Menier Chocolate Factory News

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.

FUNNY GIRL returns to the London stage for the first time since its 1966 premiere in a sold-out run, led by Olivier and BAFTA award-winning actress Sheridan Smith as 'Fanny Brice'. The multi award-winning Michael Mayer directs the production, opening tonight, 2 December, at Menier Chocolate Factory before a West End transfer. Let's see what the critics had to say...

?A hit in the West End and on Broadway, End of the Rainbow makes its awaited return to the stage, playing at the Belgrade Theatre Coventry from Tues 23 to Sat 27 Feb as part of a major new UK tour, starring Lisa Maxwell as Judy Garland.

Artistic Director Daniel Evans today announces that the world premiere of Richard Bean's THE NAP - directed by Sheffield's Associate Director Richard Wilson - will extend its run by one week to the 2 April due to popular demand.

The actors are joined by composer/lyricist Brenda Russell and producer Scott Sanders in a discussion moderated by activist writer Michaela Angela Davis.

Theatre enthusiasts packed the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts tonight to hear Founding Artistic Director Robert Kelley and Managing Director Phil Santora of TheatreWorks Silicon Valley unveil the line-up for the company's 47th season.

The latest play from French sensation Florian Zeller, who has already enjoyed a pair of London hits with THE FATHER and THE MOTHER, premieres at Menier Chocolate Factory next month, and the theatre today announces the full UK cast. THE TRUTH is about two couples - their friendship, suspicion and deceit.

Due to unprecedented demand, the critically acclaimed production of Funny Girl, which is fast selling out its run, extends booking for a further 4 weeks until 8 October 2016. Tickets for the extension of Michael Mayer's "exhilarating embrace of a production - Independent" starring Olivier and BAFTA award-winning actress and "phenomenal talent - Independent" Sheridan Smith as Fanny Brice go on sale from 10am on 8 February.

FUNNY GIRL, starring Sheridan Smith, is now running Menier Chocolate Factory through March 5 before transferring to the West End's Savoy Theatre from April 9. According to the Daily Mail, the smash hit production, marking the musical's 50th anniversary year and helmed by Michael Mayer, has just extended its run at the Savoy by four weeks through October 8, 2016.

Following the successful transfer to the Menier Chocolate Factory of the New York Production of ROAD SHOW in 2011, the Union Theatre and the Phil Willmott Company are thrilled to be creating the first ever UK production of Sondheim's latest hit. With Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Book by John Weidman and Orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick, ROAD SHOW began last night 3rd February and runs through 5th March 2016 at The Union Theatre. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

ALLEGIANCE's Lea Salonga went to see Broadway's THE COLOR PURPLE last week, and the production seems to have left a lasting impression. So much so that Salonga expressed her hope of the show making it to Manila.

WICKED, the West End musical phenomenon that tells the incredible untold story of the Witches of Oz, is pleased to announce that the actor and presenter Mark Curry will play The Wizard from 25 March 2016. Tom McGowan will play his final performance as The Wizard on 12 March 2016. From 14-24 March 2016, the role will be played by Sean Kearns.

Following the successful transfer to the Menier Chocolate Factory of the New York Production of Road Show in 2011, the Union Theatre and thePhil Willmott Company are thrilled to be creating the first ever UK production of Sondheim's latest hit.

Directed by Tom Littler. Designed by Phil Lindley. Sound by Max Pappenheim. Lighting by Rob Mills.

A hit in the West End and on Broadway, End of the Rainbow will return in 2016, playing at the King's Theatre Glasgow from Tuesday 26 until Saturday 30 April as part of a major new UK tour, starring Lisa Maxwell as Judy Garland.

Sian Thomas will be taking on the role of Mrs Fox in the Donmar's production of Welcome Home, Captain Fox! replacing Francesca Annis who regrettably has had to withdraw from the production for personal reasons.

Danielle Brooks (ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK) stopped by last night's THE LATE SHOW WITH STEPHEN COLBERT to talk about performing in the hit Broadway show THE COLOR PURPLE in front of Oprah Winfrey

Whoopi Goldberg recently went to see the Broadway revival of THE COLOR PURPLE and took some time to discuss the show with her THE VIEW co-hosts. Watch the full clip below!