The news that has had theatre land talking this week includes..
Casting announced for revival of LIFT
Casting has been announced for the revival of LIFT which runs at the Southwark Playhouse this summer.
The show follows a group of strangers as they share a lift for a short period.
The cast includes Luke Friend as Busker, Hiba Elchikhe as secretary, Kayleigh McKnight as French teacher, Jordan Broatch as Avater, Marco Titus as BYT, Cameron Collins as Ballet Dancer, Tamara Morgan as lap dancer and Chrissie Bhima as avatar.
Aston Merrygold to star in Footloose
Aston Merrygold, best known for being part of JLS, is set to join the touring production of Footloose, playing the role of Willard in Aberdeen, Glasgow and Wimbledon beginning July 25
Merrygold has said “I’m delighted to be joining the phenomenal cast of Footloose. Willard is a superb role and I’m really looking forward to the challenge of stepping into such a lovable, comedy part and performing on these amazing stages.
“Footloose is just the best night out and I guarantee if you come along you’ll leave with a spring in your step and a smile on your face. I’m so looking forward to working with this team and I can’t wait to see you all there.”
Unofficial Bridgerton musical wins Grammy Award
Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear’s unofficial Bridgerton musical has won a grammy award for best musical album
The recording became popular last year when it trended across tiktok, and was released as a full album in September 2021. It has also been presented as a concert in the west end.
Olivier award presenters and performances announced.
It has been announced that the casts of Back to the Future, The Drifters Girl, Frozen, Get Up Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical, Moulin Rouge!, Anything Goes, Cabaret, Spring Awakening and Life of Pi will be performing at this years Olivier awards.
Those also taking part in the event include Jade Anouka, Floella Benjamin, Don Black, Anne-Marie Duff, Noma Dumezweni, Tom Felton, Kit Harington, Max Harwood, Ruthie Henshall, Cassidy Janson, Beverley Knight, Bonnie Langford, Miriam-Teak Lee, Oti Mabuse, Dame Arlene Phillips, Jonathan Pryce, Keala Settle, Ranj Singh, Giles Terera, Sam Tutty, Eric Underwood and Layton Williams, with more to be revealed.
Mischief theatre to present three shows at the Edinburgh Fringe
It has been announced that Mischief Comedy are returning to their comedy routes with three shows at the Edinburgh Fringe this year.
Company member Charlie Russell will present a solo show at the Pleasance courtyard in which she will try to ‘hit as many solo fringe show tropes and styles as possible’ in an hour with the company’s much loved improv show Mischief Movie Night running at the EICC. Henry Lewis and Jonathan Sayer will give Magic Goes Wrong’s the Mind Mangler his own show, which will also run at the Pleasance Courtyard.
Lewis and Sayer said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be heading back to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this year. The fringe is full of amazing memories for us and to be part of the 75th anniversary with three shows, including new work is incredibly exciting.”
Russell also commented, “I’m thrilled to be able to create new work with Mischief, and to be returning to Edinburgh and sharing with festival audiences who have supported us from the beginning and helped us get to where we are now.”
Images found via Google, not my own