Marianka Swain - Page 44

Never mind stepping out - the real wonder of this production is Anna-Jane Casey stepping in for the injured Tamzin Outhwaite at short notice. It's a plot twist worthy of the backstage shenanigans in Richard Harris's genial 1984 play about the members of a weekly tap class, and Casey's superb turn - and smooth integration into the ensemble - equally in keeping with its triumphant community spirit.

This week, London's Bush Theatre reopens following a £4.3 million capital project. The building's revitalisation sees it become more sustainable and entirely accessible, with a new entrance, front-of-house area and garden terrace, improved rehearsal and dressing room facilities, an expanded main auditorium, and a new 70-seat studio space - a home for emerging artists and producers. Madani Younis, Artistic Director since 2012, discusses his hopes for the Bush.

Hadley Fraser's work ranges from Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera to Coriolanus at the Donmar and The Winter's Tale at the Garrick. He's collaborated with pianist Will Butterworth on a show that imagines Tony Bennett and Bill Evans did a third album together; the result is a mix of jazz, Broadway and contemporary classics, performed at Zedel on 1 April.

How quickly should art react? The National's Great Britain opened right on the heels of the 2014 phone-hacking trial, and here again the theatre is speedy with this response to the EU referendum. But, as with Brexit itself, the piece feels rather in limbo: caught in the midst of unfolding events, rather than able to fully and insightfully reflect on them.

Much has been written about the snack ban instigated by this Edward Albee revival at the behest of its star, Imelda Staunton. No problems on that score: with performances of such scorching intensity sustained over a shattering three hours, audiences will be unwilling to release a breath, let alone distract with a rustling crisp packet.

Arthur Darvill's work ranges from TV shows like Doctor Who, Broadchurch and Legends of Tomorrow to starring in Once in the West End and on Broadway, as well as composing music for projects like the recent stage adaption of Roald Dahl's Fantastic Mr Fox. This Sunday, he and Samantha Barks lead the UK premiere of Jason Robert Brown's Honeymoon in Vegas, in a special concert presentation with the London Musical Theatre Orchestra.

Fifty years on, Tom Stoppard's absurdist tragicomedy is back in the theatre where it had its professional premiere, and still just as dazzlingly virtuosic. If some of its gags, musings and metatheatrical tricks have since become overfamiliar through imitation, that's surely testament to its enduring influence.

Actress and singer Rachel Tucker has impressed in leading musical theatre roles both in the West End and on Broadway, including Wicked, We Will Rock You and The Last Ship. She's also performed in plays such as Alan Ayckbourn's Communicating Doors and released an album. Now, she's embarking on her first solo tour, which travels the UK this summer and also transfers to New York in September.

Anthony Head's diverse work ranges from popular TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Merlin, Little Britain and Doctor Who to theatre work like Ticking, Six Degrees of Separation and The Rocky Horror Show. He's currently starring as Sir John Fletcher in Rattigan's Love in Idleness at Menier Chocolate Factory, directed by Trevor Nunn; the run begins on 10 March.

Jessica Swale's account of Nell Gwynn premiered at Shakespeare Globe's in 2013 and then enjoyed a West End run, with Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Gemma Arterton respectively playing Nell. Now it's the turn of Laura Pitt-Pulford - whose musical credits include Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Flowers for Mrs Harris and Side Show - to play the titular character in a new UK tour.

Denise Gough and Matt Henry will announce the nominees for this year's Olivier Awards at 12pm today - watch it live below!

This month, find great ticket offers on major London shows - we've got 20 productions with tickets at or under £20!

Jess strolls through fresh powder. Behind her is a gleaming glass lake, ahead snow-capped mountains dotted with handsome fir trees. More snow twinkles in the inky heavens like jewelled stars, or falls from the sky in soft, fluttering feathers.

There are some great ticket deals for KINKY BOOTS at the Adelphi Theatre this month, with up to 37% off. Book here from just £20

London is never short of theatre temptations, whether splashy West End shows, epic dramas or bold fringe offerings. From starry Stoppard and Marber revivals to toe-tapping musicals and Elena Ferrante on stage, here are some of this month's most eye-catching openings. Don't forget to check back for BroadwayWorld's reviews…

Multi-award-winning comedy writer, actor and author Miranda Hart will make her West End Theatre debut as Miss Hannigan in Annie opening in the West End in May 2017. Previews at the Piccadilly Theatre will begin on 23 May 2017 with opening night on 5 June 2017. The production, directed by Nikolai Foster, will be produced by Michael Harrison and David Ian. Further casting will be announced shortly. Book tickets now from £26

The misfits shall inherit the earth. This enjoyably offbeat play from Stephen Karam (whose The Humans won the Tony for Best Play last year) opened Off-Broadway a decade ago, but the arrival of a film adaptation in April is a decent indicator that its portrait of adolescent isolation and sexual hypocrisy is still pertinent.

Tickets are now on sale for CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF, starring Sienna Miller and Jack O'Connell as Maggie and Brick. Benedict Andrews' Young Vic production will being previews in the West End at the Apollo Theatre on 13 July, running until 7 October. Find ticket deals here, starting from £26

Suffused with grief and unrequited love, Twelfth Night is often played as an anti-comedy - more melancholy than mirthful. Not so in Simon Godwin's brash, gender-bending, utterly joyful rendering, which takes loss as a cue to embrace life.

Following the success of their platinum-selling album Together, which entered the UK charts at number 2 on its release last November, before going on to be the biggest selling album of 2016 and the Christmas number 1, double Olivier Award winner Michael Ball and million-selling tenor Alfie Boe have been confirmed as one of the headliners for this summer's Greenwich Music Time, which returns to the The Old Royal Naval College.