Bob Thomson

Blood Brothers, one of the West End's longest-running shows, has opened a new eight-month booking period and is now taking bookings through to 31 July 2010.

UK Productions of The Lion King, Blood Brothers and Sunset Boulevard have all been extended in the West End. The Lion King is running at the Lyceum Theater and has added four months to its schedule, bookings are being taken until January 31 2010. This company features Shaun Escoffery as Mufasa.

What's on Stage is reporting that Niki Evans, a contestant on iTV's series 'X-Factor' will be playing Mrs. Johnson in West End production of Blood Brothers, running at the Pheoenix Theatre, starting November 3rd, 2008. The show recently extended its contract with the Pheonix where it has been running since 1991. Evans is expected to take on the role for six months.

A number of West End musicals have announced starry cast changes; British pop star Antony Costa will join the cast of Blood Brothers, musical theatre veterans Louise Gold and Diane Langton will step into Mary Poppins, and Amra-Faye Wright and Luca Barbareschi will be welcomed into the cast of Chicago