Mark Shenton: First of all, apologies that I was missing-in-action yesterday. I was in London — and at a hotel without desk space in the rooms, so unable to write. (And the dog ate my homework, too). So no, that’s not the entirety of my excuse. But sometimes I need to take a break, too. There may be days when the newsletter fails to materialize!
NEWS: Cast announced for the West End production of Moulin Rouge! The Musical
The cast has been announced for the UK premiere of Moulin Rouge! The Musical which begins performances at the Piccadilly Theatre in London on 12 November 2021, with press night on 8 December 2021.
‘Best feel-good life-affirming show I think I have ever seen’: COME FROM AWAY – West End ★★★★★
Come From Away tells the incredible true story of how the residents of Gander, Newfoundland welcomed the 7,000 passengers of planes from around the world, due to the American air space being closed after 9/11.
‘Flawless performances do not necessarily make for a stimulating night’: COME FROM AWAY – West End ★★★
Come From Away at the Phoenix Theatre is unquestionably wonderfully performed, but its schmaltzy set pieces fail to move.
‘Leaves no stone unturned in its determination to be heart-warming’: COME FROM AWAY – West End
The highly anticipated musical Come From Away leaves me dry-eyed at the Phoenix Theatre despite a very strong cast.
‘The emotional impact is off the scale’: COME FROM AWAY – West End
Come From Away is a funny, moving and uplifting new musical by Irene Sankoff and David Hein. Having won Best Musical awards across North America, the show now arrives in London where, if there’s any justice, it’ll prove to be just as successful.
‘Gripping, emotional & heart-warming’: COME FROM AWAY – Dublin & London ★★★★
Come From Away, at the Abbey Theatre, Dublin before transferring to the West End is a story of ordinary people doing extraordinary things in a time of need is truly inspirational and this intense, gripping, emotional and heart-warming production perfectly captures the generosity of the human spirit.
NEWS: Rachel Tucker is cast in West End production of Come From Away as full details announced
Casting has been announced for Come From Away, the Tony Award-winning musical which will arrive in London for its UK premiere at the Phoenix Theatre next year with performances from 30 January 2019.
‘Moving & memorable interpretation’: CAMELOT – West End ★★★★
I feel sorry that this production of Camelot was for one night only but what a pleasure and a privilege it was to be in the audience for this great occasion.
NEWS: David Thaxton, Savannah Stevenson & Charles Rice are cast in LMTO’s Camelot at the London Palladium
Olivier Award-winner David Thaxton will play Arthur in London Musical Theatre Orchestra’s forthcoming concert version of Camelot at the London Palladium on Saturday 6 October 2018 alongside Savannah Stevenson as Guenevere and internationally renowned opera star Charles Rice as Lancelot.
A deserved West End airing of New Songs 4 New Shows
The one that absolutely blew me away in performance was Wigmaker, which is billed as a “modern hairy fairy tale” about a beautiful wigmaker whose wigs come to life at night. The music and lyrics to this piece by Douglas Hodge are stunning.
STATE FAIR – London Musical Theatre Orchestra, Cadogan Hall
The London Musical Theatre Orchestra made the Rodgers and Hammerstein score fly with the help of a strong leading cast on Sunday night (6 November 2016) at Cadogan Hall.
State Fair c/o LMTO & other news, treats & interesting titbits
On Sunday 6 November 2016, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s State Fair will be performed for the first time on the London stage as a symphonic concert by the London Musical Theatre Orchestra under director Thom Southerland at Cadogan Hall.