Simon Lipkin News

ROCK OF AGES THE MUSICAL, the hit musical comedy has announced the full cast line up, as Justin Lee Collins and Shayne Ward are joined by West End stars Amy Pemberton, Oliver Tompsett, Simon Lipkin and more.

In these heady days of austerity and bank bailouts, it's no surprise Dubliners are looking for a bit of escapist entertainment. And, no, I'm not talking about the Eurovision song contest. Only slightly less campy is the UK tour of Spamalot, playing through May 14th at Dublin's Grand Canal Theatre, and you'd be hard-pressed to find a more delightful antidote to the recession blues.

Robert Gould reviews Phill Jupitus in the role of King Arthur

Gareth Hale will play Scrooge in Susie McKenna and Steve Edis' adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, which is to open in the newly refurbished Arts Theatre in November this year. A Christmas Carol, produced by Tiny Tim Productions, will preview from 11 November, with the press performance on 25 November, and is booking until 10 January 2010.

Gareth Hale will play Scrooge in Susie McKenna and Steve Edis' adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, which is to open in the newly refurbished Arts Theatre in November this year.

Due to public demand, extra performances of Susie McKenna and Steve Edis' adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, are to be scheduled throughout its run at the Arts Theatre.

Nominations for the best musicals at the Edinburgh fringe annouced, Jaime Winstone to make her stage debut and a new one-off Notes From New York concert revealed.

If you missed the fringe hit, here's the trailer...

Gareth Hale will play Scrooge in Susie McKenna and Steve Edis' adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, which is to open in the newly refurbished Arts Theatre in November this year. A Christmas Carol, produced by Tiny Tim Productions, will preview from 11 November, with the press performance on 25 November, and is booking until 10 January 2010.

Calendar Girls makes serious money for charity, Edinburgh Fringe venues say they're struggling and even more panto is announced for the West End. Miriam Zendle reports

The producer of fringe hit Austentatious talks about the show's possible transfer into town

The musical, currently playing at the Landor Theatre, adds a Saturday afternoon performance to its schedule

Fresh from a sell-out run at the New York Musical Theatre Festival, new musical comedy AUSTENTATIOUS is a love letter to the theatre. Stage manager Sam is stretched to breaking point during a chaotic new production of Pride and Prejudice. Will the cast learn to stop arguing? Will Mr Darcy choose the right girl? Will those tap shoes ever come in handy?

Fresh from a sell-out run at the New York Musical Theatre Festival, new musical comedy AUSTENTATIOUS is a love letter to the theatre. Stage manager Sam is stretched to breaking point during a chaotic new production of Pride and Prejudice. Will the cast learn to stop arguing? Will Mr Darcy choose the right girl? Will those tap shoes ever come in handy?

After a year and a half of performances Julie Atherton, Jon Robyns and Simon Lipkin will be leaving the company of Avenue Q on December 3. Joining the cast are Rebecca Lock, Daniel Boys and Christopher Fry.

Emma Williams has been confirmed as the star of the upcoming West End musical Desperately Seeking Susan

From June 4th, the full new cast of Avenue Q will be together on-stage at the Noel Coward Theatre, and then on 28th June the show will celebrate it's first birthday with a night full of surprises and puppet-style fun…

West End star Emma Williams will likely play the title role in the upcoming West End musical Desperately Seeking Susan.

Jennifer Tanarez will join the London cast of Avenue Q as Christmas Eve on April 16th

Two London musical hits - the revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's Evita and the transfer of the Broadway hit Avenue Q - have extended their runs.