The news that has had theatre land talking this week includes..
West End star saves the day on tour
Ben Joyce, who plays the role of Frankie Valli in the West End production of Jersey Boys, stepped up and saved the day this week by jumping in to cover the rule in the touring production.
The show, which was closed in London at the time due to a bout of Covid infections, is playing in Birmingham, where they have also been affected by illness.
Anti-vaccination protestors interrupt Panto
Anti-vaccination protestors interrupted a performance of Jack and the Beanstalks at Milton Keynes Theatre this week, resulting in the police being called to forcibly remove them.
In a statement the venue said: “Regarding the events this afternoon: A group of protestors forced their way into our foyer during the matinee perf. Although we respect the right to choose whether to have a vaccination, we rebuke the actions taken that saw our staff and patrons frightened and assaulted.
“At a time when customers should be enjoying the fun and excitement of panto, it’s sad to see the visit for our customers marred in this way. We praise the efforts of our staff this afternoon in what was a very difficult situation and thank our customers for their support.
“Milton Keynes Theatre and Ambassador Theatre Group will continue to follow government Covid-19 guidelines to keep our staff, customers and visiting company as safe as possible, and to enable live theatre to continue during this pandemic.”
Hamilton star lands role in Matilda film adaptation
It has been announced that Carl Spencer, who has played the roles of John Laurens and Philip Hamilton in Hamilton, as well as starring in Motown, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat and the Scottsboro Boys, has landed a role in the upcoming movie adaptation of Matilda the Musical.
He will play the pivotal role of Magnus the Escapologist.
Bring It On adds four new cast members
With the new covid variant causing havoc in theatre, causing many shows to cancel due to illness, the importance of understudies and swings has never been more seen. To ensure that the show could go on, Bring It On the musical has this week added four new swings to the production.
Callum Aylott, Hannah Swift, Helen Parsons and Ashley Rowe have all joined the show this week, saving the day.
Returning cast member saves the day at Wicked
Billy Mitchell, who is currently the associate choreographer in Cinderella, leaped into action to save the action at Wicked this week, returning to the production for the first time in five years.
This is yet another example of creatives stepping up to ensure that the show can go on, returning to previous roles with little rehearsal.
Mitchell is now a temporary swing at Wicked whilst Cinderella has closed its doors until February 7.
Images found via Google, not my own