The fact that Sleepless is the first large-scale indoor production since lockdown gives it a wow factor beyond the production itself.
‘Works well in these socially distanced times’: SLEEPLESS A MUSICAL ROMANCE – Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre ★★★★
Sleepless is a musical with plenty of heart and feeling that captures the spirit of the original film in a new way, making you see the story and its characters in a new light.
NEWS: Covid testing begins backstage at Sleepless Musical as new casting announced
SLEEPLESS, A Musical Romance, which announced last month it would begin socially distanced indoor performances at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre from 25 August until 27 September 2020, will begin using a new accurate Covid-19 test on cast, musicians, crew and theatre staff on a daily basis during rehearsals and the run of the show.
NEWS: Sleepless reschedules month’s run from 25 Aug with social distancing measures
SLEEPLESS, A Musical Romance, based on the original screenplay Sleepless in Seattle, has rescheduled its premiere at London’s Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre for 25 August to 27 September 2020.
NEWS: Casting announced for the musical adaptation of Sleepless in Seattle, Tickets onsale
Jay McGuiness, Kimberley Walsh and Daniel Casey will star as Sam, Annie and Walter respectively in SLEEPLESS, A Musical Romance, based on the original screenplay Sleepless in Seattle. Tickets are now onsale via MyTheatreMates.
REVIEW ROUND-UP: Big the Musical at the Dominion Theatre
Love London Love Culture rounds up the reviews for Big, the musical based on the Tom Hanks film, now playing for a limited season at the Dominion Theatre.
‘The nasty aftertaste negates the positives’: BIG THE MUSICAL – West End
Though the design is superb, the kids are both adorable and excellent performers, and McGuiness’s work is solid, the appalling storyline of Big and its tone-deafness can get in the bin.
‘Out of step & time’: BIG THE MUSICAL – West End
Big, the film, holds a special place in everyone’s hearts but this musical version is out of step and time.
‘Indulges entirely in cinematic nostalgia’: BIG THE MUSICAL – West End
Big doesn’t always mean better, size does matter, it’s not how big it is it’s what you do with it – whatever the pun, Big the Musical is a severe disappointment at the Dominion Theatre.
ELF – West End
Twelve years after the movie scored itself into the global psyche as a modern day Christmas classic, the musical version of Elf makes its London premiere at the Dominion Theatre.
ELF – West End
Twelve years after the movie scored itself into the global psyche as a modern day Christmas classic, the musical version of Elf makes its London premiere at the Dominion Theatre.
ELF – Dominion Theatre
There’s nothing wrong with Elf that a decent song or two wouldn’t help put right. Oh, wait, there is one – “Nobody Cares About Santa” – which bucks up act two no end and turns rather deliciously into a chorus line of Santas with swinging sacks. But it’s also the only moment where Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin’s score actually embellishes the comedy and lifts the show to a level of invention it otherwise never achieves. That number is set in a Chinese restaurant where New York’s Santas go for the hot and sour soup special at the end of another grim season of promising kids expensive gaming packages while they text on their mobiles. It’s wonderfully cynical and almost touching.
Press pass: Reviews and everything else you need to know about Elf the Musical
Maybe I’m just an old softie. Okay, yes, let’s admit it, I am. I’m also a lifelong believer in the restorative power of Christmas music which, like Katrina and the Waves’ “Walkin’ on Sunshine”, is my go-to Spotify choice if I’m feeling down – never mind if it’s a July heatwave, sleigh bells have been […]
NEWS: Full cast announced for Elf’s West End Christmas
The full cast for the London premiere of the smash hit musical Elf has been announced. The company is led by Ben Forster as Buddy, Kimberley Walsh as Jovie, Joe McGann as Walter Hobbs and Jessica Martin as Emily Hobbs, with Jennie Dale as Deb, Mark McKerracher as Santa and Graham Lappin as Store Manager. Also in the cast are Katie …
NEWS: Denise Van Outen, Michael Xavier, Kimberley Walsh and Kerry Hall lead Cadogan Hall Sweet Charity concert
Cadogan Hall presents the concert version of Sweet Charity with musical theatre stars Denise Van Outen (as Charity), Michael Xavier, Kimberley Walsh and Kerry Ellis. The soloists are joined by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra and Arts Ed Chorale, under musical director Richard Balcombe. The creative team is completed by stage director Paul Foster and choreographer Matt Flint.