As rehearsals begin for Les Misérables – The Staged Concert, it has been announced that Shan Ako and Lily Kerhoas will complete the principal casting as Éponine and Cosette respectively.
NEWS: Michael Ball is back in the role of Edna Turnblad as Hairspray the Musical returns to the West End
Michael Ball is to return to his legendary, Olivier Award-winning role of Edna Turnblad as Hairspray the Musical comes to London for a special, strictly limited season in 2020. The multi-award-winning hit musical plays at the London Coliseum for 12 weeks only, beginning performances on 23 April 2020 (press night is 29 April). With the original award-winning creative team of director Jack O’Brien …
NEWS: Michael Ball, Alfie Boe, Carrie Hope Fletcher & Matt Lucas will star in Les Misérables concert version when show moves to the Gielgud
Cameron Mackintosh has announced that for 16 weeks only Michael Ball (Javert), Alfie Boe (Jean Valjean), Carrie Hope Fletcher (Fantine) and Matt Lucas (Thénardier) will lead a large cast and orchestra of over 65 in the concert version of Les Misérables.
‘One of the best evenings out I have ever had.’: PROMS IN THE PARK – Hyde Park ★★★★★
I have always loved the BBC Proms, especially the last night which I have only ever seen on the TV. I was never really that aware of its alter ego The Proms in the Park, that is until this year.
WATCH: Can you tell the difference between Cilla Black & Sarah Louise Hughes in her Little Voice audition?
Meet Sarah Louise Hughes, who, straight out of drama school, has been cast in the title role of Michael Strassen’s major new production of Jim Cartwright’s modern classic The Rise and Fall of Little Voice at the Barn Theatre, Cirencester. In the latest in our Featured Show series, watch as she starts her “new journey” via some extraordinary audition tapes of her singing Judy Garland and Cilla Black…
‘The Barn’s is a stunning energy to witness’: Michael Strassen on directing The Rise & Fall of Little Voice
Michael Strassen directs the new Barn Theatre, Cirencester production of Jim Cartwright’s Olivier Award-winning play with music, The Rise and Fall of Little Voice. In the latest in our Feature Show series, Michael tells us more about the approach he’s taking and why London needs to sit up and take notice of what young artistic director Iwan Lewis is up to in the Cotswolds…
REVIEW ROUND UP: Chess at the London Coliseum
Chess is officially back in London, directed by Laurence Connor and starring Alexandra Burke, Michael Ball and Cassidy Janson. Here’s what the critics have been saying about it…
‘Bold & confident production well worth seeing’: CHESS – West End ❤❤❤❤
There’s no denying that the plot in Chess could, despite changes in this version, be better structured. But this is a show best enjoyed by sitting back and letting the music and staging blow you away. Overall, it’s a bold and confident production well worth seeing.
‘Very much of its time’: CHESS – West End
It is Alexandra Burke whose star shines brightest in this production of Chess. She oozes charisma and presence and at least she comes out of this show with her reputation not just intact but further enhanced.
‘Has stood the test of time’: CHESS – West End
Chess is also a musical about love, about honour, about freedom and about hard choices. It is when these come to the fore that the musical really shines.
‘An evening of stunning musical theatre’: CHESS – West End ★★★★★
If you can get (or afford) a ticket, go and see Chess, if only because the score is unlikely to be played quite so sumptuously ever again. The whole production makes for an evening of stunning musical theatre.
‘It’s really the music that steals the show’: CHESS – West End ★★★★
If you’ve never seen Chess before then I think you’ll love it. I urge you to see the show regardless of its faults, it’s got a beautiful score and a moving story that you can’t help but fall in love with.
‘Breathtakingly stunning’: CHESS – West End ★★★★★
The beauty and simplicity of Chess allowed the audience to enjoy the sublime orchestration and performances. It really is a beautiful visual delight which shouldn’t be missed in this short five-week run
‘The saving grace comes with a suite of strong performances’: CHESS – West End
It’s taken over 30 years for Chess to return to the West End (though it was seen at the Union in 2013) and though it has a huge amount of resource thrown at it in Laurence Connor’s production for English National Opera, it doesn’t necessarily feel worth the wait.
Album Review: Andrew Lloyd Webber Unmasked – The Platinum Collection
Upon reaching 70 this year, Andrew Lloyd Webber is clearly in a reflective mood and hot on the heels of his autobiography Unmasked released last week, comes this new compilation album Unmasked: The Platinum Collection.
Star-studded cast revealed for ENO’s Chess led by Ball, Burke, Head, Howar and Janson
The first West End production of Chess since 1986 is to star Michael Ball, Alexandra Burke, Murray Head, Tim Howar and Cassidy Janson.
Love London Love Culture’s top of 2017
With 2018 fast approaching, here’s a look back at Love London Love Culture’s top posts of 2017.
Album review: Michael Ball & Alfie Boe – Together Again
I have to hold up my hands and say I was pleasantly surprised by more than a few of the songs here. The first two-thirds of ‘The Rose’ are genuinely spine-tinglingly lovely and even when the bombast kicks in for the finale, it stills maintains a heartfelt sincerity.
FROM DOWN UNDER: Michael Ball & Alfie Boe, Together in Concert
It was Kismet when Michael Ball and Alfie Boe met back in 2007 whilst performing for English National Opera. Their album Together was the UK’s highest selling album last year, and the pair has come Together Again for a follow-up album.
Sherman album series: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (2002 Original London Cast Recording)
As A Spoonful of Sherman, a tribute to three generations of Sherman family music, including childhood classics by the Sherman Brothers, continues Live at Zedel until 20 August 2017, Ian Foster reviews related albums.