The news that has had theatre land talking this week includes
Theatre community mourns the loss of HM Queen Elizabeth II
The death of HM Queen Elizabeth II yesterday has been greeted with great sadness across the world, including within the theatre community.
HM Queen Elizabeth II was a patron to the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company
Whilst no official plans have been announced for theatre productions in the coming weeks and for the day of the funeral, at the moment, lights have been dimmed and silences observed as shows go ahead.
HM Queen Elizabeth II Rest In Peace
Casting announced for the West End return of The Choir of Man
Casting has been announced for the West end return of The Choir of Man, which returns to the Arts Theatre from 1 October, currently booking through to 5 February.
The cast includes Ben Norris as The Poet, Michael Baxter as The Maestro, Levi Tyrell-Johnson as the Hardman, Owen Bolton as The Beast, Jordan Oliver as the Handyman, Lemuel Knights as The Barman, Matt Beveridge as The Romantic, Matt Nalton as The Pub Bore and Matt Thorpe as the Joker.
They will be joined by Mark Irwin, Sam Ebenezer, Gavin Ryan and Lucas Koch.
New casting announced for Mamma Mia!
New casting has been announced for Mamma Mia! in the West End, with the show extending booking through to next Autumn.
Mazz Murray will continue as Donna, alongside Josie Benson as Tanya, Gemma Goggin as Rosie and Stephen Beckett as Bill.
From October 10, the role of Sam will be played by Norman Bowman, with Christopher Dickens as Harry, Meg Lately as Sophie, Miles Henderson as Sky, Natasha Heyward as Ali, Olivia Lallo as Lisa, Lucca Chadwick-Patel as Eddie and Jake Bailey as Pepper. Jennifer Adab will play the part of Donna at certain performances.
The cast is completed by Gemma Atkins, Natalie Jayne Hall, Jennifer Hepburn, Frankie Jones, Natalie Langston, Michael Storrs, Simon Willmont, Zac Adlam, Victoria Anderson, Sinéad Courtney, Ellie-Grace Cousins, Lawrence Guntert, David Haydn, Olivia Neville, Annell Odartey, Jessie Odeleye, Callum Rose, Jack Rose, Robert Slatter, Jacob Young, Chloe Way and Dan Wilshire.
Charlie Bucket’s announced for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at Leeds Playhouse
Four young performers have been announced to be sharing the role of Charlie Bucket in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at Leeds Playhouse.
For the 13 week run, the role will be shared by Kayleen Nguema, Isaac Sudden, Amelia Minto and Noah Walton all of which have been working with director James Brining in rehearsals
Brining said: “It’s wonderful to be able to welcome four such exciting young actors to the Playhouse and to begin working with them on this incredible production. Their vibrancy and enthusiasm is already bringing such brilliant energy to the rehearsal room, which will be enhanced even further in the weeks to come when they begin working with the amazing Gareth Snook as Willy Wonka and the rest of the superb cast’
ITV to launch casting show for Mamma Mia!
It has been announced that ITV will launch a new televised casting show to find a new west end star, with Mamma Mia chosen to be the focus.
The musical theatre search format sees hopeful performing before a panel of celebrity judges and competing for the public vote in an elimination process as previously seen in shows such as Grease is the word and Any dream will do.
It is believed to be appearing on our screens next year.