Siobhan Dillon News

Gary Naylor enjoys Weimar vibes in Vimbledon.

Yet another 'juke-box musical' with a whimsical plot written around a collection of well known hit songs would appear on the surface to be a nightmare theatrical scenario. But Bill Kenwright's production of Can't Smile Without You currently playing at the Bristol Hippodrome during the early stages of its UK tour turns out to be a very pleasant and hugely enjoyable surprise. The enjoyment is due partly to the fact that the hit songs are by Barry Manilow - a vintage songwriter whose melodies always soar and touch the right emotional buttons - and partly due to some knock-out performances by an immensely talented cast.

The magic of Manilow is about to hit the stage across the UK with Bill Kenwright's production of the new musical Can't Smile Without You. Joining pop/rock singer-songwriter Chesney Hawkes in the show's leading roles will be BBC's How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria finalist Siobhan Dillon and I'd Do Anything contestant Francesca Jackson.

Additional casting has been announced for the upcoming West End revival of Grease

Siobhan Dillon, who made into the finals last year on the reality TV Show for The Sound of Music, will star in Grease this Summer!

Connie Fisher, chosen by popular vote as the winner of the UK reality show 'How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria,' will star in the upcoming London revival of The Sound of Music

Andrew Lloyd Webber has written on his website that Simon Shepherd will play Captain von Trapp, the authoritarian father softened by love, in the upcoming London revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein's The Sound of Music.

Emma Williams has been confirmed as the stand-by in the role of Maria for the much-publicized upcoming London revival of The Sound of Music.