Menier Chocolate Factory News

Just after her appearance in FLOWERS FOR MRS HARRIS at the Crucible this summer, Anna-Jane Casey will return to the stage -- this time as sharpshooter 'Annie Oakley' in Irving Berlin's ANNIE GET YOUR GUN.

Sheridan Smith, star of the current West End production of FUNNY GIRL, turned to Twitter to announce that she would be unable to perform at last evening's performance. Today, producers of the musical issued the following statement on her absence

It's a hard life being an understudy. It's even harder when you're the understudy to a much-loved Olivier-winning star whose name is selling the whole show. That's the situation for Natasha J Barnes, Sheridan Smith's understudy as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl.

Off-Broadway's acclaimed Classic Stage Company today announced plans for its 2016-17 season, led by incoming Artistic Director John Doyle and Managing Director Jeff Griffin. Doyle, a Tony Award winner for Sweeney Todd and the director of Broadway's highly-praised new production of The Color Purple, assumes the artistic leadership of CSC beginning in July, succeeding Brian Kulick, who has led the company since 2003. For CSC, Doyle has directed Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's Passion and Rodgers & Hammerstein's Allegro, and later this season will direct Henrik Ibsen's Peer Gynt.

Due to unprecedented demand, the Jamie Lloyd Company's production of Doctor Faustus will extend its run at the Duke of York's Theatre by three weeks. Full casting has also been announced, with Jenna Russell taking the role of Mephistopheles. Jade Anouka (Wagner), Tom Edden (Good Angel), Danielle Flett (Valdes), Brian Gilligan (Cornelius), Forbes Masson (Lucifer), Craig Stein (Evil Angel) and ensemble member Gabby Wong join Kit Harington (Game of Thrones), who plays the title role.

The new musical FLOWERS FOR MRS HARRIS has found its blooms.

Veteran director Andy Sandberg's newest project is the play STRAIGHT, which he is bringing to life Off-Broadway. Straight tells the story of Ben, a 26 year old investment banker, and his relationships with his longtime girlfriend Emily and a new young guy named Chris. The new play is turning heads Off-Broadway and is proving to be quite the conversation starter.

Following a critically acclaimed run of FAME: Not The Musical in 2014, the Menier Chocolate Factory today announces the world premiere of David Baddiel's new show My Family: Not The Sitcom.  The production opens on 17 May, with previews from 10 May, and runs until 25 June, following Funny Girl which completes its run at the Menier Chocolate Factory on 5 March and the UK premiere of Florian Zeller's The Truth from 10 March to 7 May. 

Welcome Home, Captain Fox!, Anthony Weigh's new version of Jean Anouilh's hit 1937 comedy Le Voyageur Sans Bagage, will begin previews at The Donmar Warehouse from Thursday 18 February . The production is directed by Blanche McIntyre, and a cast that includes Michelle Asante, Barnaby Kay, Rory Keenan, Katherine Kingsley, Trevor Laird, Sian Thomas, Danny Webb, Fenella Woolgar and Daniel York.

MyTheatreMates, founded by Mark Shenton and Terri Paddock, have announced the shortlists in the second annual Also Recognised Awards.

BroadwayWorld brings you a first look at the first image released of double Emmy Award winner Uzo Aduba (Orange is the New Black) starring in Jean Genet's masterpiece, THE MAIDS.  Check it out below!

Gemini CollisionWorks presents the world premiere of THE GOLFER by Brian Parks. Directed by Ian W. Hill, previews begin March 24 at the Brick Theater. Opening night is slated for Sunday, March 27.

THE COLOR PURPLE is an unforgettable story of enduring love and triumph over adversity. With a fresh, joyous score of jazz, ragtime, gospel and blues, this stirring family chronicle follows the inspirational Celie, as she journeys from childhood through joy and despair, anguish and hope to discover the power of love and life. This unforgettable and intensely moving new production that has just opened on Broadway months prior, mesmerized audiences when it premiered at London's acclaimed Menier Chocolate Factory, where critics hailed it as 'a revelation' (Mark Shenton, The Stage). Now, this American classic comes to Broadway with a powerhouse cast including celebrated London star Cynthia Erivo, who recreates her electrifying performance as Celie. 

Nikolai Foster, Artistic Director at Curve, today announces the full company for his new production of the award-winning West End and Broadway smash hit musical comedy, Legally Blonde, including Tupele Dorgu who joins the cast as Paulette. 

Good morning, BroadwayWorld! Because we know all our readers eat, sleep and breathe Broadway, what could be better than waking up to it? Today's big news: Forest Whitaker leads HUGHIE, opening tonight on Broadway, and BRIGHT STAR begins performances!

Yesterday, select members of the press, including BroadwayWorld.com, were invited to a 'vocals only' rehearsal of Cameron Mackintosh's reimagined production of popular musical LES MISERABLES (LES MIS), which is embarking on its first Asian Tour (Manila: March 11 to April 17 at The Theatre at Solaire; Singapore: May 31 to July 17 at Esplanade Theatre).

London is never short of theatre temptations, whether splashy West End shows, epic dramas or bold fringe offerings. From an all-female reimagining of a classic tale to a late, great Shakespeare, here are some of this week's most eye-catching openings. Don't forget to check back for BroadwayWorld's reviews, and if you need more ticket-booking inspiration, here is last week's round-up.

Earlier today, select members of the press, including BroadwayWorld.com, were invited to a 'vocals only' rehearsal of Cameron Mackintosh's reimagined production of popular musical LES MISERABLES (LES MIS), which is embarking on its first Asian Tour (Manila: March 11 to April 17 at The Theatre at Solaire; Singapore: May 31 to July 17 at Esplanade Theatre).

Southwark Playhouse today announces the full cast for the UK premiere of JC Lee's LUCE, which runs March 9 to April 2. Joining Mel Geidroyc are Natasha Gordon, Martins Imhangbe, Elizabeth Tan and Nigel Whitmey. Natasha Gordon replaces Josette Simon who has had to withdraw from the production for personal reasons. Simon Dormandy, whose recent productions include his own stage adaptation of iconic film The Hudsucker Proxy, will direct, and his Hudsucker collaborator Dick Bird designs.

First images are released today of End of the Rainbow, which opens at the Mercury Theatre, Colchester this Thursday ahead of a 5-month UK Tour. The production features Lisa Maxwell as Judy Garland, Gary Wilmot as Anthony and Sam Attwater as Mickey.