Barbara Windsor News

Following a ten-year hiatus from the London stage, A Christmas Carol at the Noel Coward Theatre marks Jim Broadbent's return to the West End. Patrick Barlow's take on the Charles Dickens classic is unlike anything I've ever seen before - which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Although Broadbent's Scrooge is still somewhat cold-hearted, he is by no means as cruel as other depictions.

UK Theatre has announced the winners of the UK Theatre Awards 2015 - the only awards to honour outstanding achievement in performing, producing and management in theatres throughout the United Kingdom.

Gary Naylor sees a fine production of a classic Ben Jonson play illuminated by a fine central performance by Pip Brignall.

Gary Naylor sees another Shakespearean treat from Iris Theatre in an oasis of calm in the very heart of bustling London.

The New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich is producing a new actor-musician production of the classic swingin' sixties musical SWEET CHARITY which runs from Thursday 3 to Saturday 26 September, directed by Artistic Director Peter Rowe.

Gary Naylor sees a show that tltillates, tickles and ultimately triumphs with a potent mix of superb songs and dubious jokes, as Rocky Horror meets the Carry-Ons.

Disney's 'Alice In Wonderland: Through the Looking Glass' begins principal photography this week, featuring an award-winning production team and all-star ensemble cast, including Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway, Mia Wasikowska, Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen.

Gary Naylor sees a magnificently accessible production of Twelfth Night, brimming with charm, music and laughter, aimed at kids, but suitable - recommended - for everyone!

Mark Arden as Fred, Ryan Molloy as Horace, Stefan Booth as Tosher, Christopher Ryan as Red Hot, Vivian Carter as Myrtle, Stevie Hutchinson as Ted/PC 2, John Olohan as Paddy, Gary Watson as Norman/PC 1 and Joanna Woodward as Margaret join BAFTA nominated Jessie Wallace (EastEnders) as Lil, Gary Kemp (The Krays/ The Bodyguard/Spandau Ballet) as PC Collins, Sarah Middleton as Rosie, Ruth Alfie Adams as Brenda, Will Barton as Percy and Suzie Chard as Betty in Fings Ain't Wot They Used T'Be. Check out photos of the cast in action at Stratford East below!

Mark Arden as Fred, Ryan Molloy as Horace, Stefan Booth as Tosher, Christopher Ryan as Red Hot, Vivian Carter as Myrtle, Stevie Hutchinson as Ted/PC 2, John Olohan as Paddy, Gary Watson as Norman/PC 1 and Joanna Woodward as Margaret join the previously announced BAFTA nominated Jessie Wallace (EastEnders) as Lil, Gary Kemp (The Krays/ The Bodyguard/Spandau Ballet) as PC Collins, Sarah Middleton as Rosie, Ruth Alfie Adams as Brenda, Will Barton as Percy, and Suzie Chard as Betty to complete the cast of Fings Ain't Wot They Used T'Be. Scroll down to see some photos of the cast in action!

Gary Naylor sees one of Shakespeare's greatest plays told from the perspective of the women and finds that they are rather different when talking amongst themselves than when they speak to their menfolk.

Mark Arden as Fred, Ryan Molloy as Horace, Stefan Booth as Tosher, Christopher Ryan as Red Hot, Vivian Carter as Myrtle, Stevie Hutchinson as Ted/PC 2, John Olohan as Paddy, Gary Watson as Norman/PC 1 and Joanna Woodward as Margaret join the previously announced BAFTA nominated Jessie Wallace (EastEnders) as Lil, Gary Kemp (The Krays/ The Bodyguard/Spandau Ballet) as PC Collins, Sarah Middleton as Rosie, Ruth Alfie Adams as Brenda, Will Barton as Percy and Suzie Chard as Betty to complete the cast of Fings Ain't Wot They Used T'Be. Scroll down for a first look at the cast in action!

Mark Arden as Fred, Ryan Molloy as Horace, Stefan Booth as Tosher, Christopher Ryan as Red Hot, Vivian Carter as Myrtle, Stevie Hutchinson as Ted/PC 2, John Olohan as Paddy, Gary Watson as Norman/PC 1 and Joanna Woodward as Margaret join the previously announced BAFTA nominated Jessie Wallace (EastEnders) as Lil, Gary Kemp (The Krays/ The Bodyguard/Spandau Ballet) as PC Collins, Sarah Middleton as Rosie, Ruth Alfie Adams as Brenda, Will Barton as Percy and Suzie Chard as Betty to complete the cast of Fings Ain't Wot They Used T'Be. Scroll down for a first look at the cast in action!

According to the Daily Mail, Geoffrey Rush will once again bridge the stage-screen gap by playing OLIVER! composer Lionel Bart in an upcoming biopic, directed by Vadim Jean. Filming is set to begin this fall.

It's the biggest night in the West End theatre calendar - the great and the good are gathered in Covent Garden to celebrate the best stage work of the last year. Stick with us throughout the night for all the winners, as well as gossip from the Party in the Piazza, and a running commentary on the TV highlights show!

Mark Arden as Fred, Ryan Molloy as Horace, Stefan Booth as Tosher, Christopher Ryan as Red Hot, Vivian Carter as Myrtle, Stevie Hutchinson as Ted/PC 2, John Olohan as Paddy, Gary Watson as Norman/PC 1 andJoanna Woodward as Margaret join the previously announced BAFTA nominated Jessie Wallace (EastEnders) as Lil, Gary Kemp (The Krays/ The Bodyguard/Spandau Ballet) as PC Collins, Sarah Middleton as Rosie, Ruth Alfie Adams as Brenda, Will Barton as Percy and Suzie Chard as Betty to complete the cast of Fings Ain't Wot They Used T'Be.

The original production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Don Black's classicTell Me On a Sunday starring the original Marti Webb is back! The show opened on Sunday, at the Duchess Theatre and we've got photos of the opening night guests.

BAFTA nominated Jessie Wallace (EastEnders) as Lil and Gary Kemp (Spandau Ballet, The Krays, The Bodyguard) as PC Collins will lead the cast in Fings Ain't Wot They Used T'Be, with Sarah Middleton as Rosie, Ruth Alfie Adams as Brenda, Will Barton as Percy and Suzie Chard as Betty, with further casting to be announced shortly.

Gary Naylor sees another opera done Opera-Up-Close style.

Barbara Windsor has joined Theatre Royal Stratford East's fundraising campaign to build a sculpture of the legendary director, Joan Littlewood. The theatre launches a public appeal to raise the final 40% needed for the sculpture International artist Philip Jackson has been commissioned to create the bronze sculpture. The sculpture is due to be installed in spring 2014 in Theatre Square and will coincide with theatre's staging of Oh What A Lovely War.