Sebastien Torkia News

First footage is released today of Michael John LaChiusa's The Wild Party, which plays until Saturday 1 April at The Other Palace.

Casting has been announced for the much-anticipated European Premiere of Peter and the Starcatcher, being staged by Northampton's Royal & Derngate this Christmas.

Baz Bamigboye of the Daily Mail has reported that Michael Shea, will play take on the title role, among several others, in a West End production of Peter And The Starcatcher.

Hannah Grover, Gloria Onitiri, Marc Pickering, Michael Steedon and Sebastien Torkia star in THE STRIPPER, which opened last night at the St. James Studio and plays until 13 August. Based on the pulp fiction story by Carter Brown, with music and lyrics by The Rocky Horror Show creators Richard Hartley and Richard O'Brien, The Stripper is directed by Benji Sperring with set and costume design byTim Shortall, choreography by Lucie Pankhurst, musical direction and arrangement by Alex Beetschen and lighting design by Nick Farman. 

Richard O Brien and Richard Hartley reunite to pen a murder mystery musical set in 'Club Extravaganza'.

Prolific composer Richard Hartley has written for stage and screen, including film scores for The Romantic Englishwoman, The Lady Vanishes, Nicolas Roeg's Bad Timing, Bertolucci's Stealing Beauty, and an Emmy-winning score for Channel 4's Alice in Wonderland. He's also worked extensively in theatre, but is perhaps best known for his partnership with Richard O'Brien, which began in 1973 with the iconic Rocky Horror Show - Richard Hartley arranged the score and performed in the original band, and went on to arrange music for the film adaptation.

London is never short of theatre temptations, whether splashy West End shows, epic dramas or bold fringe offerings. From a magical mega-hit and musical revivals to plays with strong political resonance, here are some of this month's most eye-catching openings. Don't forget to check back for BroadwayWorld's reviews…

The Stripper will run at St. James Studio from 7 July to 13 August 2016, with press night on 11 July at 8pm. Based on the pulp fiction story by Carter Brown, with music and lyrics by The Rocky Horror Show creators Richard Hartley and Richard O'Brien, The Stripper will be directed by Benji Sperring (The Toxic Avenger) with set and costume design by Tim Shortall, choreography by Lucie Pankhurst, musical direction and arrangement by Alex Beetschen and lighting design by Nick Farman. The Stripper is produced by Niall Bailey and Chris Wheeler for Scala Theatre Ltd.

Hannah Grover (Annabelle/ Sherry Mendez/ Sarah Arkwright), Gloria Onitiri (Deadpan Dolores/ Patty Keller), Marc Pickering (Doc Murphy/ Miles Rovak/ Harvey Stern), Michael Steedon (Sheriff Lavers / Jacob Arkwright/ Steve Loomas) and Sebastien Torkia (Al Wheeler) start rehearsals today, 13 June, for The Stripper, playing at the St. James Studio from 7 July to 13 August 2016, with press night on 11 July at 8pm. Full cast biographies can be found below.

Retired bank manager Henry Pulling is happy alone with his dahlias until he meets his decidedly bohemian Aunt Augusta who, having rattled the family skeletons, persuades the reluctant Henry to flee to Europe. He finds himself in a luxurious whirl through Paris and Istanbul and on to South America; but alongside the romance and first-class thrills, there's a lot Henry doesn't know about his aunt - particularly why she has so many grateful men dotted around the globe.

Winner of three Olivier Awards (Best New Musical, Best Choreography, Best Costume Design) from its seven nominations, and winner of the Evening Standard Award for Best Night Out, the musical comes to Canterbury as part of a 47-week tour.

Let's Face the Music and Dance with Top Hat at the Theatre Royal until Saturday 13 December. Stepping into the tap dancing shoes of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers in the lead roles of Jerry Travers and Dale Tremont, are Alan Burkitt and Charlotte Gooch, who both return to Top Hat having previously performed these roles in the West End.

Top Hat - winner of three Olivier Awards, for 'Best New Musical', 'Best Choreography', 'Best Costume Design' from its seven nominations - is enjoying an epic 47-week UK tour, visiting 24 theatres nationwide. From Tuesday 2 December Top Hat will be Puttin' on the Ritz at the Theatre Royal Glasgow.

TOP HAT, winner of three Olivier Awards, for 'Best New Musical', 'Best Choreography', 'Best Costume Design' from its seven nominations and winner of the Evening Standard Award for 'Best Night Out', embarks on a 47-week UK tour, visiting Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from Tue 21 Oct - Sat 1 Nov 2014.

Top Hat, winner of three Olivier Awards, for 'Best New Musical', 'Best Choreography', 'Best Costume Design' from its seven nominations, and winner of the Evening Standard Award for 'Best Night Out', returns to London to open its new tour at New Wimbledon Theatre on Tuesday 12 August where it will run for two weeks until Saturday 23 August. The production then embarks on a major 47-week tour visiting theatres throughout the UK and in Ireland, until 25 July 2015.

Top Hat, winner of three Olivier Awards, for 'Best New Musical', 'Best Choreography' and 'Best Costume Design' from a total of seven nominations and winner of the Evening Standard Award for 'Best Night Out', is setting off on an epic 47-week UK tour, visiting 24 theatres nationwide. Opening at New Wimbledon Theatre on Tuesday 12 August 2014 the production will tour until Saturday 25 July 2015.

Disney's record-breaking musical 'The Lion King' enters its 14th triumphant year at London's Lyceum Theatre on October 19th. Having opened in 1999, this award-winning production remains the West End's best-selling stage production.

On Tuesday 13th September the London Company of the award-winning stage musical The Lion King played its 5000th performance at the Lyceum Theatre in London's West End. Now in its 12th record-breaking year, The Lion King has been seen by almost 10 million people in the UK and 60 million people worldwide, making it one of the most successful productions in theatre history.

On Tuesday 13th September the London Company of the award-winning stage musical The Lion King will play its 5000th performance at the Lyceum Theatre in London's West End. Now in its 12th record-breaking year, The Lion King has been seen by almost 10 million people in the UK and 60 million people worldwide, making it one of the most successful productions in theatre history.

'Hartshorn - Hook Productions presents The Music of the Blues Brothers - a Tribute, the most electric rock'n'roll party of the year. Following spectacular success at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this summer with a month of sell-out shows and 5-star reviews, this raucous live tribute show is now rolling into London. This Tribute is directed by the award-winning Patrick Wilde and is backed by the tightest rhythm and blues band in the city. We tear through the best in American Blues, Soul and Rock'n'Roll classics including Gimme Some Lovin, Think, Minnie The Moocher, Sweet Home Chicago, and Jailhouse Rock. So dig out your sunglasses and get ready to shake your tail feather because this supercharged high-octane Tribute is about to take London by storm.' For more information, visit www.hartshornhook.com.