Alison Jiear News

Sydney Cabaret Festival Director Trevor Ashley today announced that Australian Showbiz royalty Toni Lamond will emerge from retirement to perform at a special closing night Showqueen event at the Festival, alongside performances from many of the international Festival guests. Tickets to this one-night only special event, hosted by Trevor Ashley, are on sale from tomorrow at www.sydneycabaretfest.com.au

July this year will herald the inaugural Sydney Cabaret Festival, celebrating both international and Australian cabaret stars. Tickets will go on sale from 18 March.

Stars of theatre and screen take to the stage next month for this year's gilt-edged line-up of Qdos Entertainment pantomimes, 24 of which will come to life across the UK this winter.

A star-studded West End cast of over 50 principals, a 40-piece orchestra led by Gareth Valentine and an ensemble of more than 50, including a chorus from ArtsEd Musical Theatre, will celebrate the songs and shows of Stephen Sondheim in HEY, OLD FRIENDS! An 85th Birthday Tribute to Stephen Sondheim, at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane on Sunday 25 October.

Casting is announced today for the UK Premiere of the smash-hit Broadway musical comedy Xanadu.

I was invited to the exciting West End launch of Stiles and Drewe's latest, The Three Little Pigs - but as customary when I'm reviewing shows that are primarily aimed at a younger audience, I'll emphasise that what I thought about it doesn't really matter...

Stars from the worlds of pop, musical theatre and Saturday night TV are joining forces for a brand new family musical that's trotting into the West End this summer. Simon Webbe (Blue, Strictly Come Dancing, Sister Act), Alison Jiear (Olivier Nominated - Jerry Springer The Opera, On The Town, Britain's Got Talent), Leanne Jones (Hairspray), Taofique Folarin (The Lion King, Avenue Q) and Daniel Buckley (Book of Mormon) star in THE THREE LITTLE PIGS, the latest musical from the dynamic and multi-award winning musical theatre song-writing duo that is George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. Scroll down for new shots of the cast onstage!

Theatre folk might be very familiar with her name - primarily because of her Olivier-nominated turn in Jerry Springer the Opera - but Alison Jiear came to national prominence earlier this year when she entered the Simon Cowell-led star search Britain's Got Talent. She's now using her high profile to fund a Kickstarter to record and release her album, Inspirational.

Simon Webbe (Blue, Strictly Come Dancing, Sister Act), Alison Jiear (Olivier Nominated - Jerry Springer, On The Town, Britain's Got Talent), Leanne Jones (Hairspray), Taofique Folarin (The Lion King, Avenue Q) and Daniel Buckley (Book of Mormon) star in the latest musical from the dynamic and multi-award winning musical theatre song-writing duo that is George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. Scroll down for a first look at THE THREE LITTLE PIGS onstage!

The 3 Little Pigs is currently enjoying a short pre-West End run at the beautiful Town Hall venue in Birmingham. With music by George Stiles and the book/lyrics by Anthony Drewe, this classic tale is given a fresh re-telling that will appeal to young children and parents alike.

Award-winning composer Dougal Irvine (Departure Lounge, Teddy) and major entertainment agent Stuart Piper of Cole Kitchenn complete the faculty line-up for this year's Onstage Acts summer course. Dougal will lead a session exploring his own material, giving a unique insight into the mind of the composer, and Stuart will lead an exclusive and invalu- able Q&A session. They join previously announced Producer and Casting Director Danielle Tarento (Titanic, Dogfight), 2015 Olivier Award winner for Best Actress in a Musical Katie Brayben and the original creative team comprised of Paul Spicer, Julie Atherton (Avenue Q, The Last Five Years) and Musical Director Susanna Squires.

The annual London theatre initiative Kids Week (www.kidsweek.co.uk) returns this summer from 1 - 31 August with an exciting line-up of more than 40 shows offering free tickets for children. Tickets will go on sale at 10:00 on Tuesday 16 June.

SIMON WEBBE (Blue, Strictly Come Dancing, Sister Act), ALISON JIEAR (Olivier Nominated - Jerry Springer, On The Town, Britain's Got Talent), LEANNE JONES (Hairspray), TAOFIQUE FOLARIN (The Lion King, Avenue Q) and DANIEL BUCKLEY (Book of Mormon) star in this latest musical from the dynamic and multi-award winning musical theatre song-writing duo that is GEORGE STILES and ANTHONY DREWE.

Stiles and Drewe's THE THREE LITTLE PIGS are delighted that BRITAIN'S GOT TALENT semi-finalist ALISON JIEAR can now join them in their brand new curly tail musical. 

We talk to the West End actor about the importance of musical theatre, Forbidden Broadway, and why he loves Christmas...

BroadwayWorld is excited to bring you 'Songs from My Living Room'- a new series that goes into the home of one of today's most acclaimed contemporary songwriters, as he explains the stories behind his songs. The monthly series will feature special guests from all corners of the entertainment industry to help bring to life the music and lyrics of Scott Alan straight from his living room into yours. The second episode, directed by Robbie Rozelle, features jazz vocalist Jane Monheit singing Alan's 'Always' from his second album, 'Keys'.

Four West End artists will join forces to present A West End Musical Christmas on Tuesday 16 December 2014 4pm & 7.30pm at Snape Malting Concert Hall, Aldeburgh.

Whether you've been living under a rock for the past week or you're just in the mood for a recap, BroadwayWorld's 'this week in pictures' is here to satisfy your end-of-the-week fix! Take a look below to catch up on the latest happenings from the Great White Way to The West End (and everywhere in between) with coverage of press events, rehearsals, opening nights and more. Highlights this week include the 16th Annual Broadway Barks, Malcolm Gets' upcoming 54 Below concert, a first look at Andrew Rannells in HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH, and more!

It had been three years in the making when Kristin Chenoweth took the stage at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday for her one night only concert. She was welcomed by thunderous applause, was visibly moved and happy to be there. Over the next 2 hours she took us on a journey through different musical genres, including musical theatre, country, gospel and pop. Miss Chenoweth wowed the audience with her versatility and the effortlessness with which she moved through this eclectic program, but also with the raw emotion palpable in each song.

Hottest Articles on BroadwayWorld.com from this weekend Sunday, July 13, 2014 - Sunday, July 13, 2014.