included “I Am Harvey Milk” and “The
Man in the Ceiling”.
KLOOK’S LAST STAND
Photo by Arnim Friess
London run: Park Theatre, June 11th – July 6th
Music: Omar Lyefook & Anoushka Lucas
Book & Lyrics: Che Walker
Director: Che Walker
Musical Director: Rio Kai
Cast: Sheila Atim (Vinette), Ako Mitchell (Klook),
Rio Kai (Musician)
Story: Klook, an ex-con, and Vinette, a runaway, meet by chance over
an organic carrot juice in a bar. It is the start of an intense relationship
which develops in the sticky heat of a Californian city.
Notes: This was more a play with songs, since the characters
deliberately step out of the action with songs that comment on the
situation, rather than using the songs to propel the action along. It was praised for its poetical lyrics, soulful style
and subtle humour as well as the excellent performances and the versatility of Rio Kai as the onstage musician who
becomes part of the plot.
Ako Mitchell & Sheila Atim
BATHHOUSE – THE MUSICAL (1st Revival)
London run: Above the Stag, June 18th – July 20th
2014
26
BATHHOUSE – THE MUSICAL (1st Revival)
London run: Above the Stag, June 18th – July 20th
Music & Lyrics: Tim Evanicki & Esther Daack
Additional material: Ryan Beck & Jason Wetzel
Director: Tim McArthur
Choreographer: Philip Aiden
Musical Director: Chris Peake
Cast: Ryan Joseph Lynch (Billy), Tim McArthur, Alistair Frederick,
Matthew Harper, Joe Leather, Royce Ullah
(with the recorded voice of Gyles Brandreth)
Songs: Friendly Neighbourhood Bathhouse, The Bathhouse ABCs, The Steamroom,
Clickin’ for Dick; Bear Chaser, Seduction Tango. Hottie Revival, Lonely Love Song,
The Workout, Penises are like Snowflakes, Christmas at the Baths, In the Showers, Unlove Me
Story: The story humorously depicts the adventures of gay men meeting other men online and in gay meeting
places. Billy makes his first visit to the bathhouse. He is looking for love, but soon realises that the other patrons
are looking for something a little more temporary. With some guidance, Billy soon learns the ins and outs of
bathhouse etiquette. Although Billy fails to find love, he does end up “finding himself”.
Notes: “Bathhouse” premiered at the Orlando Fringe Festival, Florida in June 2006, and was later performed in
New York, in various US cities and in Canada. The UK premiere was at the Above the Stag Theatre in 2009 (Sept
8th-Oct 11) with Nic Gilder, Gary Fakes, Jon Harrison, Frank Loman, Craig O’Hara and Nicolas Sagar, directed
and choreographed by Tim McArthur. This first revival included a new character, "Bathhouse Twink". Clearly
the show was aimed at an adult audience and contained strong language and gay sex-related themes, and
accordingly was not everyone’s idea of an entertaining night out. However, its target audience praised it for its
humour and tuneful and witty score.
CAROUSEL (5th Revival)
London run: Arcola Theatre, June 18th – July 19th
Music: Richard Rodgers
Lyrics and book: Oscar Hammerstein II.,
Director: Luke Fredericks
Choreographer: Lee Proud
Musical Director: Andrew Corcoran
Cast: Tim Rogers (Billy Bigelow), Gemma Sutton (Julie Jordan),
Vicki Lee Taylor (Carrie Pipperidge), Joel Montague (Enoch Snow) ,
Amanda Minihan (Nettie Fowler), Richard Kent (Jigger),
Suzanna Porter (Louise), Valerie Cutko (Mrs Mullin),
Paul Hutton (Starkeeper), Michael Carolan, Joseph Connor,
Katrina Dix, Anton Fosh, Charlotte Gale.
Tim Rogers & Gemma Sutton
Notes: This fringe production featured new orchestrations by Mark
Cumberland, with musical supervision from Larry Blank (who
orchestrated “Catch Me if You Can” on Broadway). The five piece band, led from the
piano by the musical director, included a harp and was much praised. The action had
been updated from the 1870s to the 1930s and the show was performed without any
amplification. The result was “an emotional wringer of a revival. Spirited, funny and
achingly sad, it finds every nuance of tenderness and danger in Rodgers and
Hammerstein’s classic” (Telegraph). It was universally praised .
Original London Production: Drury Lane June 1950 ;
First revival: Lyttleton Theatre, December 1992
Second revival: Shaftesbury Theatre, September 1993;
Third revival: Savoy, December 2008
Fourth Revival : Barbican, 2012
Photo by Alastair Muir
Producer: Opera North
2014
27
HOSTAGE SONG
London run: Finborough, June 23rd – July 8th
Music & Lyrics: Kyle Jarrow
Book: Clay McLeod Chapman
Director: James Veitch
Musical Director: Michael Riley
Story: Jennifer, a journalist, and Jim, a contractor, are
led on stage, hands bound, blindfolded and caked in
dried blood. They have separately been taken hostage in
an unspecified place and the story shows them
interacting to get to know each other, and deal with their
fears for their future. In between the prison scenes the
action involves the other cast members doubling as the
captors and as the families back home coming to terms
with the horror. The band and its lead singer are also
involved, with the singer becoming Jim’s son and
watching an online video of his father’s eventual execution.
Photo by Katie Pillage
Cast: Verity Marshall (Jennifer), Michael Matus (Jim),
Pierce Reid (Lead Singer), Maria Teresa Creasy,
Matthew Hebden,
Verity Marshall & Michael Matus
Notes: Originally staged Off-Off-Broadway, this was described as an indie rock-musical, with a presentational
style rooted in a hybrid of MTV and YouTube. The lead singer was used as a kind of Greek chorus; the
principal performers were blindfolded throughout, and the story became increasingly gruesome, moving
between horrific reality and childlike fantasy. For some critics it was inaccessible and confusing, for others it
was a fresh form of musical theatre.
FASHION VICTIM: THE MUSICAL
London run: Cinema Museum, June 21st – July 6th
Music & Lyrics: Right Said Fred
Book: Tony Rose
Director: Robert McWhir
Choreographer: Ryan Jenkins
Musical Director: Michael Webborn
Cast: Rosie Glossop (Mimi Steel), James Wilkinson (Cedric Chevalier), Arron Blake (Tarquin),
Aimee Barrett (Chloe), Carl Mullaney (Jake Spangle), Camilla Rutherford
Songs: I’m Still Counting, Data Rape
Story: Mimi Steel, a Canadian with more ambition than brains, is determined to make it in the fashion world.
Clawing her way to the top, she seduces and
abandons Cedric Chevalier (once she has got her
hands on his address book of useful contacts) and
then does the same to Tarquin Brockhutch, aided
and abetted by her best friend Chloe. However,
she gets her come-uppance when her big launchparty is raided by the police. The tale of catwalk
skulduggery is framed by Jake Spangle, an EmCee
in the camp and sinister “Cabaret” mode.
Notes: With witty one-liners, some excellent
songs, tongue-in-cheek satire and full-blooded
song and dance performances, this was generally
considered to be an “offbeat musical gem”.
2014
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FORBIDDEN BROADWAY (3rd Revival)
London run: Menier Chocolate Factory, July 2nd – August 16th
Transfer: Vaudeville, September 9th – November 22nd
Music: Various
Book & Lyrics: Gerard Alessandri
Director-Choreographer: Philip George & Gerard Alessandrini
Musical Director: Joel Fram
Cast: Sophie-Louise Dann (Christina Bianco at the Vaudeville),
Anna-Jane Casey, Damian Humbley, Ben Lewis, Joseph Prouse,
Rachel Spurrel.
Photo by Roy Tan
Notes: Previews began on June 9th. The updated material enabled
satirical looks at “The Book of Mormon” and “Once”, and the show
contained some numbers specifically created for the current London scene
– with songs about “The Pajama Game” and “Charlie and the Chocolate
Factory”. In September the production transferred to the Vaudeville for a
limited season, with Christina Bianco taking over from Sophie-Louise
Dann who had other commitments.
Damian Humbley
Original London production: Fortune Theatre, March 1989
1st revival: Jermyn Street/Albery, March 1999
2nd Revival: Menier Chocolate Factory, July 2009
PACIFIC OVERTURES (3rd Revival)
London run: Union Theatre, July 2nd – August 2nd
Music & Lyrics: Stephen Sondheim
Book: James Lapine
Director & Choreographer: Michael Strassen
Musical Director: Richard Bates
Cast: Ken Christiansen (Reciter), Oli Reynolds (Kayama),
Emanuel Alba (Manjiro), Alexander McMorran (Lord Abe),
Marc Lee Joseph (Shogun’s Mother), Ian Mowat (Madam),
Anthony Selwyn (Tamate), Marios Nicolaides (Commodore Perry),
Lee van Geleen, Matt Jolly, Joel Baylis, Josh Andrews, Joel Harper-Jackson
Notes: Performed with a band of just four musicians, it was felt this cut-down, fringe
version of the show lost a lot of its musical impact. However, the performances and the production itself came
in for much praise, and it
was generally agreed this
was
an
excellent
opportunity to re-acquaint
audiences with one of
Sondheim’s
most
fascinating
and
challenging works.
First revival:
Bridewell Theatre,
April 1994
Second revival:
Donmar, June 2003
Photo by Darren Bell
Original London
production:
Coliseum, Sept 1987
2014
29
LET IT BE (1st Revival)
London run: Garrick Theatre, July 10th – Sept 21st
Music: John Lennon & Paul McCartney
Book: Rain
Director: John Maher (based on Joey Curatolo)
Revival Cast: Emanuele Angeletti, Michael Bramwell,
John Brosnan, Ben Cullingworth, Ryan Alex Farmery,
James Fox, Paul Mannion, Luke Roberts.
Notes: This was a quick return of the Beatles tribute show
following a tour of the UK and Ireland. It was brought back as a
summer attraction to fill the otherwise empty Garrick.
Original London run: Prince of Wales, Sep 2012- Jan
2013 Transfer to Savoy, Feb 2013 – Feb 2014
Emanuele Angeletti
I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE (2nd Revival)
London run: Battersea Barge, July 15th – 17th
Music: Jimmy Roberts
Book & Lyrics: Joe DiPetrio
Director: Drew Baker
Choreographer:
Musical Director: Benjamin Holder
Cast: David Ribi, Nic Kyle, Sarah Goggin, Chloe Taylor
Notes: This musical was known as the one that ran ten years in New York, but
failed to make ten weeks in its London premiere. The 2005 revival attempted to
make it more UK-friendly with British references, and this second revival followed
on the same lines. This revival was scheduled for just three nights, marking the
London debut of New Zealander Nic Kyle. It received excellent notices, with the
suggestion that its 1990s setting now worked well as a period piece!
Original London production: Comedy Theatre, July 1999
1st Revival: Jermyn Street, March 2005
ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN
London run: St James Theatre, July 25th (A one-off try-out)
Music & Lyrics: George Stiles & Anthony Drewe
Director: Simon Greiff
Musical Director: Sarah Travis
Cast: Daniel Boys, Lauren Samuels,
James Gillan, Annalene Beechey
Notes: This revue celebrating the 30 year long career of George Stiles
and Anthony Drewe featured songs from their most recent “Soho
Cinders” and “Betty Blue Eyes” and moved backwards to their very first collaboration “Tutankhamun”.
Including excerpts from “Mary Poppins”, “Peter Pan”, “Just So” and “Honk” it also presented some from
unproduced shows, all revealing the range of their work. This was a workshop production, a bit rough and
ready in its staging, planned as a try-out for future outings.
2014
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PORGY AND BESS (2nd Revival)
Photo by Johann Persson
London run: Regent’s Park Open Air,
July 28th - August 23rd
Music: George Gershwin
Lyrics: DuBose Heyward & Ira Gershwin
New adaptation: Book: Suzan-Lori Parks;
Score: Diedre L. Murray
Book: Dubose Heyward
Director : Timothy Sheader
Choreographer: Liam Steel
Musical Director: David Shrubsole
Cast: Rufus Bonds Jr (Porgy),
Nicola Hughes (Bess), Cedric Neal (Sportin’ Life),
Phillip Boykin (Crown), Sharon D. Clarke (Mariah),
Golda Rosheuvel (Serena), Jade Ewen,
David Albury, Angela Caesar, Leon Lopez,
Marvin Springer
Notes:
This was a second attempt to re-work Gershwin’s “folk-opera” into a musical (an earlier version
involving Trevor Nunn and Gareth Valentine played the Savoy in 2007.) This
controversial new version, billed as “The Gershwin’s Porgy & Bess”, had played New
York in 2012, where it had been criticised by some for jettisoning its “operatic” nature in
favour of a “watered down” musical version.
The UK premiere of this revised version included three New York performers reprising
their roles as Porgy, Crown and Sporting Life. The reviews were generally favourable,
with especial praise for Nicola Hughes (who had played Bess in the earlier Trevor Nunn
production), but a number of critics complained about the curious copper-coloured set
design, which, added to it being an open-air production, meant a loss of any sense of a
closed-in and claustrophobic community . All agreed, though, that it was gloriously sung.
Original London production: Stoll Theatre, October 1952
First revival: Savoy Theatre, November 2007
DESSA ROSE
Photo by Scott Rylander
London run: Trafalgar Studio 2, July 28th – August 30th
2014
31
DESSA ROSE
London run: Trafalgar Studio 2,
July 28th – August 30th
Music: Stephen Flaherty
Lyrics: Lynn Ahrens
Book: Sherley Anne Williams & Stephen Flaherty
Director: Andrew Keates
Choreographer: Sam Spencer Lane
Musical Director: Dean Austin
Cast: Cynthia Erivo (Dessa Rose) ,
Cassidy Janson (Ruth) , Fela Lufadeju (Kaine),
Jon Robyns (Adam Nehemiah), Edward Baruwa (Nathan) , John Addison, Sharon Benson,
Alexander Evans, Cameron Leigh, Miquel Brown, Gabriel Mokake, Abiona Omonua.
Songs: We Are Descended, Comin’ Down the Quarters, Something of my Own. Little Star, Capture the Girl,
Fly Away, Twelve Children, Noah’s Dove, In the Bend of My Arm, Better if I died, Ten Petticoats, White Milk
and Red Blood
Story: This is the ante-bellum story told in flashback of two women, one black, one white, living worlds apart:
Dessa Rosa is a 16 year old slave on Death Row, and Ruth is a distressed woman given to harbouring runaway
slaves. Dessa Rose, whose dalliance with her fellow slave Kaine has left her pregnant, is imprisoned for
killing her predatory master. Hers is a history of rape, mutilation and murder. She manages to escape, pursued
by Adam Nehemiah, a feverish crime correspondent, and is aided by Ruth, a white woman whose unsuccessful
marriage has left her in sole charge of a large plantation, where she has acquired Nathan, a black lover.
Notes: Adopted from the novel by Sherley Anne Williams, and following its premiere in Lincoln Center, New
York in February 2005, this was its first production in the UK. The critics were unanimous in their praise for
Cynthia Erivo but mixed in their response to the work itself. It was felt the adaptation tried to cram in too
much of the novel, with too many confusing flashbacks, and ended up being too diffuse in its aims. However,
the songs themselves, and the performances, made this a very powerful evening.
MARRY ME A LITTLE (2nd Revival)
London run: St James Studio, July 29th – August 10th
Music & Lyrics: Stephen Sondheim
Book: Craig Lucas, Norman Rene
Director: Hannah Chissick
Musical Director: David Randall
Cast: Laura Pitt-Pulford,
Simon Bailey
Photo by Roy Tan
Notes: This two-hander “revue”
of songs originally cut from
Sondheim shows was felt to be a
little cramped in the tiny St
James Studio.
The two
performers were praised as was
David Randall who accompanied
the show on piano.
Original London production:
Bridewell, December 1996
First revival:
Landor, August 2003
2014
32
GRIM – A New Musical!
London run: Rose, Kingston, July 20th – 27th
Then: Charing Cross Theatre, August 4th – 30th
Music: Joseph Alexander
Book & Lyrics: Fiona O’Malley
Director: Adam Wollerton
Choreographer: Sam Lathwood & Adam Jay-Price
Musical director: Joseph Alexander
Songs: I Wished for Someone Like You, She Said Yes, Because I am Evil,
The Strongest Power in Life, Friends For Life, Fear of the Unknown,
When Will This Nightmare End?, Price of a Kiss.
Cast: Roseanna Christoforou (Belle Grim), Anthony Matteo (Cupid), Georgi Mottram (Amelia),
Kathryn Rutherford (Cherry), Izzy Roy, Jordon Veloso, Karina Toolan, Rhiannon Drake, Louisa Cameron
Story: Death, in the person of a young girl called Belle Grim, is curious about life as a human, and comes to Earth to
attend a school class to learn about emotions she herself cannot feel. The school heart-throb, Cupid, is immediately
struck by this strange newcomer, and his obvious interest arouses jealousy from the other girls. One girl, Amelia,
offers friendship, but others, led by Cherry, the “top girl”, actively campaign against Belle. They suspect, quite
rightly, that she is responsible for the sudden spate of deaths in the community. The unsuspecting Cupid is filled
with delight when Grim accepts his invitation to the school dance, but ends up paying the heaviest of prices.
Notes: The basic plot links Grim’s persecution to the witch trials of the seventeenth century and the songs, staging
and performances were felt to contribute to an interesting and promising evening’s entertainment. However, it was
generally felt this was a work in progress, with the various elements lacking cohesion and some serious gaps in the
plotting itself.
DOGFIGHT
London run: Southwark Playhouse,
August 8th - September 13th
Music & Lyrics: Benj Pasek, Justin Paul
Book: Peter Duchan
Director: Matt Ryan
Choreographer: Lucie Pankhurst
Musical Director: George Dyer
Photo by Darren Bell
Cast: Jamie Muscato (Eddie Birdlace),
Cellen Chugg Jones (Bolland) ,
Nicholas Corre (Bernstein),
Laura Jane Matthewson (Rose Fenny) ,
Rebecca Trehearn (Marcy), Emily Olive Boyd,
Matthew Cutts, Joshua Dowen, Ciaran Joyce,
Amanda Minihan, Samuel J. Weit
Laura Jane Matthewson & Jamie Muscato
Songs: Take Me Back, Some Kinda Time, We Three
Bees, Hey Good Lookin’, Come to a Party, Nothing
Short of Wonderful, That Face, Pretty Funny, Hometown Hero’s Ticker Tape Parade, First Date – Last Night,
Before It’s Over, Take Me Back
Story: In San Francisco on November 21st 1963 (the night before the Kennedy assassination), three young Marines,
Birdlace, Bolland and Bernstein, are out for a last night on the town before they leave for Vietnam . “The whole
damn world might change tomorrow, so we go for broke today”. As part of a cruel bet as to which of them can bring
the ugliest girl to their farewell party, Corporal Eddie Birdlace tries to hit on Rose Fenny, an idealistic and
unsophisticated teenage girl. But she rewrites the rules of the game and opens his eyes to what really matters in life.
The show reveals the growing love between the two.
Notes: Based on Nancy Savoca’s 1991 film featuring River Phoenix and Lili Taylor, this adaptation played a limited
Off-Broadway season from June to August 2012 receiving rave reviews. Reaction to its London premiere was more
polarised: some critics showered high praise in almost every respect, with particular acclaim for Laura Jane
Matthewson in her professional London debut, and for the direction of Matt Ryan; others found it unconvincing,
“intensely wearing” and its misogyny such that “nothing washes away the bad taste”.
2014
33
THE IMMORTAL HOUR (2nd Revival)
Cast: Jeff Smyth (Eochaidh), Michelle Cornelius (Etain),
Stiofan O’Doherty (Dalua), Thomas Sutcliffe (Midir), Lee
van Geelen (Narrator), Martha Crowe, Lydia Jenkins, Kate
Marlais,
Story: “The Immortal Hour” is a magical faery tale from
Celtic folklore. Eochaidh, the mortal King of Éire, falls in
Lee van Geelen
love with the immortal Faery, Etain, and she is tricked into
marrying him by Dalua, the Lord of Shadows. Dalua uses his dark magic to ensure that Etain will be reclaimed
a year later by her spirit lover, Midir, with tragic consequences for the King.
Notes: Running Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays throughout August, this was a considerable curiosity. It was
originally written as an opera (or “music-drama”) and premiered exactly a hundred years ago at the very first
Glastonbury Festival. A Birmingham Repertory Theatre production transferred to London’s Regent Theatre in
1922 and ran for 216 consecutive performances, then repeated again the following year for a further 160
performances. It was staged in New York in 1926, and, last revived at Sadler’s Wells in 1953, it still holds the
record for a continuous run of any serious opera written by an Englishman.
Its combination of Wagnerian passages with folk-like themes, and one song that became a major popular success
(How beautiful are the lordly ones), earned the work major praise and acclaim from composers such as Elgar and
Vaughan Williams. However, by the 1950s it was regarded as a fey and dainty piece, its reputation not helped
by scandals surrounding Boughton himself (exposed as a would-be Communist and an advocate of free love.)
Boughton died in 1960, a forgotten composer.
This revival was cast with just eight predominantly musical-theatre performers. The music was performed by a
quartet comprising flute, clarinet, cello and keyboard, but the score was so heavily cut that music critics
complained this was a performance of “highlights” that did no justification to the original. Only occasionally did
this pared-down “cut-and-paste” version come to life, but it did remind listeners that here was a work worthy of
a proper, full-scale revival.
TOP HAT (1st Revival)
London run: New Wimbledon, August 12th
Music & Lyrics: Irving Berlin
Book: Matthew White, Howard Jacques, Dwight Taylor , Allan Scott
Director: Matthew White
Choreographer: Bill Deamer
Musical Director: Jae Alexander
Cast: Alan Burkitt (Jerry Travers), Charlotte Gooch (Dale Tremont), Clive Hayward (Horace Hardwick),
Rebecca Thornhill (Madge Hardwick), John Conroy (Bates), Sebastian Torkia (Alberto Beddini),
Lucy Ashenden, Thomas Audibert, Caroline Bateson, Sophie Camble, Matthew Caputo, Kirtsy Cullen,
Paul Farrell, Ian Goss, Carys Gray, Alyn Hawke, Rebecca Hodge, Samuel Humphreys, Thomas Inge,
Thomas-Lee Kidd, Sarah-Marie Maxwell, David McKechnie, John McManus, George Olney, Ben Palmer,
Holly Rostron, Maria Ward, Amy West, Monique Young
Notes: This was a touring version, due to run 47 weeks, ending at Eastbourne in July 2015. It was much praised
for its very high standard, being as close to the original West End production as the limitations of touring
theatres can accommodate.
Original production: Aldwych, May 2012
Photo by Bethany Wells
London run: Finborough, August 11th - 26th
( 9 performances)
Music: Rutland Boughton
Libretto: Fiona Macleod (William Sharp)
Director: Benji Sperring
Musical Director: Inga Davis-Rutter
2014
34
THE APPLE TREE (1st revival)
London run: Ye Olde Rose & Crown, E17, Aug 15th - 30th
Music: Jerry Bock
Lyrics: Sheldon Harnick
Book: Jerry Bock, Sheldon Harnick & Jerome Coopersmith
Director: Brendan Matthew
Choreographer: Chris Whittaker
Musical Director: Aaron Clingham
Cast: Daniel Donskoy (Snake/ Balladeer/ Narrator), Rafe Watts (Adam),
Catriona Mackenzie (Eve) , Rosie Glossop (Princess Barbara),
Luke Wilson (Sanjar), Danny Holmes (King Arik) ,Michaela Cartmell (Ella),
Xandy Champken (Flip Charming), Adam Corrigan (Mr Fallible), Lauren Austin
Songs: Here in Eden, Eve, Beautiful Beautiful World, Go to Sleep Whatever you Are, It’s a Fish, What Makes
Me Love Him, Oh to be a Movie Star, Gorgeous.
Story:
There are three separate stories with
nothing in common except some musical themes
and a connection with the colour brown. The
first part, based on Mark Twain’s “Diary of
Adam and Eve” tells of a constant battle
between a bright and perky Eve and a confused
and dim-witted Adam.
The second (based on Frank R. Stockton’s short
story “The Lady or the Tiger”) , tells of Princess
Barbara’s love for Captain Sanjar but a happy
ending depends entirely on which colour door
he chooses to enter.
Catriona Mackenzie & Rafe Watts
The third, “Pasionella” is based on Jules
Feiffer’s story about a poor chimney sweep,
Ella, who dreams of becoming a movie star.
Eventually she falls for Flip Charming, a
brooding Marlon Brando type, but her dreams of
stardom end in the very real relationship with
Flip’s alter ego, the prosaic Michael L. Brown.
The only continuity is provided by the Snake/
Balladeer/Narrator who appears in each section.
Notes: The original opened on Broadway in
October 1966 and ran for 463 performances
with Barbara Harris and Alan Alda. It had a
significant revival in 2006 with Kirsten
Chenoweth. This current production, the second
in the UK, had different actresses for each role,
and accordingly lacked some impact. However,
it was generally agreed to be well staged and
well performed with a praiseworthy four-piece
band.
Original London production: Landor, 2002
Rosie Glossop & Luke Wilson
2014
35
London run: Union, August 19th – 30th
Music: Brad Alexander
Book & Lyrics: Adam Mathias
Director: Graham Hubbard
Musical Director: Matt Ramplin
Cast: Alex Lodge (Jess), Nancy Sullivan (Dodi),
Joshua LeClair (Evan), Georgia Permutt (Lauren),
Neil Stewart (Grampy), Richard Dawes, Laurel Dougall,
Barney Glover, Ricky Johnston, Kris Marc-Joseph,
Kathleen Larken, Sinead Wall, Rebecca Withers.
Songs: Rock City, I Can Tell, Mile After Mile, We Are Not Alone, All There is to Say, Grampy’s Song, Three
Fair Queens, Here, Q Train to Coney Island, Dark Ride, Niagara Fall the Tour, What am I Afraid Of?, Some
People Do.
Story: This is a collection of individual stories taking place at various tourist destinations in America . Jess, a
wanderer, believes his destiny is written on rooftops along the North Carolina Interstate and is joined by Dodi, a
bored waitress. A young man, Evan, yearns to connect with intelligent life in Roswell, New Mexico. Lauren, a
woman at the Alamo steps out of the shadow of her grandparents' idealized romance to take a chance on love.
Three estranged sisters cruise to Glacier Bay to scatter their father's ashes. Two high school boys face
unexpected fears in the Coney Island Spook House. A terrified bride-to-be ponders taking the leap... over
Niagara Falls. The stories are linked in such a way as to create a portrait of Americans overcoming their fears,
acknowledging their expectation and connecting with their fellow travellers.
Notes: The show premiered Off-Broadway in 2010, and was a runaway success, earning six Drama Desk
nominations and winning the Award for Outstanding Book, as well as the Richard Rodgers and Jerry Bock
Awards for outstanding musical achievement. The reaction from London critics was not quite so enthusiastic,
but it was generally held to be “a bitty but enjoyable trip” in a simple but effective production.
THE BODYGUARD (Closing performance)
London run: Adelphi, December 5th 2012 - August 29th 2014
Music & Lyrics: Various
Book: Alex Dinelaris
Original Screenplay: Lawrence Kasdan
Director: Thea Sharrock
Choreographer: Arthur Pita
Musical Director: Richard Beadle
Producer: Michael Harrison & David Ian
Cast: Alexandra Burke (Rachel Marron), Tristan Gemmill (Frank Farmer), Ray Shell (Bill Devaney),
Nicolas Colicos (Tony Scipelli), Debbie Kurup (Nikki Marron), Mark Letheren (The Stalker),
Mark McKeraccher (Herb Farmer), Dean Chapman, David Page, Oliver le Sueur, Luis Buddy,
Caius Duncombe, Jaydon Fowora Knight, Kwame Kandekore,
Notes: The show began previews on November 6th 2012, and opened to mixed reviews on December 5th with
Heather Headley as Rachel, Lloyd Owen as Frank Farmer and Debbie Kurup as Nicki. Despite the reviews the
advance sales quickly rose to £4m and the run was extended. Heather Headley left the cast in August 2013,
with her alternate Gloria Onitiri playing the role temporarily until September. The role was then played by
Beverley Knight (until June 2014) and by Alexandra Burke for the remainder of the run. Tristan Gemmill took
over as Frank from September 2013.
The show closed on August 29th 2014, having come to the end of its contract with the theatre. For a while it was
thought it would transfer to the Aldwych, but, with 350 fewer seats, that venue was felt to be financially
unviable. Plans were announced for a major UK touring version to open early in 2015.
Photo by Claire Bilyard
SEE ROCK CITY & OTHER
DESTINATIONS
2014
36
TESS OF THE D’URBERVILLES
London run: New Wimbledon Studio Theatre , September 2nd – 27th
Music & Lyrics: Alex Loveless
Director: Chris Loveless
Choreographer: Lucy Cullingford
Musical Director: Christopher Ash
Photo by Michael Brydon
Cast: Jessica Daley (Tess),
Nick Hayes (Angel Clare),
Martin Neely (Alec D’Urberville),
Luka Bjelis, Catherine Digges,
Marc Geoffrey, Emma Harold,
Sarah Kate Howarth, Guy Hughes,
Jessica Millward, Alex Wingfield
Jessica Daley & Nick Hayes
Notes: Based on Thomas Hardy’s 1892
novel , this was performed with a fixed
two-man band, and with most of the
company members performing as actormusicians. It was thought to be somewhat
over-blown in its attempt to tell so much
of the original Thomas Hardy story, and
occasionally became confused and
relentless in its forward drive.
THE DREAMING
London run: Union Theatre, September 3rd – 27th
Music: Howard Goodall
Book & Lyrics: Charles Hart
Director: Paul Clarkson
Choreographer: Helen Rymer
Musical Director: David Griffiths
Cast: Alastair Hill (Alexander), Holly Julier (Charlotte) , Joshua Tonks (David), Rachel Flynn (Jennifer),
Simon Murphy (Jack/Puck), Daisy Tonge (Fairy Queen Sylvia), Christopher Hancock (Fairy King Angel),
Michael Chance (Plum, the Vicar), Michael Burgen (Cheek), Richard Brindley (Julian),
Kayleigh McKnight (Henrietta), Alex Green (Bob), David Breed (Grub), Christina Harris (Aphra),
Faye Charlotte Ainley, Hannah Jay Allen, Joel Burman, Hollie Evans, Jordan Ginger, Matthew Jay Ryan.
Notes:
This was the professional London
premiere of a musical originally written for the
National Youth Music Theatre in 2001. The fresh
take on Shakespeare’s “Midsummer Night’s
Dream” was regarded as a delight, and there was
much enthusiasm for Howard Goodall’s score.
With a large cast of 20 and a four-piece band, this
was a hit with the critics and audience alike.
Photo by Darren Bell
Story: In the idyllic, pre-First World War English countryside, Alexander and Charlotte (Lysander and
Hermia)
are pursued into the woods
by
Charlotte’s fiancé, David, and by David’s former
fiancée, Jennifer (Demetrius and Helena). They
are given the magic potion by Jack (Puck), and
get involved with the equivalents of Titania and
Oberon as well as a full set of “mechanicals” - the
local vicar and a troupe of mummers headed by
Cheek (Bottom),- who are rehearsing a pageant
about St George,
2014
THE RETURN OF THE SOLDIER
37
London run: Jermyn Street, September 2nd—20th
Music: Charles Miller
Book & Lyrics: Tim Sanders
Director: Charlotte Westenra
Musical Director: Simon Lambert
Cast: Stewart Clarke (Capt. Christopher Baldry),
Laura Pitt-Pulford (Margaret Grey),
Zoe Rainey (Kitty Baldry),
Charlie Langham (Jenny Baldry),
Michael Matus (William Grey/Dr Anderson).
Songs: Am I What You Are to Me?, This is Not the Right
Time
Story: Based on the Rebecca West’s 1918 novel, this is the
story of the aristocratic Captain Christopher Baldry who
returns from the war with his memory shattered by shell-shock. He has no recollection of his wife, Kitty, nor of
the tragedy that blighted their marriage. He does remember Margaret, the lower-class barmaid with whom he
had a passionate affair many years earlier – but she is now married to the kind but unexciting William. And
there is Jenny, his childhood cousin and playmate who tries to help him confront the traumas sustained through
the stress of warfare. In the end, only an extraordinary sacrifice will restore a fragile status quo.
Notes: This “intimate new chamber musical” was created to mark the centenary of the First World War, and,
with a cast of five, was promoted as “an eloquent treatise on the nature of love, truth, memory and
loss.” (Charles Miller is the composer of the successful “When Midnight Strikes”, and Tim Sanders is an
experienced writer for radio and television.) The work had been given a rehearsed reading at the Landor in
February.
However, the general critical reception was luke-warm. It was felt to be cloying, emotionally overwrought and
“more like soap opera than human tragedy” (Time Out). The jaunty ragtime number sung by the psychoanalyst
Dr Anderson and intended to emphasise the grotesque aim of “curing” traumatised soldiers, was almost
unanimously rejected as a crude misfiring mistake, though much of the rest of the score was praised.
London run: King’s Head,
September 7th, 14th, & 21st
Music: Spyros Syrmos
Librettist: Fay Wrixon
Director: Lucy Bradley
Musical Director: Chad Kelly
Cast: Melanie Sander (Lucy),
Edward Hughes (Gio),
Edmund Hastings (Peter)
Story: The artist, Lucy, has been
diagnosed with Charles Bonnet
Syndrome, and is gradually losing her
sight. As she tries to come to terms with
this, she reflects on her life – in flashback with her lover, Peter, an engineer who died a year ago, and with Gio,
her agent and advisor.
Notes: The work had earlier won an award for new writing, and was scored for piano, flute and vibraphone.
The score was generally thought to be uncompromising and somewhat at odds with the flow of the narrative,
and its operatic nature sometimes emphasised a lack of true characterisation. However, it was felt to be very
well performed, and a work of some potential. It was given three Sunday night try-out performances at the
King’s Head.
Photo by Laura Marie Linck
THE BLANK CANVAS
2014
38
ANNIE GET YOUR GUN (5th Revival)
London run: New Wimbledon Theatre, September 9th – 13th
Music & Lyrics: Irving Berlin
Book: Herbert & Dorothy Fields
Director: Ian Talbot
Choreographer: Lizzi Gee
Musical director: Stephen Ridley
Producers: Ambassador Theatre Group, Tulchin/Bartner Productions
Cast : Jason Donovan (Frank Butler) , Emma Williams (Annie Oakley),
Norman Pace (Buffalo Bill), Yiftach Mizrahi (Tommy), Lorna Want (Winnie),
Kara Lane (Dolly), William Oxborrow (Charlie), Dermot Canavan,
Katie-Marie Carter, Ed Currie, Matthew Dale, Natalie Day, Flo Fields,
Sarah Galbraith, Jonny Godbold , Ste Clough, Hannah Grace.
(Jonathan Wilkes played Frank Butler on two of the weeks when Jason Donovan
was unavailable)
Notes: This unostentatious touring production was accompanied by an on-stage nine-piece band. It was generally
well received, with special praise for Emma Williams and a somewhat muted reception for Jason Donovan. It had
opened in May at the Manchester Opera House, and abruptly ended with this Wimbledon week. It had been
announced to follow Wimbledon with Aberdeen and then Torquay, but the last two weeks were cancelled. No
reason was given.
Original production: Coliseum, June 1947
First revival: Aldwych Theatre, July 1986; Second revival: Prince of Wales, Nov 1992
Third revival: Union, Jan 2008; Fourth revival: Young Vic, Oct 2009
SWEENEY TODD (10th Revival)
London run: Twickenham Theatre, September 10th – Oct 4th
Music & Lyrics: Stephen Sondheim
Book: Hugh Wheeler
Director: Derek Anderson
Musical Director: Benjamin Holder
Cast: David Bedella (Sweeney Todd), Sarah Ingram (Mrs Lovett),
Josh Tevendale (Anthony), Mark McKerracher (Judge Turpin),
Genevieve Kingsford (Johanna), Mikaela Newton (Tobias),
Shaun Chamers (Pirelli), Zoe Curlett (Beggar Woman), Chris Coleman (Beadle)
Notes: Performed with a cast of nine and a four-piece band, this was the opening show
in a new fringe-venue on top of the London Road pub in Twickenham. It was a directing
debut for Derek Anderson, with, unusually for a fringe venue, two leading West End names in the main roles. This
very-much scaled down production came in for universal praise, especially for David Bedella and Sarah Ingram.
See Original London production:
Drury Lane Theatre, July 1980
1st revival: Half Moon Theatre, May 1985;
2nd revival: Cottesloe June /Lyttleton Dec 1993
3rd revival: Holland Park, June 1996;
4th revival: Sadler’s Wells, June 2002
5th revival: Royal Opera House, Dec 2003;
6th revival: Trafalgar Studios July 2004
7th revival: Royal Festival Hall, July 2007;
8th revival: Union, November, 2008
9th revival: Adelphi, March 2012
Photo by Darren Bell
However, despite plans for a number of shows to follow,
within days of “Sweeney Todd” closing, the theatre
company was given notice to leave almost immediately.
This was because the pub had been sold and the new
landlords did not want a theatre as part of their plans.
2014
39
FEELGOOD ACADEMY
London run: Stratford Circus, September 12th-13th
Music & Lyrics: Penny Lane & Glenn Keiles
Book: Steve Jones
Director-Choreographer: Owen Smith
Musical Director: Fiz Shapur
Cast: Ashley Knight (Mr Feelgood), Heather Jackson (Felicity Feelgood),
Jodi Steel (Lucy), Faye Ellen (Amanda), Nicholas Denton (Mr Sharp),
Joshua Lewindon (Jason), Lynsey Simon (Bella Derrydown-Webb),
Georgia Bradwell, Gemma Eves, Chris Kayson, Lauren Newton,
Gia Lodge O’Meally, Jocelyn Prah, Charles Ames, Edward Crann, Rhys Owens
Story: Lucy and Amanda are students at the Feelgood Academy of Performing Arts, and both are auditioning
for a major TV reality show with a guaranteed West End role as the prize. Lucy is arrogant and self-assured.
Amanda is good-hearted but full of self-doubt. She is also the daughter of the Academy’s owners, Mr & Mrs
Feelgood. The Feelgoods desperately need one of these girls to win - the publicity will save the almost
bankrupt school. Family loyalty versus financial need? Pushy self-confidence versus crippling self-doubt?
And it turns out the final decision will be made by famous impresario Bella Derrydown-Webb, who has some
unpleasant history with Felicity.
Notes: This was a fully staged try-out for a new musical and was produced with a considerable budget and
high production values. In the first half of the show the musical numbers tended to be “real” songs and dances
being rehearsed at the school, and sat uncomfortably alongside the songs which were performed as interior
monologues of the characters. As the characters developed, the format of the show changed, and certainly
became of more interest. This was felt to be a promising work in progress, though in need of some reconstruction.
THE LIBERATION OF
COLETTE SIMPLE
Photo by Tristram Kenton
London run: Jackson’s Lane,
September 16th – October 4th
Music: Vincent Guibert
Lyrics: Amy Rosenthal, Robert Holman,
Honeysuckle Weeks, Adam Meggido,
Desmond O’Connor, Adam Byron,
Matt Peover and Charlie Dupré
Director: Matt Peover
Musical Director: Vincent Guibert
Cast: Nathalie Carrington, Gary Tushaw
Nathalie Carrington & Gary Tushaw
Story: Colette Simple lives happily in her
gossipy little town, taking care of her humble store and beloved pet canary. But one morning she awakes to
find her precious garden of petunias has been deliberately trampled, and, what’s more, the young culprit leads
her towards a completely new world of magic where canaries transform into cops and back again and strange
visitors cough up petunia petals.
Notes: This experimental blend of cabaret and music theatre was based on the early Tennessee Williams’ play
“The Case of the Crushed Petunias”. Eight different writers were invited to provide lyrics interpreting
Williams’ distinctive style and these were scored by Vincent Guibert, (described as “a 21st Century Kurt
Weill”). The resultant piece, a kind of staged song-cycle, with a cast of two and a five-piece band told the
story through a witty mix of musical ballads, 1940s swing, rock, and even rap. The piece lasted one hour and
had been given in a concert-version try-out at the St James Theatre on May 22nd as part of the London Festival
of Cabaret. The original performers were Nathalie Carrington and Adam Byron. In this staged version the
performers were Nathalie Carrington as Colette and Gary Tushaw playing everyone else (Canary, Policeman,
Mrs Bland and the Young Man). The critical reaction was enthusiastic, regarding it as a delightful experiment
and an impressive first work.
2014
40
OUT OF THE LENS
London run: Waterloo East, September 16th – 20th
Music: David Kingsmill & Nicholas Chave
Book & Lyrics: David Kingsmill
Director: Sarah Redmond
Musical Director: Nicholas Chave
Cast: Andrew Walker (Ryan), Guy Woolf (Joseph)
Songs: Sitting in a Tea Shop, Pictures in the Park, The Perfect Muse, Softer
Softer, What Happened?. Just Another Man, Not Where I Started, The Perfect
Friend
Story: Joseph is an MA Photography student with assignments due and no idea what to do. Ryan, a mischievous,
homosexual dilettante living off his parents’ money, appears in Joseph’s life, and offers his services as a model.
Are his motives truly altruistic? Joseph welcomes someone who can broaden his world view until Ryan gets a
little too personal. The bonds of friendship are stretched, but evolve into something surprising, believable and
warm-hearted.
Notes : At the outset it looked as if this would be a predictable and camp piece of gay musical theatre, but along
the way the phrase “out of the lens” developed into a metaphor for both coming out and being yourself. It was
described as “sunny stuff with a lot of heart and humour” . With two performers and piano accompaniment, and
a running-time of just over an hour, the general reaction was praise for a delightful and intelligent book and
catchy score. The show had previewed at the Matcham Room in the Hippodrome Casino before a short run at the
Edinburgh Fringe. Its brief showcase at Waterloo East suggested its young composers were worth watching in
the future.
EVITA (3rd Revival)
London run: Dominion, Sept 16th – Nov 1st (55 perfs) Limited run
Music: Andrew Lloyd Webber
Lyrics: Tim Rice
Director: Bill Kenwright & Bob Thomson
Choreographer: Bill Deamer
Musical Director: Matthew Loughran
Producer: Bill Kenwright
Cast: Marti Pellow (Che), Madalena Alberto (Evita), Ben Forster (Magaldi), Matthew Cammelle (Peron) ,
Sarah McNicholas (Mistress), David Burilin, Joe Maxwell, Callum Fitzgerald, Michelle Pentecost
Original London
Production: Prince Edward
Theatre,
June 1978
Photo by Roy Tan
Notes: With a cast of 30 this was one of the largest UK touring companies, with an excellent set, high production
values, and some excellent choreography. There was a lot of praise for the Portuguese actress Madalena Alberto
as Eva and for Sarah
McNicholas.
The pop
singer Marti Pellow
received very mixed
notices. Several critics felt
that what was an impressive
production on tour seemed
slightly “out of its depth in
the merciless acreage of the
Dominion”.
However,
most welcomed the chance
to revisit “some of Lloyd
Webber’s most exquisite
music” (D. Telegraph)
2014
41
HERE LIES LOVE
London run: Dorfman (formerly Cottesloe),
September 30th – Jan 8th 2015
Music, Lyrics, Book: David Byrne & Fatboy Slim
Additional Music: Tom Gandey & Jose Luis Pardo
Director: Alex Timbers
Choreographer: Annie-B Parson
Musical Director: Theo Jamieson
Cast: Natalie Mendoza (Imelda Marcos),
Mark Bautista (Ferdinand Marcos),
Dean John-Wilson (Ninoy Aquino),
Gia Macuja Atchison (Estrella Cumpass),
Martin Sarreal, Frances Mayli McCann, Li-Tong Hsu,
Christopher Ching
Story: This is a biographical musical about Imelda Marcos, the
woman behind the corrupt regime in the Philippines – a regime that was deposed in 1986 by a People Power
Revolution. The principal characters include the manipulative Imelda; her philandering husband, Ferdinand;
her former lover , Ninoy Aquino who has now become a staunch enemy; and Estrella Cumpas, her former
maid and one-time best friend.
Notes: By coincidence this show, which opened the newly re-designed Cottesloe Theatre, was staged in
London at the same time as a revival of “Evita” – and both shows were about “monstrous” women at the heart
of autocratic and despotic regimes. However, unlike the “operatic” Evita, Imelda’s story was told in a
“promenade” style with some of the audience wandering around a dance-floor, and encouraged by a D.J. to
participate in the nightclub activities. Here Lies Love” was originally conceived as a song-cycle collaboration
between David Byrne and Fatboy Slim (Norman Cook) and first performed in Australia at the Adelaide
Festival of Arts in March 2006. In February 2007 a revised version was performed in concert at the Carnegie
Hall in New York, and after further revisions and delays a concept album was released in April 2010. The
album was adapted into a stage musical and premiered at the Public Theater in New York City in 2013. Staged
as an “audience interactive” show it was acclaimed and went on to win several awards. The London
production was equally acclaimed for its “astonishing and bold” production which involved and implicated the
audience in its action.
LOVE STORY (2nd Revival)
Cast: Victoria Serra (Jenny Cavilleri),
David Albury (Oliver Barrett IV),
Neil Stewart (Phil Cavilleri),
Seamus Newham (Oliver Barrett III),
Deborah Poplett, Tanya Truman
Notes: This was the third outing of the chamber musical
version of the classic weepy film, and, yet again, the reaction
of the critics was very luke-warm. It was presented as part of
a season of Howard Goodall musicals at the Union Theatre.
However, it was generally felt that the more intimate the production venue, the more the inherent flaws in the
book are magnified.
Original London run: Duchess Theatre, December 2010
1st Revival: Brockley Jack Studio, October 2013
Photo by Darren Bell
London run: Union Theatre, October 1st – 25th
Music: Howard Goodall
Book & Lyrics: Stephen Clark & Howard Goodall
Director: Sasha Regan
Choreographer: Lucie Pankhurst
Musical Director: Inga Davis-Rutter
2014
42
LOVE BEYOND
London run: SSE Arena, Wembley , October 1st & 2nd
Music, Book & Lyrics: Richard Haley & Tabitha Webb
Director: Tabitha Webb
Choreographer: Annette Aubrey-Bradshaw
Musical Director: Stuart Morley
Cast: Dave Willetts (Father God),
Clyde Melville-Bain (Holy Spirit), Paul Ayres (Jesus),
Peri Olufunwa (Satan), Dougie Carter (Adam),
Natalie Lipin (Eve), Holly-Anna Lloyd (Mary), Joe Evans (Joseph), Constantine Andronikou (Zaccheus),
J. Marie Cooper (Mary Magdalene), Kevin Jones (Saul), Kathryn Aiken, Irene Alano, Rosemary Annabella,
Piers Bate, Joseph Claus, Jamie Cloutier, Sheri Copeland, Kimberley Davis, Sarah Hooper, Benjamin Isaacs,
Matt Kane, Jessica Louise Parkinson, Simeon Oakes, Hannah Prentice, Matthew Rutherford, Sarah Seaman,
Luke Simnett, Darren Street.
Story: The show presented an overview of the Old and New Testaments, focusing on the themes of love,
doubt and faith, and connecting the Biblical stories with modern day human experience.The first part deals with
the Creation, Adam and Eve and Jesus’ coming. The second part follows Jesus to his crucifixion, his ascension
and the hope for the future. It is unashamedly religious in content but not in a proselytizing fashion, more as a
character-filled narrative.
Notes: This was a spectacular epic, a mainstream arena show with a cast of 29 and an 18-piece rock band and
orchestra. It played to 4,000 people on each of its two night run, intended as a try-out for an international arena
tour. Although definitely intended as a religious show affirming a Christian message, its production values,
spectacular effects and wide range of musical styles were intended to appeal to a much wider audience of faiths
and even non-faiths.
DAMN YANKEES (3rd Revival)
London run: Landor, October 1st – November 8th
Music & Lyrics: Richard Adler & Jerry Ross
Book: George Abbott & Douglass Wallop
Director: Robert McWhir
Choreographer: Robbie O’Reilly
Musical Director: Michael Webborn
Cast: Jonathan D. Ellis (Mr Applegate), Poppy Tierney (Lola), Alex Lodge (Joe Hardy),
Gary Bland (Joe Boyd) , Tony Stansfield (Van Buren), Nova Skipp, Douglas Fanning, Barnaby Hughes,
Joel Burman, Sam Stones, Kiel Payton, Ben Sell, Sam Lathwood, Emily Wigley, Kayleigh Thadani,
Christopher Tendai, Elizabeth Futter, Sophie May Whitfield, Samson Ajewole, Leah Pinney.
Photo by Roy Tan
Notes: This was the second London
fringe production within a few months.
It was praised for its enthusiasm and
energy, but, with 20 in the cast, was
felt to be too big a show and too
cramped for a small fringe venue.
Original London production:
Coliseum, March 1957
1st revival : Adelphi, June 1997
2nd revival: Brockley Jack, April 2014
Douglas Fanning, Barnaby Hughes,
Joel Burman, Kiel Payton, Alex Lodge
2014
43
ALTAR BOYS
London run: Greenwich Theatre, October 3rd – 18th
Music & lyrics: Gary Adler & Michael Patrick Walker
Book: Kevin Del Aguila
(based on an idea by Marc Kessler & Ken Davenport)
Director: Steven Dexter
Choreographer: Ewan Jones
Musical Director: Mark Crossland
Cast: Liam Doyle (Matthew), Jonny Fines (Mark), JamieRay Hartshorne (Luke), Faisal Khodabukus (Juan), Alex
Jordan-Mills (Abraham) (Recorded Voiceover: Tony Blackburn)
Songs: We Are the Altar Boyz, Rhythm in Me, Church Rulez, The Calling, The Miracle Song, Everybody Fits,
Body Mind and Soul, La Vida Eternal, Epiphany, Number 918, I Believe, Girl You Make Me Wanna Wait, Jesus
Called Me On My Cell Phone.
Story: The story is presented in real time as the final concert of the national "Raise the Praise" tour staged by the
five-member Christian boy band, the Altar Boyz. Four of the members, Matthew, Mark, Luke and Juan, are named
after the Apostles, though the fifth member, Abraham, is Jewish. As they perform their concert much is revealed
about the origins of the group and the strengths and weaknesses of the individual boys.
During the show, the Altar Boyz repeatedly use their special "Soul Sensor DX-12,"
machine, which displays the number of burdened souls in the audience. The boys aim to
reduce the number on the machine to zero by the end of the concert.
Notes: This is a send-up of the predominance of boy-bands and of the use of show
business to promote Christianity in contemporary America. It opened off-Broadway in
March 2005 and ran until January 2010 playing a phenomenal 2,048 performances and
winning several awards. Playing 90 minutes without an interval, for some critics it was a
relentless collection of songs with some dialogue in between; for others it was a glorious
parody of American evangelism. However, almost everyone agreed it was superbly
performed by an outstandingly talented cast, whose energy and personality made for a
great evening’s entertainment even if the work itself lacked substance.
FREE AS AIR (1st Revival)
London run: Finborough, October 5h - 21st
Music: Julian Slade
Book and lyrics: Julian Slade and Dorothy Reynolds
Director – Choreographer: Stewart Nicholls
Musical Director: Ben Stock
Cast: Charlotte Baptie (Geraldine Melford), Daniel Cane (Albert Postumous), Richard Gibson (Lord Postumous),
Josh Little (Jack Amersham), Ruth Betteridge (Molly), Jane Quinn (Ivy Crush), Ted Merwood (Mr Potter),
Joanna Munro (Miss Catermole), Ian Belsey (Mr Mutch), Anna Brook-Mitchell, James Dangerfield,
Amy Hamlen,
Anthony Harris, Eimear Phelan-O’Riordan, Simon
Pontin, Robert Sharpe, Sophie Simms
Photo by Marilyn Kingwill
Songs and Story: (See 1957 entry)
Notes: This first revival, fifty-seven years on,
confirmed that the piece was hopelessly dated.
“Dramatically it’s a dud. Musically it’s got some
charm. . . efficient but terminally drippy”” (Times).
It was also felt to be somewhat cramped in its
staging, though its musical qualities and the
standard of singing made it a pleasant experience.
Josh Little & Ruth Betteridge
2014
44
INTO THE WOODS (5th Revival)
Cast: Robert Oliver (Narrator),
Helena Raeburn (Witch),
Hugh O’Donnell (Jack),
Sarah Waddell (Jack’s Mother),
Emma Ralston (Red Riding Hood),
Paul Hutton (Baker), Jo Wickham (Baker’s Wife),
Annie Kirkman (Cinderella), Emma Devlin (Rapunzel)
Josh Pugh (Cinderella’s Prince/Wolf),
Tim Phelps (Rapunzel’s Prince),
Josh Pugh as Cinderella’s Prince
Lydia Jenkins (Lucinda), Macey Cherrett (Florinda),
Billy Boyle (Mysterious Man), Joshua Coley (Steward).
Claire Hawkins (Cinderella’s Stepmother) Stuart Murray (Mysterious Man), Christina Thornton (Cinderella’s
Mother / Granny/ Giant)
Notes: With 17 in the cast and a band of five players, this production “updated” the characters into reality TV
stereotypes: Cinderella’s sisters from TOWIE, Princes from “Made in Chelsea”, Rapuzel as a cokehead, her
mother as a tetchy pensioner with a shopping trolley, and a Gorbals tenement family for Jack and his “thongwearing-had-him-at-14-now–on-the-social” mother. The central characters of the Baker and his wife were more
“normal” and therefore emphatically at the heart of the story.
Generally there was admiration for the musical interpretation, the inventive production and the overall
achievement, but a number of critics felt that the predominantly youthful cast gave the impression of a “stunningly
good student production” and certain depths in the production were missed.
Original London Production: Phoenix Theatre, September 1990
First Revival: Donmar Warehouse, November 1998;
Second revival: Linbury Studio, Royal Opera House, June 2007
Third revival: Upstairs at the Gatehouse, December 2008
Fourth revival: Open Air, Regent’s Park, August 2010
MEMPHIS
London run: Shaftesbury, October 9th
Photo by Johan Persson
Photo by David Ovenden
London run: Ye Olde Rose & Crown,
Walthamstow: October 7th – 31st
Music & Lyrics: Stephen Sondheim
Book: James Lapine
Director: Tim McArthur
Musical Director: Aaron Clingham
Killian Donnelly & Beverley Knight
2014
45
MEMPHIS
London run: Shaftesbury, October 9th
Music & Lyrics: David Bryan
Book: Joe DiPetrio
Director: Christopher Ashley
Choreographer: Sergio Trujillo
Musical Director: Tim Sutton
Cast: Beverley Knight (Felicia) , Killian Donnelly (Huey) , Rolan Bell (Delray),
Tyrone Huntley (Gator), Claire Machin (Gladys), Jason Pennycooke (Bobby),
Mark Roper (Mr Simmons) , and an ensemble of 23.
Songs: Underground, The Music of My Soul, Scratch My Itch, It Ain’t Nothin’
But a Kiss, Ev’rybody Wants to be Black on a Saturday Night, She’s My Sister, Crazy Little Big Love, Tear
Down the House, Change Don’t Comer Easy, Memphis Lives in Me, Steal Your Rock and Roll
Story: Huey Calhoun is a poor white guy, working as a radio DJ, who charms his way into one of the Beale
Street clubs in 1950s Memphis, and is totally caught up in the “new” rhythm and blues music, especially as
performed by the club’s leading black singer, Felicia Farrel, with whom he falls head over heels in love. On
the radio he replaces the usual bland pop music with the exciting R&B sound and his success enables him to
break into TV. But Tennessee’s segregation laws not only force him to replace his black dancers with white
ones on the TV show, but also destroy his relationship with Felicia, who must choose between her love for
Huey and her future career.
Notes: The story was loosely based on real-life Dewey Phillips, one of the earliest white DJs to promote black
music in the 1950s. The Broadway production opened in September 2009 following a series of try-outs which
began in Massachusetts as early as 2003, and further refinements in California, San Diego and Seattle through
the intervening years. It won four Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and ran for 30 previews and 1,165
official performances, closing in August 2012.
The London production began previews on October 9th and officially opened on October 23rd to considerable
critical acclaim, though several reviewers felt it was a bit perfunctory and sanitised in its story. However, the
performance of Beverley Knight was universally hailed, Killian Donnelly was praised for his “Sinatra like
tones”, and the production and especially the choreography were described as “dazzling”. Within a few weeks
the booking period was extended, and tickets were being offered for sale up to October 2015.
JACQUES BREL IS ALIVE AND WELL
AND LIVING IN PARIS (2nd Revival)
London run: Charing Cross Theatre : October 16th – Nov 22nd
Music & Lyrics: Jacques Brel
Book & English lyrics: Eric Blau & Mort Schuman
Director: Andrew Keates
Choreographer: Sam Spencer Lane
Musical Director: Dean Austin
Cast: Gina Beck, Daniel Boys, David Burt, Eve Polycarpou
The original London production was at the Canal Café in 1994 with
a cast of Michael Cahill, Alison Egan, Liz Greenaway and Stuart
Pendred. It had a limited run from September 7th – 25th that year. It
was revived with the same cast the following year, playing the King’s
Head from May 17th – June 4th 1995.
Photo by Scott Rylander
Notes: The show consists of some 25 songs by the Belgian
songwriter Jacques Brel (who died in 1978) performed with a cast
of two men and two women and a band of five musicians in a
cabaret setting. Not strictly a musical, this is more a revue, cabaret,
tribute and celebration all rolled into one, and was first performed
off-Broadway in January 1968, where it ran for more than four
years.
David Burt, Eve Polycarpou,
Gina Beck & Daniel Boys
2014
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THE INFIDEL – THE MUSICAL
Photo by Robert Day
London run: Stratford Theatre Royal, Oct 15th – Nov 2nd
Music: Erran Baron Cohen
Book & Lyrics: David Baddiel
Additional material: Arvind Ethan David
Director: David Baddiel & Kerry Michael
Choreographer: Liam Steel
Musical Director: Matt Smith
Cast: Alexander Andreou (Arshad), Andrew Paul
(Lenny), Gary Wood (Rashid), Kev Orkian (Mahmoud),
Melanie Marshal (Muna), Melanie Masson (Mrs Keyes),
Mina Anwar (Saamiyah), Siobhan Athwal (Ji-Ji),
Steven Serlin (Rabbi)
Story: Mahmoud, a moderate, taxi-driving Muslim,
accidentally discovers he was adopted, and his real
parents were Jewish. Through a fellow-cabbie, the
Jewish Lenny, Mahmoud learns that his real father is a sick man, but in order to meet him, Mahmoud has to
prove his Jewishness to a closed-shop Rabbi. And at the same time Mahmoud needs to get approval for the
marriage of his son, Rasheed, to Ji-Ji, whose father, Arshad, is a ranting Islamic bigot. Thus Mahmoud has to
prove he’s also a “proper” Muslim.
Steven Serlin, Alexander Andreou, & Andrew Paul
Notes: Based on the 2010 film directed by Josh Appignanesi, this is a satire along the lines of “Book of
Mormon”. The songs include lines like “I’ll have a pint of cider/ Please don’t tell al-Quaeda!” and “I’m a
Muslim, don’t despair / I haven’t got a bomb in my underwear!”, and deal with subjects like circumcision (“Less
is More”) and the sexiness of the burqa. Although it was generally accepted as a well-intentioned, heart-warming
and upbeat entertainment, several critics pointed to its lazy writing, relying too heavily on racial stereotypes, and,
at not far short of three hours running time, over-long. “Maybe not Book of Mormon. . . more a distant English
cousin, Carry on Koran” (Eve. Standard.)
THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS (transfer)
London run: Garrick Theatre. October 20th
Music: John Kander
Lyrics: Fred Ebb & John Kander
Book: David Thompson
Director-Choreographer: Susan Stroman
Musical Director: Robert Scott
Photo by Alastair Muir
Cast: Julian Glover (Interlocutor), Brandon Victor Dixon (Haywood),
Dawn Hope (Rosa Parkes), James T. Lane (Ruby Bates), Colman Domingo (Mr Bones),
Forrest McClendon (Mr Tambo/ Leibowitz), Keenan Munn-Francis (Eugene),
Dex Lee (Victoria Price), Emmanuel Kojo, Emile Ruddock, Joshua Da Costa, Carl
Spencer, Rohan Pinnock-Hamilton.
Notes: The original London premiere was staged at
the Young Vic in October 2013 and played a limited
season until December 21st. Eight members of the
original cast were available for this transfer: Colman
Domingo, Forrest McClendon, James T. Lane, Julian
Glover, Dawn Hope, Rohan Pinnock-Hamilton, Carl
Spencer, Emile Ruddock. It received excellent notices
and won the Evening Standard Best Musical 2014
Award.
Original production: Young Vic, October 2013
Forrest McClendon & Colman Domingo
2014
47
London run: Harrington’s Pie & Mash Shop,
Tooting, Oct 21st - Nov 29th
Music & Lyrics: Stephen Sondheim
Book: Hugh Wheeler
Director: Bill Buckhurst
Choreographer: D
Musical Director: Ben Cox
Producer: Rachel Edwards for Tooting Arts Club
Cast: Jeremy Secomb (Sweeney Todd),
Siobhan McCarthy (Mrs Lovett),
Nadim Naaman (Anthony),
Duncan Smith (Judge Turpin),
Grace Chapman (Johanna),
Joseph Taylor (Tobias), Kiara Jay (Pirelli/ Beggar Woman), Ian Mowat (Beadle).
Notes: This “venue-specific” production, with a cast of just eight people, took place in the century old working
pie and mash shop, with seating for just 32 people at four large tables. (The box office and bar were located in a
real-life barber’s shop across the road.) The performances took place on tables, counters, the stairs and
sometimes on top of the audience themselves, and the lighting made use of candles and lanterns. This was a
“rare, thrilling and exceptionally entertaining Sweeney” (Time Out), “an evening that’s both chilling and
exhilarating” (Eve. Standard). There was high praise for all the cast.
See Original London production: Drury Lane Theatre, July 1980
1st revival: Half Moon Theatre, May 1985; 2nd revival: Cottesloe June /Lyttleton Dec 1993
3rd revival: Holland Park, June 1996; 4th revival: Sadler’s Wells, June 2002
5th revival: Royal Opera House, Dec 2003; 6th revival: Trafalgar Studios July 2004
7th revival: Royal Festival Hall, July 2007; 8th revival: Union, November, 2008
th
9 revival: Adelphi, March 2012; 10th revival Twickenham New Theatre September 2014
GIRLFRIENDS (2nd Revival)
London run: Union Theatre, October 31st – November 22nd
Music & Lyrics : Howard Goodall
Book: Howard Goodall & John Rettalack
Director: Bronagh Logan
Choreographer: Iona Holland
Musical Director: Freddie Tapner
Cast: Corinne Priest (Amy), Perry Lambert (Lou), Catriana Sandison
(Jasmine), Catherine Mort (Jane), Sarah Harlington (Sally), Tom Sterling
(Guy), Michael Rees (Gareth), Jessica Hern, Marcia Brown, Katie Shearman,
Amelia Rose-Morgan, Amy Cooke-Hodgson
Notes: This was the third in a mini-retrospective of Howard Goodall’s
musicals , following earlier productions of “The Dreaming “ and “Love
Story”. It was performed with a four-piece band. Although there was praise
for the acting, singing and the obvious talent of the cast, it was generally felt
that it came across as an early work with some redeeming moments but
lacking in plot interest.
Original London production: Playhouse, October 1987
1st Revival: Ye Olde Rose & Crown, June 2011
Photo by Bronwen Sharp
SWEENEY TODD (11th Revival)
2014
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MADE IN DAGENHAM
London run: Adelphi, October 9th—April 11th, 2015
Music: David Arnold
Lyrics: Richard Thomas
Book: Richard Bean
Director: Rupert Goold
Choreographer: Aletta Collins
Musical Director: Tom Deering
Cast: Gemma Arterton (Rita O’Grady), Adrian Der Gregorian (Eddie O’Grady),
Isla Blair (Connie), David Cardy (Monty), Sophie Stanton (Beryl),
Naomi Frederick (Lisa Hopkins), Julius D’Silva (Hopkins), Steve Furst (Tooley),
Mark Hadfield (Harold Wilson), Sophie-Louise Dann (Barbara Castle),
Naana Agyei-Ampadu, Thomas Aldridge, Kate Coysten, Heather Craney,
Kath Duggan, Scott Garnham, Christopher Howell, Sophie Isaacs, Ian Jervis, Paul Kemble, Emma Lindars,
Jo Napthine, Scott Paige, Tracey Penn, Gemma Salter, Gareth Snook, Rachel Spurrell, Emily Squibb,
Karli Vale, Rene Zagger
Songs: Busy Woman, This is What we Want, Union Song, Always a Problem, Sorry I Love You, Everybody
Out, This is America, Storm Clouds Montage, Cortina, In an Ideal World, We Nearly Had it All, Viva
Eastbourne, Stand Up
Photo by Manuel Harlan
Story: Rita O’Grady and her husband Eddie are both employed at the Ford car factory in Dagenham, where
women are automatically paid less than men – even when performing similar jobs. Equal pay for equal work
has long been the aim of firebrand Unionist Connie, sick of years of unfulfilled promises from the
management. Rita is persuaded to take on the fight when a re-grading dispute arises, and she receives support
from her foul-mouthed colleague Beryl, and, surprisingly, from the elegant Lisa Hopkins, wife of the English
boss of the Dagenham factory. Her equal-pay campaign brings her into conflict with Tooley, the big
American boss from the Ford Organisation, and even threatens her marriage to Eddie. It also takes her to
Downing Street, where she comes into contact with Harold Wilson and Barbara Castle and finally to the TUC
conference at Eastbourne, where she makes a rousing speech and wins the day.
Notes: Based on the 2010 film screenplay by William Ivory, this musical version was generally welcomed as
a quirky, big-hearted and, above all, “British” musical. However, most critics remarked on its mish-mash of
styles: it was “gritty” with its heavy use of foul language, but “cheesy” with its “salt-of-the-earth” Eastenders
characters; it was politically committed with its portrait of unfair practices, but surreal in its presentation of a
Charleston-dancing Harold Wilson and a lung-busting diva Barbara Castle. Management and visiting
Americans were all very overdone comedy caricatures, whilst the Union leader was giving a cloying
sentimental lastminute death. Was
this a feel-good
musical
or
overdone political
satire, or muddled
social commentary
lacking heart and a
real
emotional
core?
However,
all agreed it was
superbly designed,
beautifully staged
and
technically
accomplished,
even if, for several
critics, it was full
of good bits that
didn’t add up to
the sum of its
parts.
2014
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APARTMENT 40C
London run: Theatre Workshop, SW6, December 5th – 20th
Music: Tom Lees
Book & Lyrics: Ray Rackham
Director: Ray Rackham
Musical Director: Tom Lees
Cast: Alex Crossley, Alex James Ellison, Peter Gerald, Nova Skipp, Drew
Weston, Lizzie Wofford
Story: This is the story of the ups-and-downs in the relationship of Kathryn and
Edward over a period of thirty years. The couple are portrayed by a different set
of actors in each of the decades, and the story moves from the joys of first love
through the devastating loss of their son to the ultimate sense of loss and regret.
Notes: With a running time of 1hr and 40 mins, this was generally considered to
be an excellent start for the newly-opened London Theatre Workshop, and there was significant praise for the
performers and an especially impressive score.
WHITE CHRISTMAS
London run: Dominion, Nov 8th – Jan 3rd 2015 (Limited run)
Music & Lyrics: Irving Berlin
Book: David Ives, Paul Blake
Director: Morgan Young
Choreographer: Randy Skinner & Helen Rymer
Musical Director: Andrew Corcoran
Cast: Aled Jones (Bob Wallace), Tom Chambers (Phil Davis),
Wendi Peters (Martha Watson), Graham Cole (General Waverley),
Rachel Stanley (Betty), Louise Bowden (Judy), Lori Haley Fox,
Michelle Bishop, Phil Cole, Brendan Cull, Jonathan Halliwell,
Lucinda Lawrence, Vikki-Marie Ryan
Songs: Blue Skies, I Love a Piano, Count Your Blessings, Sisters, How Deep is the Ocean, I’ve Got My Love to
Keep me Warm
Notes: Based on the 1954 Irving Berlin film, the show inspired the range of reviews that was absolutely
anticipated: “tacky as tinsel. . . a big gooey dollop of Christmas kitsch” (Times); “ . . .with the indestructible
songs of Irving Berlin, it’s an
avalanche of festive
goodwill” (Eve. Standard);
“. . . like being force-fed
inferior egg-nog for a
week” (Independent); “With
Jones’s soaring voice and
breezy
charm
and
Chambers’s dynamic
dancing, this is a show that
even Scrooge would
enjoy” (Sunday Express).
Not one for the critics, but a
show that packed out and
delighted the pre-Christmas
audiences.
Photo by Alastair Muir
Story: Ex-army pals Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, who now work as entertainers, decide to spend Christmas at
the Vermont hotel resort run by their old army General, Henry Waverley and ruled over by the concierge,
Martha. Once there, they discover the general is down on his luck and his business is under threat. To raise
some money and put the place on the map they decide to stage a show - right there in the inn – and call on help
from the sister act, Betty and Judy, and all the general’s former soldiers.
2014
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THE REALNESS
London run: Hackney Downs Studio,
Nov 13th – Dec 20th
Music & Lyrics: Kath Gotts
Book: Maureen Chadwick & David Waton
Director: Maggie Norris
Choreographer: Carrie-Anne Ingrouille
Musical Director: Michael Henry
Cast: Ashley Gayle (Jay Johnson),
Jacqui Dubois (Adele, ) Veronique Andre (Shanice),
Dymond Allen (Leroy), Jasmine Jobson (Marie),
Aaron Andrews, Serael Asphall, Mensah Bediako,
KM Drew Boateng, Andrew Brown, , Tyrone Nestor, Kyrae Patterson, Matthew Schmolle
Story: Jay Johnson, a young offender fresh out of prison, is trying to find his way in the world despite the
obstacles put in front of him. Encouraged by his God-fearing, careworn Mum, Adele, and by Shanice, his
tough-minded ex and the mother of his baby, he is determined to stay on the straight and narrow and never go
back inside. But Jay finds himself floating back into bad habits resulting in him having to make the most
important decision in his life.
Notes: Using a range of contemporary musical genres, with a score ranging from rap to reggae, gospel to
grime, the show features a cast of young former offenders, care leavers and professional actors staged by the
Big House charity. The charity offers drama mentoring and long-term support to 16-24 year old care-leavers.
The production was described as rough, the plotting jerky and the character development occasionally muddled
and confused – but, the majority of critics responded enthusiastically to “ a company brimming with robust
talent and passion” (Time Out).
ASSASSINS (5th Revival)
Photo by Nobby Clark
London run: Menier Chocolate Factory, November 21st – March 7th
2014
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ASSASSINS (5th Revival)
London run: Menier Chocolate Factory, November 21st – March 7th
Music & Lyrics: Stephen Sondheim
Book: John Weidman
Director: Jamie Lloyd
Choreographer: Chris Bailey
Musical Director: Alan Williams
Cast: Simon Lipkin (Proprietor), David Roberts (Leon Czolgosz),
Harry Morrison (John Hinckley), Andy Nyman (Charles Guiteau),
Stewart Clarke (Giuseppe Zangara), Mike McShane (Samuel Byck),
Carly Bawden (Squeaky Fromme), Catherine Tate (Sara Jane Moore),
Aaron Tveit (John Wilkes Booth), Jamie Parker (Balladeer/Lee Harvey Oswald),
Melle Stewart (Emma Goldman), Marc Akinfolarin, Adam Bayjou,
Greg Miller Burns, Aoife Nally
Notes: Once again, a Menier Factory production of a Sondheim show was
acclaimed. This was a hugely praised revival, with the performances and the production achieving a unity and
narrative drive that gave the show “a fierce focus that is rarely experienced” (Stage). The ten principals, and
the ensemble of five bystanders were all acclaimed for brilliant acting and vocal performances and the eightpiece band was similarly highly praised. There was some discussion on whether Catherine Tate had overplayed the comedy of the Sara Jane Moore character, though several critics praised the performance for
incorporating the blackly comic and grotesque underscoring that occasionally features in a work, which “
should catch you uneasily between horror and pleasure” (Guardian). Almost unanimously, this was felt to be
one of the highlights of the 2014 Theatre year. During the run Aarin Tveit and Catherine Tate, due to previous
commitments, were replaced by Michael Xavier aqnd Anna Francolini.
Original London run: Donmar Warehouse, October 1992
1st revival: New End Theatre, July 1997; 2nd revival: Landor, Sep, 2000;
3rd revival: Union, 2010 ; 4th revival: Pleasance, March 2012
CITY OF ANGELS (2nd Revival)
London run: Donmar, December 5th – Feb 7th 2015
Music: Cy Coleman
Lyrics: David Zippel
Book: Larry Gelbart
Director: Josie Rourke
Choreographer: Stephen Mear
Musical Director: Gareth Valentine
Photo by Johan Persson
Cast: Hadley Fraser (Stine), Tam Mutu (Stone),
Rebecca Trehearn (Oolie/Donna),
Peter Poycarpou (Buddy Fidler),
Katherine Kelly (Carla /Alaura),
Samantha Barks (Avril/Mallory Kingsley),
Rosalie Craig (Gabby/Bobbi), Nick Cavaliere (Sonny),
Cameron Cuffe, Marc Elliott, Adam Fogarty,
Kadiff Kirwan, Sandra Marvin, , Mark Penfold,
Jennifer Saayeng, Jo Servi, Tim Walton
Katherine Kelly
Notes: Performed with an 11 piece band and an
outstanding cast, this was a highly praised production,
but again the work itself divided the critics. Some found it “a bit too ingenious for its own good”, “caviar to
the general”, “the punning lyrics grow increasingly tiresome”, “ excessively clever”. Others found it “jazzed up
musical theatre at its best”, “stunning every which way”, “slick, entertaining and witty”. The overall
impression being this is a work for the specialists not the general public.
Original London Production: Prince of Wales, March 1993
1st revival: Landor, September, 1998
2014
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CATS (1st Revival)
London run: Palladium, December 6th – April 25th, 2015
Music: Andrew Lloyd Webber
Lyrics: T.S. Eliot
Extra lyrics: Richard Stilgoe & Trevor Nunn
Director: Trevor Nunn
Choreographer: Gillian Lynne
Musical Director:
Cast: Nicole Scherzinger (Grizabella),
Antoine Murray-Straughan (Rum Tum Tugger),
Paul F. Monaghan (Asparagus), Joseph Poulton (Mister Mistoffoles),
Nicholas Pound (Deuteronomy), Ross Finnie (Skimbleshanks),
Clare Rickard (Griddlebone), Dawn Williams (Rumpleteazer),
Benjamin Yates (Mungo Jerrie), Callum Train (Munkustrap),
Laurie Scarth (Jennyandots) , Natasha Mould (Jemima),
Zizi Strallen (Demeter), Cameron Ball (Macavity)
Notes: This production included a completely rewritten version of the
song “Growltiger’s Last Stand” and changes to the character of Rum
Kerry Ellis
Tum Tugger, who now performs a rap. Most critics found this a
mistake. Kerry Ellis took over from Nicole Scherzinger in February
2015 when it was announced the run would be extended until April 25th. (It was originally scheduled to end on
February 28th.)
Original London production: New London, May 1981
WOMEN ON THE VERGE OF A NERVOUS
BREAKDOWN
London run: Playhouse Theatre, December 16th – April 9th 2015
Music & Lyrics: David Yazbeck
Book: Jeffrey Lane
Director: Bartlett Sher
Choreographer: Ellen Kane
Musical Director:
Cast: Tamsin Greig (Pepa), Jerome Pradoin (Ivan), Haydn Gwynne (Lucia),
Seline Hizli (Marisa), Haydn Oakley (Carlos), Anna Skellern (Candela),
Willemijn Verkaik (Paulina), Sarah Moyle (Concierge),
Ricardo Afonso (Taxi Driver),
Songs: Madrid, Lie to Me, Lovesick, Time Stood Still, My Crazy Heart, Model Behaviour, Island, The
Microphone, On the Verge, Mother’s Day, Yesterday Tomorrow and Today, Tangled, Invisible, Shoes from
Heaven
Story: A group of women in late 20th-century Madrid undergoes a tumultuous 48 hours of love, confusion and
passion. Pepa, an actress recently dumped by Ivan, is trying to track him down. He’s also being pursued by
Lucia, his deranged ex-wife, deserted after twenty years of marriage. Marisa is engaged to Ivan’s son, Carlos,
but fears her future is about to slip away. Candela believes she has found the perfect man, Malik, but he turns
out to be an international terrorist. As their lives and stories begin to come together, the women begin to fall
apart. Pepa is pregnant, Candela consults Paulina, an attorney, only to discover Paulina is Ivan’s latest
conquest. Things get worse, with an attempted suicide, an attempted bomb attack, a jealous attempt to shoot
Ivan before finally the women gather together and joyfully look toward the future.
Notes: Based on the 1988 film by Pedro Almovodar, the musical version opened on Broadway in November
2010 with Sheri Rene Scott and Patti Lupone. It was always staged for a limited run, but even so it closed three
weeks early due to poor sales. It achieved 30 previews and 69 regular performances. After closing it received
three Tony Award nominations. The London production had been extensively re-written, and was praised as a
“stylish hoot”, and a life-affirming lament about “sister solidarity in the face of rotten, beastly men”. However,
it was generally felt adding songs to the story had not improved it, the numbers just slowed down the madcap
action.
Photo by Alessandro Pinna
Producer: David Ian & Really Useful Group
2014
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SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN (5th Revival)
Cast: Simon Adkins (Don Lockwood),
Paul Harwood Crossley (Cosmo Brown),
Frankie Jenna (Kathy Selden),
Thea Jo Wolfe (Lina Lamont), Nic Barclay (Simpson),
Samuel Haughton (Roscoe Dexter),
Emily Wigley (Dora), Lindsay Atherton,
Martin Steven Carlton, Vicky Longland, Will Ferris,
Matt Jolly.
Simon Adkins
Notes: It was generally agreed this was a show with a
very thin plot, and one that relied on “big” staging and
effects to compensate for what was basically a series of entertaining song and dance numbers. Although a
number of “big” shows had successfully adapted to fringe productions, this time it was felt the reduced staging
took away most of the show’s assets. There was praise, however, for the performances from the cast of twelve
and a six-piece band.
See Original London run: London Palladium, June 1983
First revival: London Palladium, June 1989; Second revival: Olivier Theatre, June & December 2000
Third revival: Sadler’s Wells, August 2004; Fourth revival: Palace, February 2012
Photo by Darren Bell
London run: Gatehouse, December 17th – January 25th
Music: Nacio Herb Brown & others
Lyrics: Arthur Freed & others
Book: Betty Comden and Adolph Green
Director: John Plews
Choreographer: Chris Whittaker
Musical Director: Matt Ramplin