Peter Polycarpou News

On Tuesday evening, the great and good of the dance, theatre, film and TV industry came out in force to enjoy an unforgettable evening of stellar performances in celebration of the prolific and dearly-loved director choreographer, Gillian Lynne DBE at The Gillian Lynne Theatre, Drury Lane in London.

Winners of the 13th annual Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year (SSSSPOTY) and the 12th annual Stiles + Drewe Best New Song Prize were announced last night at a gala held at Theatre Royal Haymarket, hosted by Joanna Riding. The gala saw twelve student competitors each perform a Stephen Sondheim song, and a Best New Song Prize entrant written by members of Mercury Musical Developments. The winner of this year's SSSSPOTY award was Stuart Thompson from LAMDA, who performed Franklin Shepard, Inc and My Thing. Theo Jamieson was awarded the Stiles + Drewe Prize for his original song Words/Amazing.

The Stephen Sondheim Society and Mercury Musical Developments today announce West End Musical Director Gareth Valentine as the final judge for the 2019 Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year (SSSSPOTY), alongside the previously announced Julia McKenzie, Peter Polycarpou, and Edward Seckerson. Lyricist Charles Hart and Olivier Award-winner Jenna Russell join Nkeki Obi-Melekwe and Stiles + Drewe to complete the judging panel for the Stiles + Drewe Best New Song Prize. Winners will be announced at Theatre Royal Haymarket on Sunday 9 June.

As the alternate Aldonza/Dulcinea, Cassidy Janson would be forgiven for feeling a little out of place amongst the otherwise established company. On the contrary, Janson brings the feisty Scottish (why is she Scottish?) waitress to life, giving the drama a much-needed burst of energy.

Theatrical charity Acting for Others today announces that over £26,000 was raised at the inaugural West End Flea Market on Saturday 19 May held at St Paul's Church in Covent Garden, with thousands of people in attendance.

Last night, the London Coliseum was evacuated due to a 'device activation,' according to the English National Opera's Twitter account.

Man of La Mancha is back in action in the West End starring Kelsey Grammer, Danielle De Niese, Nicholas Lyndhurst, Peter Polycarpou and Cassidy Janson. Let's see what the critics had to say.

See newly released photos of first West End production of the multi-Tony award-winning Broadway musical Man of La Mancha in 50 years!

The London Coliseum has established a run of successes with some excellent revivals of almost-forgotten musicals in recent years. It now turns to Man of La Mancha in the hope of a new box office smash. The choice is an interesting one; few people have seen or even heard of it and it is over 50 years since it last ran in the West End. Unfortunately it is easy to see why, with a muddy, meandering and unconvincing production.

I was sat outside the English National Opera reading a novel when Kelsey Grammer (!) walked by, humming cheerfully about a bleak and unbearable world. He was getting ready for a rehearsal of  Man of La Mancha, which opens 26 April at the London Coliseum.

Man of La Mancha stars Kelsey Grammer and Danielle De Niese recently appeared on BBC's The One Show, where they talked about the West End musical. At the end of their appearance they performed 'The Impossible Dream.'

Peter Polycarpou is a renowned stage, film and TV performer, most recently seen in Oslo at the National Theatre. He now takes on the role of Don Quixote's squire, Sancho Panza in Man of the Mancha at the London Coliseum.

After leading the West End cast of Beautiful - The Carole King Musical, Cassidy Janson formed part of the Leading Ladies trio and appeared in the English National Opera's production of Chess as Florence. She now returns to the London Coliseum stage as the alternate Aldonza in Man of La Mancha, sharing the role with Danielle de Niese. Cassidy spoke to Broadway World about the show.

London is never short of temptations, whether splashy West End shows, epic dramas or bold fringe offerings. From Arthur Miller and Caryl Churchill to Don Quixote and zombie gore, here are some of this month's most eye-catching openings. Don't forget to check back for BroadwayWorld's reviews, interviews and features!

It was announced today (Friday 15 March 2019) that renowned stage, film and TV performer Peter Polycarpou will play Don Quixote's squire, Sancho Panza in Man of the Mancha at the London Coliseum; the first West End production of this multi-Tony award-winning Broadway musical for 50 years.

Stars of the stage and screen swapped their costumes for aprons, and served diners for a one-off sitting at The Ivy, a restaurant renowned for its unfaltering service. Leading the waiting staff this year and trying their hand at bartending, waiting tables, auctioneering, taking coats and welcoming guests were Jim Carter, Sheila Hancock and Dame Penelope Wilton. They were joined by Annette Badland, Michael Ball, Samantha Bond, Laura Carmichael, Ben Forster, Michael Fox, Ginny Holder, Celia Imrie, Jeremy Irvine, George Layton, John Partridge, Arlene Phillips, Peter Polycarpou, Jemma Redgrave, Samantha Spiro, Neil Stuke, Owen Teale, Harriet Thorpe, Jason Watkins and Simon Williams.

The Royal Theatrical Fund, a member charity of Acting for Others, today announces its Christmas Festival 2018, with a fantastic line up of theatre royalty coming together in support of the charity. The festival takes place at the Charing Cross Theatre on Tuesday 11 December at 6.30pm.

Marking the 10th anniversary of the revered playwright's death, Pinter at the Pinter features all Pinter's short plays, alongside a selection of his poems and sketches.

Jamie Lloyd's 10-anniversary season of Pinter (which kicked off in style earlier this autumn) continues with two more batches of miniatures - from familiar shorts like A Kind of Alaska to sketches and more obscure works - plus another tantalisingly starry company.

Marking the 10th anniversary of the revered playwright's death, Pinter at the Pinter features all Pinter's short plays, alongside a selection of his poems and sketches.