Matt Willis News

Pride in London returns on Saturday 2 July with its biggest and most inclusive event in history, with a stellar line-up of artists who will perform across four stages around Central London. Chartbusting pop superstar Ava Max will close the show on the Trafalgar Square stage in a year that celebrates 50 years since London's first ever Pride march in 1972.

Three star-led musical concerts, accompanied by the London Musical Theatre Orchestra, will be presented at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in August 2022. Find out when they're taking place and how to get tickets.

Meet Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams of some happiness in her life. When a hot new doctor arrives in town, life gets complicated. With the support of her workmates Becky and Dawn, Jenna overcomes the challenges she faces and finds that laughter, love and friendship can provide the perfect recipe for happiness. Read our critic's review.

David Hunter and Wendy Mae Brown will join the cast of the UK and Ireland Tour of the smash hit romantic musical comedy WAITRESS as 'Dr Pomatter' and 'Becky'.

Produced by Ash Bowers and Bandi, the track follows recently released “Probably At A Bar” and follows the touching musical tribute to his late grandfather, “the tearjerker of 2021” (Taste of Country/The Boot), “Would Have Loved Her.” Pre-save the new single now!

Lucie Jones has just finished a marathon stint playing Jenna Hunterson, most recently in the UK Tour of Waitress. She has hung up her apron and will perform two exclusive headline Christmas shows, Lucie Jones at Christmas, in Cardiff and London on 13 and 14 December, respectively. We spoke with Jones about Waitress, Les Mis, Christmas, and taking on the role of Elphaba in 2022.

High Valley is back with brand new music with  “Whatever It Takes,” (Jon Nite, Ben Stennis, Brad Rempel) and “Never Not,” (Ben West, Matt Willis, Brad Rempel) are brimming with the group’s signature sound of positive-minded, bluegrass-tinted country. Pre-save the new singles now!

Chelsea Halfpenny with join the cast as Jenna in the smash hit romantic musical comedy WAITRESS as from 10 January 2022. Chelsea will take over the role from Lucie Jones who leaves the production to move on to a soon to be announced new project.

Casting has been announced for the first ever UK and Ireland tour of WAITRESS opening at the New Wimbledon Theatre on 4 September 2021. The show will star Lucie Jones as 'Jenna', Sandra Marvin as 'Becky', Evelyn Hoskins as 'Dawn' and Busted's Matt Willis as 'Dr Pomatter'. 

San Francisco Opera stages its first live opera performances with a new, specially adapted production of Gioachino Rossini's The Barber of Seville offered in a drive-in setting on the bucolic grounds of San Rafael's Marin Center.

San Francisco Opera Tad and Dianne Taube General Director Matthew Shilvock announces re-envisioned Spring 2021 programming including a return to live performances with a new production of Gioachino Rossini's The Barber of Seville and concerts offered in a drive-in setting at San Rafael's Marin Center in April and May.

This summer, we're sadly not going to be seeing all the outdoor theatre that we've loved in past years - whether at venues like Regent's Park and Shakespeare's Globe or dedicated festivals and other open-air arts gatherings. So, until we can welcome all these wonderful events back again, BroadwayWorld reviewers are paying tribute to them with some of our favourite memories!

We caught up with composer and comedian Vikki Stone to chat about the release of her concept album #ZoologicalSociety.

Royal & Derngate today announced that it is releasing a concept album on 27 March for a new digital musical commissioned for online and social media distribution called #ZoologicalSociety and written by multi-award-winners Vikki Stone and Katie Mulgrew. The release will be launched with a live concert performance at BEAM 2020, the UK's leading showcase of new British musical theatre, taking place at Royal & Derngate. In line with the announcement, a short film by award-winning animator Tim Wheatley has been released to introduce each of the musical's characters and the album will be available to stream or to download from all leading streaming services including Spotify, Amazon and Apple alongside Royal & Derngate's website.

Last night was the opening night of The Prince of Egypt at London's Dominion Theatre.

The ever-growing annual fundraiser played two spectacular shows at the Shaftesbury Theatre on Sunday 28 October, celebrating iconic music artists and their sexiest songs. Madonna, Prince, Oasis, Take That and many more were given the Bares treatment, accompanied by an incredible live band and sensational vocalists from many of the West End's biggest shows.

It's over 35 years since Little Shop of Horrors had its off-Broadway debut, but it remains a consistent choice for revival. Now Director Maria Aberg brings a new version to Regent's Park Open Air Theatre that indicates the show will be as successful as ever. Despite the incredulous story of hapless assistant-florist Seymour's discovery of a new plant that turns out to only thrive on human flesh, along with a dubious subplot of domestic violence, the production's musical numbers such as 'Suddenly, Seymour' and 'Skid Row' remain as catchy and vibrant as ever.

For the misfits of Skid Row, life is full of broken dreams and dead ends. But there's hope on the horizon for flower shop assistant, Seymour, when he discovers a mysterious new plant with killer potential. Will his newfound fame and fortune win the attention of kind, sweet, delicate Audrey? Can he finally break free and be happy…whatever the consequences?

London is never short of temptations, whether splashy West End shows, epic dramas or bold fringe offerings. From starry Shakespeare and a new musical to family entertainment, here are some of this month's most eye-catching openings. Don't forget to check back for BroadwayWorld reviews, interviews and features!

Regent's Park Open Air Theatre presents Little Shop of Horrors. Directed by Maria Aberg, the production plays 03 August - 15 September.