Some commercial producers, it appears, wanted the old order to be restored and business to proceed as normal, hence the rush to re-open as quickly as it was legally possible to do so back in November after we emerged from the second lockdown.
‘I wouldn’t count on us being safe until the summer at the earliest’: Mark Shenton shares his thoughts with a new daily blog for 2021
One of my new year resolutions — and one I intend to keep — is to revitalise this personal website ShentonStage as my primary editorial home this year.
NEWS: Everybody’s Talking About Jamie returns to the West End
Award-winning musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie will return with social distancing to London’s Apollo Theatre from 28 November 2020, celebrating its third birthday in the West End. The show will be the first full-book musical to reopen in the West End this autumn.
NEWS: The Black British Theatre Awards reveal 2020 nominees & announce the ceremony will be broadcast on Sky Arts
The BBTAs have revealed the 2020 Black British Theatre Awards nominee list, voted almost entirely by the public and representing some of the finest work by Black performers and creatives in UK theatre. The 2020 awards ceremony will air on Sky Arts this autumn, as part of the channel’s free to air line-up.
NEWS: Nimax Theatres will open all 6 West End theatres in sequence from October 2020 with social distancing
Nimax Theatres will open all six West End theatres in sequence from 22 October 2020 with social distancing under Covid-19 secure government guidelines. The special season will beginning at the Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue with This is Going to Hurt, written and performed by ex-NHS doctor Adam Kay.
The return of the movie musical: 9 upcoming ones to look forward to
During the Golden Age of Hollywood, movie musicals were abundant and arguably the most popular genre. However, with the move towards pop culture in the 1960s, their popularity dwindled and gave way to a more rebellious style and tone.
‘Funny, heart-warming & joyous show’: EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE – Touring ★★★★
A real joy to watch from start to finish. the story behind Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is one of courage against adversity, but one that is full of humour and love too.
NEWS: Rufus Hound & Katy Brand will join the West End cast of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
Actor, comedian and presenter Rufus Hound and actor, writer and comedian Katy Brand will be joining the cast of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie in March 2020 to play Hugo/Loco Chanelle and Miss Hedge at the Apollo Theatre in London’s West End.
Best of the Blogs: Uncle Vanya, The Welkin, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie & more
In our continuing series, our editor Lisa Martland picks out some of her Top Picks from the last week of theatre including Maryam Philpott’s thoughts about Conor McPherson’s emphasis on comedy scenarios and personalities in his adaptation of Chekhov’s timeless play Uncle Vanya at the Harold Pinter Theatre
REVIEW ROUND-UP: Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at the Apollo Theatre
There’s a new cast for the British musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie and the reviews are in! Find out what critics thought with our review round up….
‘Delights & inspires in equal measure’: EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE – West End ★★★★
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is a show which delights and inspires in equal measure and is sure to retain its spot in theatre lovers’ hearts for the foreseeable future.
CASTING: Preeya Kalidas becomes first British Asian to play Miss Hedge in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
BAFTA and Olivier Award nominee actress, singer and radio presenter Preeya Kalidas has this week joined the West End cast of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at the West End’s Apollo Theatre, becoming the first British Asian to play the role.
NEWS: Young people learn about offstage careers on Inspiring Future Theatre Day
Theatres, arts organisations and industry professionals across the UK have been celebrating the wide range of offstage theatre careers available for young people, as part of #InspiringFutureTheatre.
Shows to see to celebrate Pride Month
June is widely celebrated throughout the UK as being the month to celebrate Pride. The month is used to embrace a culture that was once suppressed, and what better way to do this than to watch some awe-inspiring theatre that has taken its roots from gay stories and gay culture.
NEWS: RuPaul’s Drag star Bianca Del Rio joins Everybody’s Talking About Jamie cast
More West End casting this week for Everybody’s Talking About Jamie: Roy Haylock, best known as his drag alter ego, Bianca Del Rio, will make his West End debut playing the role of Loco Chanelle/Hugo for a limited season 6 May to 29 June 2019.
NEWS: Faye Tozer is cast as Miss Hedge in the West End production of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
Steps star and Strictly Come Dancing finalist Faye Tozer will take on the role of Miss Hedge in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at London’s Apollo Theatre from 6 May to 3 August 2019.
NEWS: Layton Williams will continue in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie as West End run is extended
The producers of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie have opened a new booking period up to Saturday 25 January 2020. Entertaining audiences at London’s Apollo Theatre since November 2017, the musical is currently in its second year in the West End.
NEWS: Hayley Tamaddon joins the West End cast of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie in the role of Miss Hedge
New casting has been announced for the award-winning musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie with Hayley Tamaddon (Coronation Street) stepping into the role of Miss Hedge, Sejal Keshwala joining the company as Ray, and Sabrina Sandhu playing Pritti Pasha, all from 28 January 2019.
The Best Theatre & Performances of 2018
Normally I do two of these – Top Ten Shows and Top Ten Performances – but this year I’m combining the two – plus some sundry other awards.
NEWS: Shane Richie is cast as Hugo/Loco Chanelle in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
Shane Richie, best known for playing Alfie Moon in BBC’s EastEnders will take on the role of Hugo/Loco Chanelle in award-winning musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie from 28 January until 4 May 2019.