Two of London’s biggest musicals have extended their stay in the capital.
The cast of Priscilla Queen Of The Desert The Musical will be dragging up until 22 May 2010 as the show adds eight months to its booking period at the Palace theatre, while nuns will occupy the stage of the London Palladium throughout next year as Sister Act extends by 10 months to 18 December 2010.
Based on the hit 1994 Australian film, Priscilla Queen Of The Desert The Musical tells the story of a Sydney-based performing trio who decide to take their act to the middle of the Outback. Journeying on a battered old bus called Priscilla, the three entertainers – two drag artists and a transsexual singer – are hoping for love and friendship but end up getting more than they bargained for. Set to a soundtrack of disco classics, this colourful musical features an array of outrageous outfits dreamed up by the designers of the film, Tim Chappel and Lizzy Gardiner. The show currently stars Jason Donovan, Tony Sheldon and Oliver Thornton.
Another film to stage adaptation, Sister Act is co-produced by Whoopi Goldberg, the star of the hit 1992 movie. This time newcomer Patina Miller stars as the disco diva turned nun, Deloris Van Cartier. After witnessing her mobster boyfriend carrying out a murder, the singer is put in protective custody by the police in the one place they think she won’t be found – a convent. There, the loud, brash Deloris turns her talents to helping the convent’s choir find their voices, watched over by the disapproving Mother Superior, currently played by Laurence Olivier Award-winner Sheila Hancock.
Also extending its stay in London is Dreamboats And Petticoats, the 60s jukebox musical currently occupying the Savoy theatre. The touring production, which came to London for a limited summer season, is now booking to 31 October, six weeks longer than originally planned. The show makes way for Legally Blonde The Musical in December.
CB