Joan Littlewood News

Richard Attenborough’s Oh! What a Lovely War, the 1969 anti-war movie musical, will be making its worldwide debut on Blu-ray in the UK, courtesy of Eureka Entertainment.

As part of its 140th anniversary celebrations, Stratford East has announced A RIGHT OLD ROYAL VARIETY NIGHT. The evening is hosted b Kiell Smith-Bynoe (Ghosts, Taskmaster) and Tameka Empson (Eastenders).

This time, the reader question was: How often do Broadway musicals tackle the topic of war? There are actually many musicals about war in the canon. The rare feat of Operation Mincemeat lies in its tone. The show is a fast-paced, zany, comedic take on a mission that used a dead body to mislead the Axis forces, leading to the successful Allied invasion of Sicily.

The world premiere stage production of P.D. James's best-selling novel is a tale of love, betrayal, and intrigue set in Regency England. Learn more about the upcoming performance here!

 Stratford East has announced new shows and events for its milestone 140th anniversary year, bringing together a mix of comedy, music, and unmissable live performances.

DEATH COMES TO PEMBERLEY by P.D. James is based on the inspired sequel to Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice. James Bye will lead the world premiere. Learn more here!

Based on lived experience, writer and performer Bettina Paris explores how the complexities of alcohol addiction can affect families and family relationships. Learn more here!

The majority of Broadway’s Best Musical winners and nominees become some of the most produced shows in America and beyond, for decades to come. But for a small number of the shows to be nominated for Best Musical, Broadway is one of the only places audiences will ever be able to see that piece.

Bettina Paris's SISYPHEAN QUICK FIX explores the impact of alcoholism on family relationships through the story of two sisters dealing with their father's addiction, blending heartfelt comedy and drama. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Cameron Mackintosh has announced that his new co-production with Chichester Festival Theatre of Lionel Bart's iconic musical, Oliver!, which he has fully reconceived with director and choreographer Matthew Bourne, will open in London at the end of the year.

Blackeyed Theatre’s critically acclaimed revival of Oh What a Lovely War heads to Scarborough’s Stephen Joseph Theatre next month. Learn more about the show here!

The cast has been set for A TASTE OF HONEY by Shelagh Delaney and directed by Emma Baggott  at Royal Exchange. Performances run 15 March – 13 April.

Devoted & Disgruntled (D&D), Improbable Theatre’s annual nationwide three-day event where challenges in theatre and the arts are discussed, will take place this March in Leeds. 

The 2024 tour dates have been announced for Blackeyed Theatre’s critically acclaimed revival of Oh What a Lovely War.  Learn more about how to catch the show in a city near you!

Leeds Playhouse has announced a new Spring/Summer 24 Season, which will offer an all new programme of entertainment for all ages. Among the shows are a new Dolly Parton musical, as well as My Fair Lady, Paranormal Activity, and more!

Revolutionising musical theatre when it first premiered in 1963, Joan Littlewood’s Oh What A Lovely War found humour in expressing its anti-war sentiments to songs popular for the period, even garnering a film adaptation directed by Richard Attenborough.

When I began re-reading the original material I instantly felt drawn to a circus backdrop in terms of design and aesthetic. A troop of entertainers, from the Ringmaster to the clowns, coming together to put on a show in a worn-out tent filled with the ammunition needed to put on a touring show, travelling away from home.

Blackeyed Theatre presents a major revival of Oh What a Lovely War to mark the 60th anniversary of Joan Littlewood’s epic anti-war musical.  Check out all new production photos here!

On Sunday 13 August friends, colleagues and loved ones came together to raise a glass and celebrate the life of actor, archivist and author Murray Melvin. The event was organised by Murray’s close friend and mentee, Artistic Director Kerry Kyriacos Michael. The day consisted of performances, tributes and speeches.

BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that British actor Murray Melvin has died at age 90. Murray made several stage and screen appearances, including The Phantom of the Opera, A Taste of Honey, Torchwood and Barry Lyndon.