Blog / West End Calling
Check here for the latest musical news with links to all your #StageFaves performers, shows and theatres. Also look out for our regular #GetSocial features and contributions from our syndicate media partners including MyTheatreMates.com and the Musical Theatre Appreciation Society.
Today, the London production of THE LION KING welcomes 11 new cast members from all over the world, including #StageFaves Janique Charles, Gary Jordan and Dominique Planter who take over the principal roles of ‘Nala’, ‘Zazu’ and ‘Shenzi’ respectively. Now in its 18th year, over 14 million people have seen Disney’s award-winning musical at the Lyceum Theatre and we can't wait to see the new cast in action.
As their real-life counterparts gear up towards the snap election, a cast of highly electable #StageFaves are preparing to play the Parliamentarians in the Donmar Warehouse's premiere of Tom Deering and Hadley Fraser's new documentary musical with the impossibly long full title: The Public Administration and Constitution Affairs Committee Take Oral Evidence on Whitehall’s Relationship with Kids Company. And we can't wait to see Sandra Marvin's choice of Camila Batmanghelidjh-style colourful kaftan...
As their real-life counterparts gear up towards the snap election, a cast of highly electable #StageFaves are preparing to play the Parliamentarians in the Donmar Warehouse's premiere of Tom Deering and Hadley Fraser's new documentary musical with the impossibly long full title: The Public Administration and Constitution Affairs Committee Take Oral Evidence on Whitehall’s Relationship with Kids Company. And we can't wait to see Sandra Marvin's choice of Camila Batmanghelidjh-style colourful kaftan...
As their real-life counterparts gear up towards the snap election, a cast of highly electable #StageFaves are preparing to play the Parliamentarians in the Donmar Warehouse's premiere of Tom Deering and Hadley Fraser's new documentary musical with the impossibly long full title: The Public Administration and Constitution Affairs Committee Take Oral Evidence on Whitehall’s Relationship with Kids Company. And we can't wait to see Sandra Marvin's choice of Camila Batmanghelidjh-style colourful kaftan...
StageFaves founder Terri Paddock hosted a post-show Q&A this past weekend at the European premiere of Off-Broadway musical two-hander PETE 'N' KEELY, with #StageFaves stars David Bardsley and Katie Kerr as well as director Matthew Gould. Listen to the jolly, theme tune-filled podcast here...
StageFaves founder Terri Paddock recently hosted a post-show Q&A at original British musical MISS NIGHTINGALE, with the show's creator Matthew Bugg, creative consultant Joe Harmston and full #StageFaves cast including Conor O'Kane and Tamar Broadbent. Listen to the full podcast here...
Some sad news as we head into the weekend: HALF A SIXPENCE has posted West End closing notices for 2 September 2017. How many times do you reckon you can return to see Charlie Stemp do his thing in the next four months?!
2017
Six young performers straight out of drama school will make their professional stage debuts alongside #StageFaves veterans in the European premiere of Stephen Schwartz musical WORKING, opening next month at Southwark Playhouse. Wonder how excited they must be feeling about now...
Lots of change at KINKY BOOTS as the show extends booking through to March 2018. While we're sad to say goodbye to Olivier Award winner Matt Henry, we're clicking our heels for ensemble member Simon Anthony-Rhoden stepping into the role of Lola full time and look forward to welcoming Verity Rushworth and other new cast members in July...
So you've got your tickets to a West End show in London, but you want to make a day of it and go exploring. You’ve been to the science and history museums, seen the sites, but did you know that there are a few things us theatre lovers to do? The Musical Theatre Appreciation Society show you how to spend your day in showstopping style...
2017
What do Bob Dylan and ABBA have in common? Well...they've both got 'jukebox' musicals! Bob Dylan's 1963 song "Girl from the North Country", from his second studio album, provided inspiration for this world premiere new musical (or is it a play with music?) opening at the Old Vic Theatre this July. We've got two fab songs for you from GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY (wonder how they came up with the title?!), sung by the cast, to whet your whistle. It certainly doesn't sound like MAMMA MIA!
2017
They may not have won at the #OlivierAwards last month but the cast of THE GIRLS are still on top form in this new trailer of the West End cast doing what they do best...
Hallelujah! Four of the male stars from last summer's Olivier and Evening Standard Award-winning production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR are confirmed to return for this summer's return season at the Open Air Theatre, including Declan Bennett and Evening Standard Award winner and Olivier nominee Tyrone Huntley...
2017
Matthew Croke joins the cast of ALADDIN this June in the title role and we couldn't be more excited! Watch this sneak peak behind the scenes video as he meets his co-stars Jade Ewen and Trevor Dion Nicholas for the first time. Are you going to see him strut his stuff onstage at the Prince Edward Theatre?
After rocking his role as alternate Dewey since Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Olivier award-winning SCHOOL OF ROCK opened last year, #StageFaves superstar Gary Trainor will lead the cast from 17 May 2017 with Stephen Leask 'joining the band' as the alternate Dewey. We think Gary will truly blow the roof off the New London Theatre and we can't wait to hear Stephen hit the high notes when he makes his debut...
2017
Any SCHOOL OF ROCK fans will know Jerry and Kevin, the proud gay dads of Tomika, the shy but talented vocalist in the school band. But did you know they have their own viral video series!? "Jerry and Kevin's Musical Interlude" is a weekly snippet starring #StageFaves Joel Montague and Nadeem Crowe who chat in-character and perform funny snippets of your favourite showtunes with the help of a 16-key keyboard. Here are five hilarious recent videos in their series...
How do you keep the revolution going 33 years on? Impresario Cameron Mackintosh knows the answer: keep casting to the hilt. Direct from Broadway, Killian Donnelly makes his Les Miserables debut as Jean Valjean in a new cast that also features Carley Stenson and a whole bunch of other #StageFaves...
Bob Dylan's 1963 song "Girl from the North Country", from his second studio album, provided inspiration for writer-director Conor McPherson for this world premiere new musical (or is it a play with music?) at the Old Vic Theatre. Who'll be singing that and other classic Dylan tracks?
2017
This week we were delighted to hear that AN AMERICAN IN PARIS has extended until 2018 in the West End. To celebrate, we rounded up some alternative dance moves from our favourite toe-tapping musicals. Bank Holiday weekend is coming right up, and it’s time to work those dancing feet! We’d love you to tweet @StageFaves with any of your #BankHolidayDance moves!
What happens when you gather no fewer than 28, glowing five-star reviews? You extend, bien sur! AN AMERICAN IN PARIS, which had its West End premiere on 21 March (our Perry was there!), has extended its booking at the Dominion Theatre through to the new year...