Good morning, BroadwayWorld! Because we know all our readers eat, sleep and breathe Broadway, what could be better than waking up to it? This weekend's big news: It's a weekend of beginnings - AN AMERICAN IN PARIS, SKYLIGHT, HAND TO GOD and FINDING NEVERLAND all start previews, and ON THE TWENTIETH CENTURY opens on Sunday!
Last autumn, dramatist and novelist Michael Frayn published his latest and most unusual book, Matchbox Theatre - a series of conversations, sketches and meditations with the Michael Frayn twist - which takes a typically funny and ingenious look at how we live today. Blurring the boundaries between his work for page and for stage, it begs the question - are these mini-plays or short stories?
Full casting is announced today for the first production in the Gate Theatre's Freedom Burning season, Andrew Whaley's award-winning play The Rise and Shine of Comrade Fiasco - a witty and energised allegory of life in post-colonial Zimbabwe. The production is directed by Elayce Ismail, the recipient of this year's JP Morgan Award for Emerging Directors. She directs Gary Beadle (Jungle), Kurt Egyiawan (Chidhina), Joan Iyiola (Febi) and Abdul Salis (Fiasco).
Winning a coveted Scotsman Fringe First Award and a clutch of 5 and 4 star rave reviews as one of the most acclaimed shows at this year's Edinburgh Fringe, The Collector will get its London premiere for one week at Arcola Theatre from November 17 - 22. Press night: Monday 17 November at 8.00pm
Gary Naylor enjoys a stage adaptation of a Radio 4 sitcom set in an old record shop in Handsworth, Birmingham, populated by a family falling out and making up the way families do.
Stars of stage and screen gathered in Chichester yesterday at the newly reopened Festival Theatre for a Gala performance of the critically acclaimed production of Peter Shaffer's Amadeus starring Rupert Everett. Scroll down for photos!
Following Dan LeFranc's THE BIG MEAL, directed by Michael Boyd and Keith Huff's gritty two-hander, A STEADY RAIN, directed by David Grindley, is the final production in the Ustinov Studio's American Season 2014 - Lynn Nottage's multi award-winning INTIMATE APPAREL, directed by Laurence Boswell, tonight 29th May - Saturday 28th June.
Lenny Henry is due to return to the West Midlands to headline Birmingham Repertory Theatre's Autumn and Winter 2014 season. The Dudley-born comedian and actor will star in the stage premiere of Rudy's Rare Records from 4-20 September (press night Tue 9 September), his first role at the theatre.
Following Dan LeFranc's THE BIG MEAL, directed by Michael Boyd and Keith Huff's gritty two-hander, A STEADY RAIN, directed by David Grindley, is the final production in the Ustinov Studio's American Season 2014 - Lynn Nottage's multi award-winning INTIMATE APPAREL, directed by Laurence Boswell, Thursday 29th May - Saturday 28th June.
According to Deadline, Ullman has just signed to join James Roday and Rich Sommer in CBS' upcoming comedy pilot GOOD SESSION from John Hamburg and Matt Miller.
The Critics' Circle Theatre Awards just took place at the Prince of Wales Theatre, celebrating the 25th anniversary of these unique awards. Hosted by Critics' Circle Drama Section Chairman Mark Shenton, with regular guest speaker comedian Arthur Smith introducing proceedings, the ceremony is firmly established as a highlight of the theatrical calendar and, this year, marks a quarter of a century of recognising the best in British Theatre.
It's a New Year's tradition that doesn't get old. For the third year in a row Marilyn Maye brings back her exciting 'By Request' format for a week of raucous revelry after ringing out 2013 with back-to-back shows on New Year's Eve. Maye's remarkable performances will be accompanied by pianist/conductor Billy Stritch, bassist Tom Hubbard, and drummer Ray Marchica. The party doesn't stop until Sunday January 12. Check out photos from the concert below!
A three-week season of Rudy's Rare Records: Last Record Shop Standing stage version is planned at Hackney Empire starring Lenny Henry in September 2014 prior to a UK tour.
ENCOUNTERS: Performers on Performance is a unique series of one to one conversations with high profile performers talking personally, candidly and entertainingly about their life and art. ENCOUNTERS will open at the Lyric Theatre on 20th January 2014 over monthly Monday evenings. Fiona Lindsay will conduct the interviews with Lenny Henry (Monday, 20th January, 2014) and David Suchet (Monday, 24th February, 2014) appearing as the first two guests.
The Daily Mail reports that Fiona Lindsay will host a series of conversations called ENCOUNTERS: PERFORMERS ON PERFORMANCE at the Lyric Theatre, beginning in January 2014. The first two guests will be Lenny Henry (Jan 20) and David Suchet (Feb 24).
Helen Lederer is instantly recognisable as one of Britain's best-known comedy character actresses and known for her unique wide-eyed brand of wit and observational humour. Due to popular demand she has been invited back to St James Theatre to ask Why The Fuss?.
The longlist for the annual Evening Standard Theatre Awards has been announced, and includes Dame Judi Dench, Dame Helen Mirren, James McAvoy and Dominic West.
Helen Lederer is instantly recognisable as one of Britain's best-known comedy character actresses and known for her unique wide-eyed brand of wit and observational humour. Due to popular demand she has been invited back to St James Theatre to ask Why The Fuss?.