Alan Ayckbourn has stated that it is becoming harder for writers based outside of London to secure West End transfers, and that producers are picking up productions “closer to home”. He also said that “one looks vainly for new work” on the West End. Ayckbourn has had more than half of his 75 full-length plays transfer to the West End or the National Theatre. He added: “I count myself lucky that I was born as a writer when I was – when there was a very benign attitude in the late fifties and early sixties towards new work in … more »
Tagged: Sheridan Smith
Interview with Paul Keating: Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz
Actor Paul Keating first appeared on a West End stage when he was only 12 years old – as young ‘Gavroche’ in Les Miserables – and has since starred in numerous West End plays and musicals. He has been nominated for an Olivier Award twice so far: in 1997, for Best Actor in a Musical for his role in ‘Tommy’ and in 2002, for his performance in ‘Closer to Heaven’. Paul, who has also appeared in many films and TV programmes since he was 13, loves acting on stage and being able to explore a character. He is currently … more »
Legally Blonde Win West End Eurovision
People tuned into the fourth annual West End Eurovision for a bit unabashed fun. It took place at London’s Piccadilly Theatre on the 21st. West End productions battled it out to be named West End Eurovision Champion. There were 11 shows in total, including the 39 Steps and Love Never dies. The winner was Legally Blonde. The show also featured a performance by Bucks Fizz, the original Eurovision winners. The shows have to perform a Eurovision song, fully costumed and choreographed. It was hosted by Gabby Roslin, Sheridan Smith, Justin Lee Collins and Graham Norton. David Pendlebury, Chairman of … more »
Flare Path Review Theatre Royal Haymarket
Flare Path Written by Terrence Rattigan Flare Path continues the centenary celebrations of Terrence Rattigan with Trevor Nunn’s super revival of his 1942 Second World War drama. Flare Path was from a different era and it is worth considering the time and place that led to the creation of the play in order that you can fully grasp the drama that is depicted. Terrence Rattigan was born in South Kensington in 1911 and was educated at Sandroyd School in Cobham, Surrey and Harrow School, North-West London. He subsequently went to Trinity College at the University of Oxford. In 1936 … more »
A night out at the WhatsonStage.com Awards Ceremony at the Prince of Wales Theatre
First and foremost it should be acknowledged that the awards are a celebration of the most popular theatre productions as voted for by people that actually buy tickets and go and see the shows. Those same people will tell their friends about the plays and musicals and thus popularity grows and more people attend; but ONLY if the show is worthy of being forwarded. A bit like a joke, video or story that you look at in an email or dare I say on Twitter, if it is worthy you forward it to your friends (or re-tweet it) and … more »
Sheridan Smith Theatre’s Shining Star
Sheridan Smith, 29 started in the National Youth Theatre. Since then her career has been rapidly ascending. She has become an actress and singer of note. Recently nominated for an Olivier award for her part in Legally Blonde the Musical. It’s not her first nomination and certainly won’t be her last. She came to prominence in The Royle Family, Gavin & Stacey and Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps. Smith has been taking over the West End. She has made Legally Blonde the Musical her own – the Daily Telegraph even described her interpretation of the … more »
The Olivier Nominations are Announced.
The Olivier nominations have been announced and Andrew Lloyd Webber has come up trumps, receiving a total of 7 nominations, Love Never Dies has been nominated for best new musical, it’s up against Legally Blonde The Musical, Fela! and Love Story. Love Never Dies has also been nominated in the lighting design, set design and costume design categories. The star of Legally Blonde, Sheridan Smith, has received a well deserved nomination for best actress in a musical. Thea Sharrock has also received a nomination for After the Dance at the National Theatre, Lyttelton. After the Dance has received 6 … more »
Legally Blonde – The Musical
OHMYGOD you guys! I went to see ‘Legally Blonde – The Musical’ at the Savoy Theatre last night and it has to be one of my favourite musicals… or maybe it IS my favourite show ever! I was totally captured from the moment the music started until the curtain fell. If you want a fun night out – this is the show for you. It’s for all girls from 8 to 108 and, although they will not openly admit this – blokes love it too! I couldn’t see anyone who wasn’t smiling, clapping or singing along. The whole cast … more »
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