Lucy Kirkwood News

Casting is announced for Our Town at the Almeida Theatre. Award-winning US actor-director David Cromer will direct and perform in this intimate version of Thornton Wilder's iconic American play. The cast will also include Michael Ajao, Paul Bigley, Arthur Byrne, Sidney Cole, Kate Dickie, Laura Elsworthy, Anna Francolini, Matthew Jacobs-Morgan, Daniel Kendrick, Simon Lennon, Jessica Lester, Richard Lumsden, Annette McLaughlin, Christopher Staines, Rhashan Stoneand David Walmsley.

Casting is announced for the world premiere of Alecky Blythe's new play inspired by the 2011 London riots, directed by Joe Hill-Gibbins. This is Alecky's first new London production after the success of London Road at the National Theatre.

This summer the writers of previous Edinburgh Fringe hits Coalition and Making News and multi-award winning director of Instinct For Kindness and Lockerbie - Unfinished Business are set to team up with one of the most respected actors of his generation to present a satirical tale of political intrigue, gamesmanship and ambition in the corridors of power. Alan Cox is to be directed by Hannah Eidinow in Robert Khan and Tom Salinsky's Kingmaker, the story of a fictional yet strangely familiar political figure whose bumbling bonhomie disguises a fierce determination and a heart of steel.

59E59 Theaters welcomes KPS Productions, in association with the Pleasance Theatre in Edinburgh to Brits Off Broadway & supported by Jersey Arts Trust, with PLAYING WITH GROWN UPS by Hannah Patterson, directed by Hannah Eidinow. PLAYING WITH GROWN UPS began performances on Tuesday, April 29 for a limited engagement through Sunday, May 18. Press opening is today, Tuesday, May 6 at 7:15 PM. The performance schedule is Tuesday - Thursday at 7:15 PM; Friday at 8:15 PM; Saturday at 2:15 PM and 8:15 PM; and Sunday at 3:15 PM and 7:15 PM. Performances are at 59E59 Theaters (59 East 59th Street, between Park and Madison Avenues). Tickets are $35 ($24.50 for 59E59 Members). To purchase tickets, call Ticket Central at (212) 279- 4200 or visit www.59e59.org.

59E59 Theaters will welcome KPS Productions in association with the Pleasance Theatre in Edinburgh to Brits Off Broadway with PLAYING WITH GROWN UPS by Hannah Patterson, directed by Hannah Eidinow. PLAYING WITH GROWN UPS begins performances tonight, April 29 for a limited engagement through Sunday, May 18.

Oh-so-justly, Chimerica has scooped up a handful of Olivier Awards, including the highly coveted award for Best New Play. Produced in conjunction with Headlong and originally playing at the Almeida (before a successful transfer to the Harold Pinter Theatre), Lucy Kirkwood's intelligent, moving drama tells of the 'tank man' from the historic image of 1976 Tianenmen Square.

The winners of the 38th Olivier Awards with MasterCard, the most prestigious event in the UK theatrical calendar, were announced tonight (Sunday 13 April 2014) in front of a packed audience at a glamorous ceremony at London's Royal Opera House hosted by Stephen Mangan and Gemma Arterton.

Nominees are 1984 (Almeida Theatre), Chimerica (Almeida), Peter and Alice (Noel Coward Theatre), and The Night Alive (Donmar).

59E59 Theaters will welcome KPS Productions in association with the Pleasance Theatre in Edinburgh to Brits Off Broadway with PLAYING WITH GROWN UPS by Hannah Patterson, directed by Hannah Eidinow. PLAYING WITH GROWN UPS begins performances on Tuesday, April 29 for a limited engagement through Sunday, May 18.

Round House Theatre Producing Artistic Director Ryan Rilette today announced the lineup of plays for company's 2014/15 season. During the new season, Round House will produce a modern American classic, a new musical, two contemporary comedies, a potent new drama, and a compelling new version of a classic on its Bethesda stage. One production is an American premiere and four productions are D.C. area premieres.

The 2013 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize has been awarded to U.K. playwright Lucy Kirkwood for her play Chimerica. In addition, a Special Commendation has been awarded to Phoebe Waller-Bridge for her debut play, Fleabag.

Productions of Translations and Afterplay, produced as part of a season of work dedicated to the Irish playwright Brian Friel, will play Sheffield Theatres this spring.

Rupert Goold, The Almeida Theatre's Artistic Director, directs the World Premiere of American Psycho, a new musical thriller with book by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and music and lyrics by Duncan Sheik, based on the novel by Bret Easton Ellis. The production ends its acclaimed run today, 1 Feb in the West End.

The Susan Smith Blackburn Prize has announced 10 Finalists for its prestigious playwriting award, now celebrating its thirty-sixth year. Chosen from over 100 submitted plays, the Finalists are

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.

Full casting has been announced for the productions of Translations and Afterplay, as part of an upcoming season of work dedicated to the Irish playwright Brian Friel, taking place at Sheffield Theatres this spring.

Preston Copley, formerly of Disney Theatrical Group, where he served directly under President Thomas Schumacher on the gamut of the commercial producer's Global productions, has joined Jean Doumanian Productions as Director of Creative Development for Theater, working alongside Jean Doumanian, and Vice President, Patrick Daly. In his new position, Copley will be identifying existing work and developing new theatrical content for commercial productions on and off-Broadway, and for audiences abroad.

Rupert Goold, The Almeida Theatre's Artistic Director, directs the World Premiere ofAmerican Psycho, a new musical thriller with book by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and music and lyrics by Duncan Sheik, based on the novel by Bret Easton Ellis. It will run beginning tonight, 3 December 2013 to 25 January 2014 with Press Night on 12 December.

Returning to the London stage for the first time in nearly 40 years the inimitable Angela Lansbury reunites with acclaimed director Michael Blakemore to reprise her Tony award-winning Broadway performance as Madame Arcati in Blithe Spirit. Opening at the Gielgud Theatre on 18 March 2014, with previews from 1 March, this new production of Noel Coward's sharp comedy of social mores will also star Janie Dee and Charles Edwards.

The 59th London Evening Standard Theatre Awards were held tonight in London, with Helen Mirren taking home the 'Best Actress' prize for her performance as Queen Elizabeth II inPeter Morgan's THE AUDIENCE. The production also took home the 'Best Design' award. Below, BroadwayWorld brings you photos from inside the special event!