We may be at the crest of a heatwave in London, but the summer theatre scene’s only just hotting up. With some remarkable casting reveals, eagerly anticipated extensions, and the world’s longest-running musical on the move, there’s been no shortage of theatre news & events to follow this week. So in case you’ve been too hot to read (we hear you!), here’s our pick of the action this week.
Les Mis on the move as theatre renovations revealed
Do you hear the people sing? Well, they’ll be doing so elsewhere from next year – albeit temporarily. Queen’s Theatre, which has played host to Les Misérables since 2004, is scheduled for restoration works in 2019/20, meaning the Boublil and Schonberg musical will have to relocate. More venues are also set to undergo improvements next year.
Read more about the plans here.
The name on Chicago’s lips is gonna be… Alexandra Burke!
In the words of Alexandra Burke herself, “Hallelujah!” The brilliant actress was revealed to be joining the cast of Chicago from next month. She’ll perform alongside the likes of Martin Kemp and Mazz Murray – and we can’t wait to see her take on the starring role of Roxie.
Check out the full Chicago casting news here.
Eugenius! finds its second set of superheroes
They’re here to save the world and find the superhero within. And they’re starting at The Other Palace, where Eugenius! plays its second run from September. Plenty of the original cast return, along with a brand new leading star – and there’s even the promise of new material to look forward to.
Star-studded Pinter At The Pinter adds more household names
Speaking of casting from another galaxy, how about the line-up for the upcoming Pinter At The Pinter season? This week it was announced that, in addition to the raft of stars already announced, the likes of Sir Antony Sher, Penelope Wilton, Russell Tovey, Hayley Squires and more are joining the season.
Learn who’s starring in which Pinter show.
What if Love Island-ers were West End stars?
For another year, Love Island has swept the nation and had all of us getting far too involved in other people’s relationships. And with the final lying in wait, we got thinking: which musical characters would the Love Island contestants play?
Check out dream casting right here.
Bat Out Of Hell soars on into 2019
The Bat may be Out Of Hell, but it’s certainly here to stay in the West End. The beloved Meatloaf musical, that’s been wowing audiences with its monster score and gigantic special effects, is extending its Dominion Theatre run to early January 2019.
Flap your way into the announcement details here.
A sneak peek at Come From Away
From current world-class musicals to future ones, Come From Away is a sure-fire, heart-warming, hit-in-the-making. Arriving in January 2019, the Tony-winning show is based on real events; we got a sneak peek at where it all began.
Come From Away to watch the clip here.
Brendan Coyle to perform solo at Donmar Warehouse
When we think of Brendan Coyle, the serene shows Lark Rise To Candleford and Downton Abbey come to mind. But Coyle’s also a masterful storyteller. And he’s set to unleash the chiller thriller St Nicholas, a one-man show about vampires and madness, at the Donmar Warehouse this autumn.
Find out more about St Nicholas and how you can see it.
Theatre Royal Stratford East unveil The Village casting
Nadia Fall’s made her first casting announcement as Artistic Director of Theatre Royal Stratford East. And it’s for The Village, a thrilling adaptation of Lope de Vega’s chilling Fuenteovejuna.
Learn who’s in The Village cast here.
It’s Popular, but how many Wicked songs can you name?
The new Wicked cast found themselves Defyi- we mean… errr… ‘starting performances’ this week. David Witts took his first bows as Fiyero, and Chris Jarman as Doctor Dillamond. So to celebrate, we brought back one of our favourite Theatre Spot Tests: how many Wicked songs can you name from their lyrics?
Test your Wicked knowledge here.
There was plenty of other news this week. To see what else you missed, click here.