Karimloo, a Phantom and Les Mis heavyweight, happily shrugged off the ostentation of the musical theatre world to present his stripped-down take on the songs he loves, re-arranging them with an acoustic, countrified, bluegrass tinge.
How do we open doors for others to experience theatre?
I loved the Michael Webborn and Daniel Finn musical when I saw it premiere at the Landor last year and whilst we wait patiently for a cast recording (I asked Santa again and I have been a good boy this year…), this felt like an ideal opportunity to revisit the show, appropriate too as Webborn is an alumnus of this very institution.
NEWS: Broadway’s Hayden Tee joins Les Mis, cast changes from 5 Dec
Now into its 32nd year in the West End, the hit musical Les Miserables will have several cast changes from Monday 5 December 2016 at the Queen’s Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenu
NEWS: Cast changes for Les Miserables in its 31st West End year
Now in its record breaking 31st year, Cameron Mackintosh is delighted to announce cast changes for LES MISÉRABLES at the Queen’s Theatre. From Monday 13 June 2016 David Langham will play ‘Thénardier’ and Chris Cowley will play ‘Enjolras’.
TICKETS: Great offers on 2016 Olivier Award nominees…
How many of this year’s Olivier Award nominated shows have you seen? Catch up with these great tickets and ticket offers.
CD REVIEW: Frances Ruffelle’s I Say Yeh Yeh
Like a fine cognac, Frances Ruffelle’s most recent album deliciously distils her passion for France. Remembering that it was Ruffelle who created the role of Eponine in Les Miserables, a show that was to evolve into one of musical theatre’s few truly global sensations, that she is in love with all things French is hardly a surprise.
NEWS: Jersey Boys, Matilda, Les Mis & Phantom shortlisted for Oliviers’ Audience Award
The Olivier Awards with MasterCard, the UK’s most prestigious stage honours, have today announced the shortlisted shows for the Magic Radio Audience Award 2016.The awards, which this year celebrate their 40th anniversary, will take place on Sunday 3 April at the Royal Opera House. The four shortlisted shows are:
NEWS: New Les Mis cast announced, Noblezada succeeds Fletcher and Hope as Eponine
Now in its record breaking 30th year, Cameron Mackintosh is delighted to announce exciting cast changes for LES MISÉRABLES at the Queen’s Theatre in 2016. Joining the cast from Monday 15 February 2016 are Patrice Tipoki as ‘Fantine’; Craig Mather as ‘Marius’ and Danielle Hope as ‘Eponine.’ Peter Lockyer will continue to star as ‘Jean Valjean’, Jeremy Secomb as ‘Javert’, Phil Daniels as ‘Thénardier’, Katy Secombe as ‘Madame Thénardier’; Zoë Doano as ‘Cosette’ and Bradley Jaden as ‘Enjolras’.
News from New York: Pacino and Lloyd Webber Back on Broadway, David Bowie off
There’s currently a flurry of big openings in New York, with the return of The Color Purple to the Great White Way, via London’s own Menier Chocolate Factory, coming this Thursday (December 10) and all set, I’m sure, to turn Cynthia Erivo into a Broadway superstar
LES MISERABLES – West End
Les Miserables has long impressed me, not just for having such a stirring libretto, but also for the cheekily economic creativity of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schoenberg that was able to hang quite so many different songs on just a handful of (oft repeated) melodies! Herbert Kretzmer deserves handsome credit for the lyrics. Kretzmer has compressed Victor Hugo’s panoramic vision of 19th century France into 3 hours of sung-through genius, with a wit and nuance perfectly tailored to the modern idiom.
FEATURED SHOW: Gareth Gates explains why he’s Mad About the Musicals – win a CD!
Gareth Gates stars in the tenth anniversary production of concert spectacular Mad About the Musicals, which is currently touring the UK until 8 November 2015. We asked him a few questions about the show and his own love of showtunes… Be sure to take part in enter our competition to win one five CDs signed by Gareth too!
FRANCES RUFFELLE in Concert – Crazy Coqs
The term ‘icon’ is often freely used with little regard for it’s true definition – however from last night’s gig at The Crazy Coqs, Frances Ruffelle clearly merits the title. The Tony Award winner is an acclaimed stage and recording artist who originated the role of Eponine in the legendary Les Miserables (which “On Its Own” might qualify her for icon status), but it’s also her electrifying authenticity that radiates from her in every part of her performance that makes her truly special.
ALL I KNOW NOW: Wonderings & Reflections on Growing up Gracefully – Book Review
Growing up, she was the youngest sibling of two. But today Carrie Hope Fletcher is a virtual big sister to thousands of young girls across the world. A stage star – currently she is an acclaimed Eponine in London’s Les Miserables – Fletcher is also a hugely successful YouTube vlogger, with a wildly loyal fanbase. On top of this she is a songwriter, illustrator and now, a published author.
NEWS: 500,000 head to West End Live, Full line-up announced for 20-21 June
West End LIVE in association with MasterCard takes place in Trafalgar Square on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 June 2015. Now in its 11th year, this free annual event – the largest event of its type in the world – is organised by Westminster City Council and Official London Theatre and offers fantastic free family entertainment from London’s top theatre productions and attractions.
Is Into the Woods one of the best stage-to-screen musicals of all time?
I’m jealous of guests attending the UK gala screening of Into the Woods tonight at London’s Curzon Mayfair cinema. Not for the celeb-spotting, paparazzi-dodging, canape-scarfing or any other red carpet reason. But simply because they get to watch this fantastic, fantastical film. Indeed, I’ll extend my envy to anyone booking to see Into the Woods this weekend or […]
Spoiler alert: My favourite Forbidden Broadway spoofs
Forbidden Broadway was just what the doctor ordered for me the other night – I haven’t laughed so hard in ages. The renowned Broadway institution (going since 1982) has been slightly Anglicised and specially tailored for the West End in 2014 – Cameron Mackintosh, Elaine Paige, Robert Lindsay and revivals of Evita and Cats be warned (you’re […]