Blog / Julian Ovenden
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The Olivier Awards are a big highlight of the theatre calendar so it was disappointing, though understandable, when the event was cancelled. Now, there’s a chance to celebrate all the ceremonies that have come before in a special programme, Olivier Awards – Greatest Moments, to be broadcast on ITV in the awards’ original slot, 10.15pm on 5 April 2020. Now, that’s something to look forward to.
2020
We are taking a moment to step away from all the current stories of theatre closures to seek some distraction in celebrating legendary composer/lyricist Stephen Sondheim’s 90th birthday. So we’ve picked FIVE of our favourite performances from previous concerts, from the divine Barbara Cook’s rendition of ‘Losing My Mind’ to Mandy Patinkin and Bernadette Peters giving an iconic rendition of ‘Move On’ from Sunday In The Park With George. Oh, and Patti LuPone, Elaine Stritch and Simon Russell Beale might make an appearance too. Hope you enjoy and do let us know your favourites too.
It’s to the classroom for Noel Sullivan as from 19 August 2019 he picks up his briefcase and guitar in order to take on the iconic role of Dewey Finn in the West End production of School of Rock at London’s Gillian Lynne Theatre. Will you be rockin’ along to see him in action?
2019
Yes, it’s that time of year again and we can’t wait for the free theatre festival West End Live to return to Trafalgar Square on the weekend of 22 and 23 June 2019. Want to know which shows are performing at this year’s event, from old favourites to first-timers? Then read on…
It’s shaping into quite a cast and we still have several months to wait before the opening! Joining Zizi Strallen’s Mary and Charlie Stemp’s Bert will be Joseph Millson, as Mr George Banks, and the music and stage legend that is Petula Clark, as the Bird Woman (and rumour is Petula’s role may be extended in this staging). Mary Poppins returns home to the West End’s Prince Edward Theatre from 23 October 2019 to 29 March 2020 so get ready.
2019
Could there be a better time for Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of Mary Poppins to return to the West End, with the movie sequel starring Emily Blunt having been such a hit? Now you can put the confirmed dates in your diary with news that the production starring Zizi Strallen and Charlie Stemp will open for previews at the Prince Edward Theatre from 23 October 2019 with opening night on 13 November. Are you booking your flight?
Fifteen years after its critically-acclaimed stage premiere, Mary Poppins is flying back to its original West End home, the Prince Edward Theatre, when Disney’s Aladdin ends its run in August 2019. We can't wait to see Zizi Strallen & Charlie Stemp step in time!
As a further 350,000 tickets are released for the West End production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Olivier Award-winning production of School of Rock – The Musical, term begins on 22 August 2018 for a new cast at the Gillian Lynne Theatre.
2018
Fresh from its season at the London Palladium, the musical adventures of Ratty, Toad, Mole & Badger in The Wind in the Willows will be enjoyed by a new audience at Easter with screenings across the UK & Ireland.
How many #StageFaves performers can we get into this? The highly-anticipated major new musical theatre adaptation of THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS will hold open auditions this month in London and Manchester, ahead of its world premiere in autumn 2016.