Maureen Lipman News

London is never short of theatre temptations, whether splashy West End shows, epic dramas or bold fringe offerings. From new takes on Brecht and Buchner to Jez Butterworth's latest and a classic musical, here are some of this month's most eye-catching openings. Don't forget to check back for BroadwayWorld's reviews…

This spring, bring home a trio of celebrated Broadway favorites on Blu-ray with new releases from home entertainment imprint Shout Broadway.

The winners of the Olivier Awards 2017 with Mastercard, the most prestigious event in the UK theatrical calendar, were announced tonight (Sunday 9 April 2017) at London's Royal Albert Hall. The biggest awards yet, the ceremony was hosted by Jason Manford. The full list of winners is available below and online at OlivierAwards.com

The Olivier Awards 2017 with Mastercard - the most prestigious event in the UK's theatrical calendar - takes place today, Sunday 9 April, at London's Royal Albert Hall.

The Olivier Awards 2017 with Mastercard - the most prestigious event in the UK's theatrical calendar - has revealed further details of the star-studded ceremony, hosted by Jason Manford on Sunday 9 April at the Royal Albert Hall.

With Love in Idleness currently running at its home base and soon to follow its production of Travesties at the Apollo Theatre, and with David Baddiel: My Family Not the Sitcom running in the West End, and Funny Girl on a major national tour, the Menier Chocolate Factory announces a casting update for its production of Peter Shaffer's Lettice and Lovage.

Last night, musical 42ND STREET opened at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London's West End. The show received a royal seal of approval from Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, who was given a pair of golden tap shoes by the producers and writer/director Mark Bramble. The Duchess attended the show in her role as Royal Patron of East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH).

???????Gillian Bevan, Dean Chisnall, Krysten Cummings, Siubhan Harrison, Peter Polycarpou and Liam Tamne will lead the cast of the European Premiere of WORKING.

Park Theatre's Artistic Director Jez Bond will direct Miriam Margolyes, Frances Barber and Jonathan Forbes in the world premiere of Madame Rubinstein, a brand new comedy by John Misto, playing at Park Theatre from 26 April - 27 May, with a press night on 3 May.

With She Loves Me currently running at its home base, Travesties and David Baddiel: My Family Not the Sitcom landing in the West End, and Funny Girl starting a major national tour, the Menier Chocolate Factory announces today that Trevor Nunn will direct Felicity Kendal and Maureen Lipman in Peter Shaffer's Lettice and Lovage.

Jez Bond, Artistic Director of Park Theatre has announced that the Finsbury Park venue, now in its fourth successful year, has adopted the Spektrix box office system, which will mean improved online functionality for patrons, as well as outsourcing telephone sales to the Cambridge Live team.

In a year that has seen momentous change across the globe, trailblazers from the arts, politics and activism are set to take part in the first ever WOW -Women of the World festival in Hull, created by Hull UK City of Culture 2017 as part of the global WOW Festivals originated by the Southbank Centre.

Gary Naylor sees a show that delivers traditional Christmas laughs and spectacle from the modern master of the form, writer Eric Potts.

The King's Theatre will be raising funds for Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity during the 2016/17 panto season.

Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG) and First Family Entertainment (FFE) have announced Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity as their official charity partner for the 2016/17 pantomime season.

A revue is a rare theatrical treat these days. In its heyday, the irresistible combination of light comedy, song and dance sketches was incredibly popular. Its golden age lasted from the early 1920s to the late 1950s and for much of that time its greatest practitioner was Noel Coward who wrote and appeared in a succession of revues on both sides of the Atlantic such as London Calling! (1923) and Sigh No More (1945).

Deny Deny Deny, journalist turned playwright Jonathan Maitland's new play tackling the controversial and highly current subject of doping in sport, premiered at Park Theatre on 2 November and plays until 3 December, with a press night tonight 3 November.

Casting has been announced for Park Theatre's new dark comedy Saving Jason, created by the two-time Olivier Award nominated writer of the West End/Broadway hits Glorious! and End of the Rainbow, Peter Quilter. Directed by Steven Dexter, the cast includes Jacques Miche, Tor Clark, Cory Peterson, William Oxborrow, Julie Armstrong and Paddy Navin. Saving Jason will play at Park90, from 2 November until 3 December 2016, with a press night on Monday 7 November, 7pm. 

Deny Deny Deny, journalist turned playwright Jonathan Maitland's new play tackling the controversial and highly current subject of doping in sport, will premiere at Park Theatre on 2 November and play until 3 December, with a press night on 3 November.

Yesterday, Richmond Theatre launched their Christmas pantomime, SLEEPING BEAUTY, in appropriately fairy tale fashion at London's Kew Gardens. Making a welcome return to panto is Maureen Lipman, who stars at the Wicked Fairy, with Lauren Hood as Sleeping Beautya and CBeebies presenter Chris Jarvis as Chester the Jester. Sleeping Beauty runs December 2-January 8, 2017.