CASTING UPDATE ANNOUNCED FOR THE WORLD TOUR
OF
LES MISÉRABLES
THE ARENA SPECTACULAR

BONNIE LANGFORD TO PLAY ‘MADAME THÉNARDIER’, GAVIN LEE ‘THÉNARDIER’,

JAC YARROW ‘MARIUS’, BEATRICE PENNY-TOURÉ ‘COSETTE’,

CHANNAH HEWITT ‘FANTINE’, JAMES D. GISH ‘ENJOLRAS’

AND JEREMY SECOMB ‘BISHOP OF DIGNE’

JOINING

ALFIE BOE AND KILLIAN DONNELLY

WHO SHARE THE ROLE OF ‘JEAN VALJEAN’,

AND
MICHAEL BALL AND BRADLEY JADEN

WHO SHARE THE ROLE OF ‘JAVERT’

IN THE UK

DUE TO UNPRECEDENTED DEMAND AND
WITH MOST UK PERFORMANCES ALREADY SOLD OUT,

NEW SEATS HAVE BEEN ADDED IN ALL CITIES

PLUS AN EXTRA PERFORMANCE IN MANCHESTER  

CAMERON MACKINTOSH, in association with NICK GRACE MANAGEMENT, announce today a casting update for the forthcoming UK performances of the World Tour of Boublil and Schönberg’s LES MISÉRABLES THE ARENA SPECTACULAR. The World’s favourite musical, re-imagined for the World’s biggest stages, will open at the SSE Arena Belfast on 19 September 2024.

Joining the previously announced Alfie Boe and Killian Donnelly, who share the role of Jean Valjean, and Michael Ball and Bradley Jaden,who share the role of Javert, will be Bonnie Langford as Madame Thénardier, Gavin Lee as Thénardier, Jac Yarrow as Marius, Beatrice Penny-Touré as Cosette, Channah Hewitt as Fantine, James D. Gish as Enjolras and Jeremy Secomb as Bishop of Digne, leading a cast and orchestra of over 65. Further casting to be announced soon.

It was also confirmed today that due to unprecedented demand and with most UK performances already sold out, new seats have been added in all cities, plus an extra performance in Manchester. UK tour schedule below. Tickets are on sale via lesmis.com/worldtour. Visit the website to view the cast’s scheduled performance dates, which are subject to change.

Bonnie Langford’s most recent appearance in the West End was in Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends at the Gielgud Theatre, having also appeared in the Gala cast of the show at the Sondheim Theatre. Her many other West End credits include Miss Evangeline Harcourt in Anything Goes, Roz Keith in 9 to 5 The Musical and Dorothy Brock in 42^nd Street. She created the role of Rumpleteaser in the original production of Cats and also starred as Roxie Hart in Chicago, in both the West End and on Broadway. She won a British Soap Award for her role as Carmel Kazemi in EastEnders and most recently reached the final of ITV’s The Masked Dancer. Bonnie also appeared in the 2006 series of ITV1’s Dancing On Ice, skating her way to the final and returned for the All Stars season in 2014.  Her other television credits include BBC’s Doctor Who and The Catherine Tate Show. 

Gavin Lee created the role of Bert in Mary Poppins, in both the West End and on Broadway, receiving Olivier, Tony and Outer Critics Circle Award nominations for his portrayal, as well as the Drama Desk and Theatre World Awards. On Broadway he has appeared as Thénardier in Les Misérables and was also nominated for the Tony, Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk Awards for his performance as Squidward in The Spongebob Musical. His many other West End credits include Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends, Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast and Jerry Travers in Top Hat.

Jac Yarrow made his professional and West End debut as the title role in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, for which he was nominated for the 2020 Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical, the WhatsOnStage Award for Best Actor in a Musical and won The Stage Debut Award for Best West End Debut. He reprised the role of Joseph for the UK and Ireland Tour of the show and a run at Toronto’s Princess of Wales Theatre and was most recently seen in Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends.

Beatrice Penny-Touré is currently appearing as Nabulungi in The Book of Mormon in the West End. Her other West End credits include covering and playing the role of Christine in The Phantom of the Opera and the title role in Mary Poppins, as well as Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends.

Channah Hewitt most recently played the role of Fantine in the Dutch tour of Les Misérables. She was part of the Dutch cast of The Lion King, covering the role of Nala. She then played the role of Ikette and covered the role of Tina in the Hamburg production of Tina The Tina Turner Musical and also played the role of Tina in the Dutch production of the show. 

James D. Gish is making his European debut. His credits on Broadway include Fiyero in Wicked and Fabrizio in The Light in the Piazza for New York City Center Encores. His US touring credits include Gerry Goffin in Beautiful and Feuilly in Les Misérables.

Jeremy Secomb’s West End credits include Javert in Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera and most recently Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends. His many other theatre credits include Sister Act at the Eventim Apollo and on tour, and Sweeney Todd in the London and New York revival of Sweeney Todd, at Harrington’s Pie and Mash Shop.

LES MISÉRABLES THE ARENA SPECTACULAR will be expanded from the hugely successful Les Misérables The Staged Concert which played for over 200 record-breaking performances in the West End. It will have an extraordinary new design specifically created for arenas. This spectacular production will have a company of over 110 actors, musicians and crew.

Nick Grace is one of the World’s leading producers and general managers of international touring productions and in the last 25 years has presented shows in 60 countries worldwide including BATMAN LIVE – World Arena Tour, WALKING WITH DINOSAURS – The Arena Spectacular, BLUE MAN GROUP World Tour and the ongoing MAMMA MIA! UK & International Tour.

Cameron Mackintosh’s critically acclaimed production of Boublil and Schönberg’s Les Misérables continues its record-breaking run at the Sondheim Theatre in London’s West End, with several other local language productions currently on or in preparation around the world. The World Tour begins as the stage musical enters its 40^th revolutionary year and will run throughout the upcoming 40^th anniversary celebrations for the world’s longest running musical in 2025. To celebrate the 10^th Anniversary of the Oscar-winning movie, a remastered and remixed version was released in cinemas nationwide earlier this year.

DAME MAUREEN LIPMAN AND PETE FIRMAN
TO HEADLINE RICHMOND PANTOMIME
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

SAT 7 DEC 2024 – SUN 5 JAN 2025

Richmond Theatre and Crossroads Pantomimes are delighted to welcome actress Dame Maureen Lipman back to Richmond Theatre to play Mrs Potty in this year’s family pantomime Beauty and the Beast. Maureen will be joined by comedy magician Pete Firman as Silly Billy from Saturday 7 December 2024 to Sunday 5 January 2025.

Maureen Lipman last appeared in Richmond panto as the Wicked Fairy in Sleeping Beauty in 2016.  Most recently, Maureen has been seen on the TV screens of millions playing the role of Evelyn Plummer in Coronation Street.

Among Maureen’s film credits are Up the Junction, Educating Rita and the Pianist. She spent three years in Olivier’s Old Vic company, has appeared in over thirty West End plays and four one person shows including Re Joyce and Rose. She has starred in multiple sitcoms as well as the award winning TV plays of her late husband Jack Rosenthal and also filmed reality documentaries DNA Journey, Art Deco and Gogglebox. She has published 10 books and is the proud recipient of honorary Doctorates from the Universities of Hull, Salford, Sheffield and Tel Aviv.  She was awarded a CBE in 1999 and a Damehood in 2020. 

Commenting on the casting, Maureen said:

“They asked me to do Panto and I said ‘Oh no I can’t’ .…. they said ‘OH YES YOU CAN’”

No stranger to panto, Pete Firman is one of the UK’s leading comedian and magician as well as a TV regular.  Pete first graced our screens in Channel 5’s groundbreaking series Monkey Magic and later starred in BBC One′s prime-time Saturday night series The Magicians. His unique blend of comedy and magic has seen him invited to perform on countless TV programmes, including Tonight at the London Palladium (ITV1), The John Bishop Show (BBC One), Tommy Cooper Forever (ITV1), The Sarah Millican Television Programme (BBC2), Edinburgh Comedy Fest Live (BBC3) and The Magic Show Story (ITV1) amongst many others and presents CITV’s smash hit immersive gameshow Don’t Unleash The Beast.

The Richmond Theatre panto is once again staged by the world’s biggest pantomime producer Crossroads Pantomimes, whose Chief Executive Michael Harrison said:

“With the comic talents of Maureen Lipman and Pete Firman combined I have absolutely no doubt that Beauty and The Beast at Richmond Theatre is going to be a truly hilarious Christmas treat for all the family.”

Richmond Theatre’s Theatre Director, Allie Long, said:

“This is truly a perfect pairing for our pantomime, particularly during Richmond Theatre’s 125^th birthday year. We are delighted to welcome back Maureen Lipman after her much-loved 2016 performances, and along with Pete Firman’s comedy and magic talents are confident that Richmond audiences will have a fabulous festive time at this year’s pantomime!”

Beauty and the Beastfollows Belle who finds herself transported to a cursed castle and held captive by a hideous beast. To her surprise, the castle is full of magical characters placed under a spell by an evil enchantress. Can Belle see beyond the monster and fall in love with her captor before the last petal falls from the enchanted rose? Or will the Beast’s selfishness cost him the world he once knew and the hand of the girl who has melted his heart?

Packed with all the traditional pantomime ingredients Richmond audiences expect, Beauty and the Beast features laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses.

Beauty and the Beast comes to Richmond Theatre this December.
Tickets are on sale now from £13, To book visit https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/richmond-theatre/ 

THE ORIGINAL MISCHIEF GANG ARE BACK

FOR LONDON’S SUMMER BLOCKBUSTER

Tuesday 30 July – Sunday 1 September 2024

The Other Palace, London

Wednesday 3 July 2024 – The original Mischief gang, creators of Mischief’s flagship comedy The Play That Goes Wrong, return to London and to their comedy roots to present their hilarious improvised Mischief Movie Night at The Other Palace for 5 weeks only.  It will run this summer from Tuesday 30 July – Sunday 1 September 2024 with all performances at 8pm.

Tickets are currently on pre-sale to Mischief fans and The Other Palace members, and on general sale from 12 noon on Friday 5 July from www.MischiefMovieNight.co.uk.

Every show is different with audience members suggesting a genre, location and title.  Mischief hilariously brings the show to life, complete with rewinds, fast forwards, directors cuts and a thrilling live score to laugh along to. 

Mischief Movie Night features Mischief original cast members and regulars including:   Henry Shields as Need to Check, Bry Corrigan as TBC,  Niall Ransome as Guess Who? Henry Lewis as Not Sure, Rhyanna Alexander Davies as Don’t Know Yet, Lauren Shearing as We’ll Never Know, Susan Harrison as I Suppose We’ll Find Out, Jonathan Sayer as Wait and See, Ellie Morris as Surely Not Now, Nancy Zammitt as It’s a Slam Dunk Matt Cavendish as Time, Gentlemen Please, Ruth Bratt as Look Who’s Talking and Josh Elliott as No Idea.  They will be joined by musician Richard Baker.

Originally created by Mischief for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the show has transferred to the West End for a limited season, and during the pandemic was streamed globally and watched in over 50 countries, bringing laughter directly into families living rooms.  

Mischief Movie Night is created by Mischief with lighting by David Howe. 

Mischief’s production of The Play that Goes Wrong is currently running at the Duchess Theatre and celebrates 10 years in the West End in September 2024.

ANNE-MARIE DUFF ANNOUNCED IN THE LITTLE FOXES AT THE YOUNG VIC THEATRE 

BAFTA Award-winning actress Anne-Marie Duff (Bad Sisters, Suffragette, Nowhere Boy) is today announced to lead the cast in a savage new staging of Lillian Hellman’s The Little Foxes by Olivier Award-winning director Lyndsey Turner (The Witches, The Crucible). She will return to perform at the Young Vic Theatre for the first time in 17 years in this story of greed, ambition and a family on the edge. The production runs in the Main House from 2 December to 8 February. Tickets are available now at www.youngvic.org   

Anne-Marie Duff said: “The Little Foxes is a formidable play by a formidable writer – I couldn’t put it down. It’s a searing drama about corruption, betrayal and the relentless pursuit of power. At the heart of it is Regina, a charismatic yet ruthless character who, when the reins are unleashed, goes full force to take matters into her own hands. It’s a joy to return to the Young Vic stage and bring Lillian Hellman’s classic play to life with the brilliant Lyndsey Turner.”  

There are people who eat the earth and eat all the people on it.
Then there are people who stand around and watch them eat it.   

After a lifetime spent watching her brothers grow rich, Regina Hubbard has had enough of standing around. When a businessman offers the family the prospect of untold wealth and power, a sequence of events unfolds that sets brother against brother, father against son and Regina against the whole pack of them. 

Design is by Lizzie Clachan, Lighting Design by Lucy Carter, Sound Design by Tingying Dong, Fight Direction by Kev McCurdy, Accent Coach Penny Dyer, Casting by Jess Ronane CDG CSA.

The Little Foxes is produced in association with Second Half Productions. 

Further casting to be announced. 

Anne-Marie Duff is a multi-award-winning actress with a hugely successful stage and screen career. Notable roles include Fiona Gallagher in Channel 4’s Shameless, Queen Elizabeth in BBC’s The Virgin Queen, John Lennon’s mother Julia Stanley in Sam Taylor-Johnson’s Nowhere Boy and the eponymous heroine in Saint Joan at the National Theatre. She played Erin Wiley in Sex Education, Ma Costa in His Dark Materials and recently starred in Bad Sisters receiving the Best Supporting Actress BAFTA. This summer she returns as Dr Susannah Newman in the Channel 4 thriller, Suspect. She has worked extensively on stage for over 20 years. Her Young Vic credits include The Daughter in Law and The Soldiers Fortune. She most recently performed in The House of Shades at the Almeida. She made her Broadway debut as Lady Macbeth in 2014. She also performed the role at the National Theatre where her other credits include Collected Stories, Strange Interlude, King Lear, War and Peace, Husbands and Sons, Common. Other theatre credits include Oil (Almeida), Sweet Charity, Days of Wine and Roses (Donmar Warehouse). Her film credits include Suffragette, On Chesil Beach, The Magdalene Sisters, Notes on a Scandal. 

Lyndsey Turner is an Associate Director at the National Theatre. Her work includes: The Witches, The Crucible (also West End) and Under Milk Wood (National Theatre), A Number(Old Vic); Far Away, Faith Healer, Fathers and Sons (Donmar Warehouse); Hamlet(Barbican); The Treatment, Chimerica (Almeida); Girls and Boys, Posh (Royal Court).  

Lillian Hellman was born in New Orleans, grew up in New Orleans and New York City, and attended New York University and Columbia.  Her career as a playwright began in 1934 with The Children’s Hour, the first of several plays that would bring her international attention and praise, among them The Little Foxes, Watch on the Rhine, Another Part of the Forest, The Autumn Garden and Toys in the Attic.  Hellman was twice the recipient of the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for the best play of the year (for Watch on the Rhine and Toys in the Attic).  She was also awarded the Gold Medal for Drama from the National Institute of Arts and Letters.  In 1972 a definitive edition of all her work for the theatre was published as The Collected Plays. 

Hellman received the National Book Award for An Unfinished Woman in 1969.  She subsequently wrote two additional volumes of autobiography, Pentimento and Scoundrel Time.  In the decades before her death in 1984, Hellman divided her time between New York and Martha’s Vineyard. 

BSL Performance:  Tue 7 January, 7.30pm 
Captioned Performances: Tue 17 December, 7.30pm & Sat 4 January, 2.30pm 
Relaxed Performances: Sat 11 January, 2.30pm & Thu 16 January, 7.30pm 
Sensory Adapted Performance: Thu 9 January, 7.30pm
Audio Described Performances: Thu 19 December, 7.30pm & Sat 18 January, 2.30pm 

Paul McGann and India Fisher to star in special one-off live recording of Big Finish’s Eighth Doctor adventure

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of licensed Doctor Who audio dramas, Big Finish Theatre, in partnership with BBC Studios, Fourth Wall Live and AEG, is proud to announce a unique full-cast live recording event, taking place at Cadogan Hall, London on Saturday 14 September 2024.

For the very first time, Doctor Who fans will be able to watch an all-star cast take to the stage to perform a brand-new audio play, The Stuff of Legend, by Robert Valentine.

Leading the cast is Paul McGann as the Eighth Doctor and India Fisher as his indomitable companion Charley Pollard. They’ll be joined onstage by Alex Macqueen as the Master alongside Nicholas Briggs, who voices the Doctor’s unstoppable arch-enemy, the Daleks.

Something is afoot in the lonely Cornish village of Merrymaid Bay. Rumours of dead men working in the tin mines have sent a chill through the community, and it’s up to the Doctor and Charley to get to the bottom of the mystery.

Can the legends of the Bucca that haunts the mines be true? And just what awesome power do the Doctor’s greatest enemies – the Daleks! – threaten to unleash upon the universe?

Tickets will be available to order at www.doctorwhoaudiolive.com from 10:00 on Friday 05 July, with prices beginning at £18.00.

Big Finish executive producer Jason Haigh-Ellery said: “25 years? It feels like 25 seconds! Producing the audio adventures of Doctor Who has been such a joy that two and a half decades has flown by – almost as if we have all been in the time vortex with the Doctor.

“We’ve enjoyed ourselves so much producing thousands of hours of audio drama adventures – and now we have the chance to show fans of the series how the audio productions are made, with a new live performance – the first time Doctor Who has been performed live on stage since 1989.”

Dominic Walker, Global Business Director at BBC Studios, added: “After 25 years of working with Big Finish on the Doctor Who audio adventures, BBC Studios is excited to now be bringing a live version to the stage. The Stuff of Legend is a fitting celebration and I am delighted that fans will be able to witness the recording of such a momentous anniversary story up close and personal.”

Cadogan Hall has limited capacity so fans are advised to book quickly to avoid disappointment.

Simultaneous to the live stage show, a full-cast studio production of Doctor Who: The Stuff of Legend will be released on 14 September 2024. Big Finish listeners can pre-order this adventure now for just £15.99 (collector’s edition CD box set + download) or £12.99 (download only) at www.bigfinish.com. This will also be available to purchase as a collector’s edition CD at the event.

All the above prices include the special pre-order discount and are subject to change after general release.

LISTEN AND LEARN AT RICHMOND THEATRE!

For One Night Only…

Amongst the mix of comedy, musicals and murder mysteries coming to Richmond Theatre this year, we are overjoyed to welcome a unique and exciting array of one-night, informative and inspirational evenings. As we approach our 125th birthday celebrations this September, audiences can immerse themselves in an enriching exploration of history, politics, the world of sport, the works of Shakespeare, and the lives of our beloved stars.

Kicking off with AN EVENING WITH CELIA IMRIE (5 Jul), the theatre welcomes Oliver Award-winning actress, Celia Imrie (Bridget Jones, Absolutely Fabulous Calendar Girls), as she takes us on a journey through her illustrious career and captivating new novel, Meet Me at Rainbow Corner. Celia will be joined by the book’s researcher Fidelis Morgan as they explore the books inspiration – the resilience and camaraderie of women during the Second World War. With an opportunity to ask questions, audience won’t want to miss the chance to find out more about Celia Imrie’s incredible career. Still interested in keeping with the theme of Britain’s treasured stars, Robert Lindsay (Citizen Smith, Me and My Girl, Anything Goes), the legendary BAFTA, Laurence Olivier, and Tony award-winning actor will delve behind the scenes as he discusses stories from his extensive career in AN AUDIENCE WITH ROBERT LINDSAY (6 Oct).

For audiences with a soft spot for Shakespeare, Dame Harriet Walter (Succession, Killing Eve, Ted Lasso), one of Britain’s most esteemed Shakespearean actors brings us HARRIET WALTER & FRIENDS: SHAKESPEARE WOMEN SPEAK! (27 Oct). Harriet re-imagines what some of Shakespeare’s women might have been thinking and lets them speak their minds. With new speeches for thirty Shakespearean women, expect a uniquely empowering evening as Shakespeare’s women demand centre stage!

For the history enthusiasts, William Dalrymple, historian and co-host of the chart-topping podcast Empire, brings us HOW ANCIENT INDIA TRANSFORMED THE WORLD (4 Sep), delving into the rarely told story of India’s role as a cultural and scientific superpower of the ancient world. When William’s knowledge on the world leaves audiences with a tingle to learn more, we welcome renowned British journalist, bestselling author, political insider and presenter of the chart-topping podcast The News Agents, Jon Sopel with IN CONVERSATION WITH JON SOPEL (Sep 22). Jon will offer a personal exploration of the changes that have reshaped his homeland, and what it now means to be British in a post-Brexit Britain.

For the sport enthusiasts, to cure the post cricket season blues, Richmond welcomes one of England’s greatest cricketers, Stuart Broad, in AN EVENING WITH STUART BROAD (Nov 3) one year on after taking his final wicket. He’ll reflect on the highs and lows of his sensational 17-year career as well as the new challenges he faces beyond the boundary rope.

ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER’S
STARLIGHT EXPRESS

ACCLAIMED NEW PRODUCTION

EXTENDS SEASON FOR THE THIRD TIME

AT TROUBADOUR WEMBLEY PARK THEATRE

NOW BOOKING TO JUNE 2025

www.starlightexpresslondon.com

Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals is delighted to confirm that Andrew Lloyd Webber’s STARLIGHT EXPRESS -which opened this weekend at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre to huge critical acclaim across the media – has today extended booking through to June 2025.

★★★★★ “Lloyd Webber’s blockbuster makes a spellbinding return”   The Telegraph

Michael Harrison said:
“Following the sensational response to Sunday’s Opening Night, and the huge critical acclaim for the show, I am thrilled to already be extending our run at Troubadour for a third time. Starlight Express has always brought a new generation into the theatre. From our very first performance, it’s been brilliant to see young and old come together to delight in Andrew and Richard’s iconic songs and the spectacular new setting in Wembley. There is overwhelming public demand for Starlight, and we are now releasing almost 150,000 new seats for sale. The race is on to get your tickets!”

The London return of STARLIGHT EXPRESS introduces Jeevan Braich as Rusty, Kayna Montecillo as Pearl, Jade Marvin as Momma McCoy, Al Knott as Greaseball, Eve Humphrey as Dinah and Tom Pigram as Electra.

The STARLIGHT EXPRESS cast also includes Jamie Addison, Jessie Angell, Ollie Augustin, Charles Butcher, Renz Cardenas, Catherine Cornwall, Jamie Cruttenden, Kelly Downing, Isaac Edwards, Asher Forth, Sam Gallacher, Lucy Glover, Pablo Gómez Jones, Scott Hayward, Lilianna Hendy, Dante Hutchinson, Lewis Kidd, Hannah Kiss, Oscar Kong, Emily Martinez, Deearna Mclean, Marianthe Panas, David Peter-Brown, Harrison Peterkin, RED, Bethany Rose-Lythgoe, Charlie Russell, Gary Sheridan, Jessica Vaux, Jaydon Vijn, Lara Vina Uzcatia, Sharon Wattis and Ashlyn Weekes. 

The young actors are Shaniyah Abrahams, Cristian Buttaci, Alexander Brooks, Barnaby Halliwell, Mimi Soetan and Arabella Stanton.

★★★★ ““A scorcher of a revival – the like of which I have never seen before”   Daily Mail

As a child’s train set magically comes to life and the engines race to become the fastest in the world, Rusty the steam train has little hope of winning until he is inspired by the legend of the ‘Starlight Express’.

Seen by over 20 million people across the world, STARLIGHT EXPRESS is a true theatrical event, fully immersing audiences of all ages inside a world of speed, song and storytelling, as the incredible cast of 40 whizz around and above, performing some of musical theatre’s most beloved songs, including AC/DC, Make Up My Heart, Light at the End of the Tunnel and the iconic Starlight Express. 

★★★★ “A Neon fever dream you’ll watch with your mouth wide open” Independent

STARLIGHT EXPRESS has music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Richard Stilgoe, is directed by Luke Sheppard, with set designer Tim Hatley, costume designer Gabriella Slade, lighting designer Howard Hudson, sound designer Gareth Owen, video designer Andrzej Goulding, new orchestrations by Matthew Brind with Andrew Lloyd Webber, Musical Supervision by Matthew Brind & David Wilson,  Musical Direction by Laura Bangay and Casting by Pearson Casting.

With thrilling new choreography by Ashley Nottingham, STARLIGHT EXPRESS also sees the return of Arlene Phillips as creative dramaturg.

The Starlight Auditorium at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre is a state-of-the-art cultural destination in Wembley Park, London’s most exciting new neighbourhood, only 12 minutes from central London. The venue is a short 5-minute walk from the tube, moments away from iconic Olympic Way. There are great parking options on site and the theatre is easily accessible via the M25 and M1.

LISTINGS

For Information
www.starlightexpresslondon.com 

Social Media
Facebook, Instgram and Tik Tok @starlightexpressldn
X – StarlightLondon 

CAMERON MACKINTOSH

ANNOUNCES NEW CASTING FOR

ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER’S

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

AT HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE FROM MONDAY 29 JULY 2024

Cameron Mackintosh is delighted to announce new casting for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA at His Majesty’s Theatre from Monday 29 July 2024. THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is currently booking until Saturday 29 March 2025.

Dean Chisnall joins the company as The Phantom, alongside Joanna Ampil as Carlotta Giudicelli, Martin Ball as Monsieur Firmin, Helen Hobson as Madame Giry and Millie Lyon as Meg Giry. Continuing in the show will be Lily Kerhoas as Christine Daaé, Joe Griffiths-Brown as Raoul, Adam Linstead as Monsieur André and David Kristopher-Brown as Ubaldo Piangi. At certain performances the role of Christine Daaé will be played by Eve Shanu-Wilson.

Also joining the cast are Anya Alindada, Lily Allen-Dodd, George Arvidson, Embla Bishop, David Burilin, Fergus Dale, Emily George, Molly Hall, Will Hawksworth, Nicholas Hepher, Mandy Kwan, Jess Michelmore, Johnny Randall,

The cast is completed by Leonard Cook, Colleen Rose Curran, Michael Colbourne, Hywel Dowsell, Connor Ewing, Serina Faull, Florence Fowler, James Gant, Melanie Gowie, Samuel Haughton, Eilish Harmon-Beglan, Janet Mooney, Tim Morgan, Zoë Soleil Vallée, Jasmine Wallis and Victoria Ward.

Dean Chisnall most recently appeared as Jean Valjean in Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theatre, having previously played the same role on the UK Tour as well as in the West End Concert version. Previous West End credits include Shrek The Musical at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane and on the UK Tour, Love Never Dies and Evita, both at the Adelphi Theatre, La Cage aux Folles at the Playhouse Theatre, Never Forget at the Savoy Theatre and on a UK Tour, and The Woman In White at the Palace Theatre. Dean’s other theatre credits include the UK Tour of Blood Brothers, The Secret Diary Of Adrian Mole at the Menier Chocolate Factory, and ‘Working’ at Southwark Playhouse.

Joanna Ampil’s West End credits include playing ‘Kim’ in Miss Saigon at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane and at the 10th Anniversary Performance, ‘Mary Magdalene’ in Jesus Chris Superstar at the Lyceum Theatre, ‘Eponine’ in Les Misérables at the Palace Theatre, ‘Fantine’ in Les Misérables at the Queen’s Theatre, and ‘Christmas Eve’ in Avenue Q at the Noel Coward Theatre. Her other theatre credits include ‘Bloody Mary’ in South Pacific at Sadler’s Wells and Chichester Festival Theatre, ‘Grizabella’ in Cats at the New Wimbledon Theatre and on UK and European tours, ‘Mimi’ in the European Tour of Rent, ‘Sheila Franklin’ in Hair at the Gate Theatre, and ‘Maria’ in West Side Story, ‘Maria Von Trapp’ in The Sound of Music, ‘Jenna’ in Waitress and ‘Nellie Forbush’ in South Pacific in Concert, all in Manila. Joanna was also cast as the first female Engineer in Sheffield Theatre’s 2023 reimagined Miss Saigon.

Martin Ball returns to The Phantom of the Opera having previously played Monsieur André at Her Majesty’s Theatre. His other theatre credits include West End productions of Beauty and the Beast at the London Palladium and on a UK Tour, the original company of Wicked at the Victoria Apollo Theatre, Mamma Mia! at the Prince of Wales Theatre, Top Hat at the Aldwych Theatre and on a UK Tour, and Les Misérables at the Queen’s Theatre and on a UK tour. He has also appeared in A Christmas Carol at the Rose Theatre, Kingston, the UK tour of Mary Poppins (for which he won a TMA for Best Supporting Actor), Dead Funny at the Nottingham Playhouse, and Charley’s Aunt at the Sheffield Crucible.

Helen Hobson’s theatre credits include the original West End cast of Come From Away at the Phoenix Theatre, Mamma Mia! at the Novello Theatre, Prince of Wales Theatre and in the UK and International Tour. Other West End credits include Blood Brothers at the Phoenix Theatre and on a UK tour, the UK Premiere of Stephen Sondheim’s Passion at the Queens Theatre, Chess at the Prince Edward Theatre, and Les Misérables at the Palace Theatre. Other theatre credits include The Human Comedy at the Young Vic, The Sound of Music at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, Sunny Afternoon at the Hampstead Theatre, Only The Brave at the Wales Millennium Centre, The Lady in the Van and Stepping Out, both at the West Yorkshire Playhouse, and UK Tours of Cats and My Fair Lady.

Millie Lyon trained at Laine Theatre Arts, and The Phantom of the Opera will mark her West End and professional debut. Whilst training, Millie appeared in productions of Cinderella at The Lowther Pavilion and Dick Whittington at Nottingham Theatre Royal.

Eve Shanu-Wilson is in the current cast of The Phantom of the Opera, understudying the role of Christine Daaé. She previously trained at Guildford School of Acting. Her credits while training include Rita in Sweet Smell of Success and Jessica Crenshaw in Curtains.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is widely considered one of the most beautiful and spectacular productions in history, playing to over 160 million people in 46 territories and 195 cities in 21 languages. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s romantic, haunting and soaring score includes Music of the Night, All I Ask of You, Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again, Masquerade and the iconic title song.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is produced by Cameron Mackintosh and The Really Useful Group Ltd. Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Lyrics by Charles Hart, and Additional Lyrics by Richard Stilgoe. Book by Richard Stilgoe and Andrew Lloyd Webber, based on the novel ‘Le Fantôme de l’Opera’ by Gaston Leroux, with Orchestrations by David Cullen and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Musical Supervision is by Simon Lee. The Production Design is by Maria Björnson and the Set Design is adapted by Matt Kinley with Associate Costume Design by Jill Parker, Lighting is by Andrew Bridge with Associate Lighting Design by Warren Letton, Sound is by Mick Potter. The Musical Staging and Choreography is by Gillian Lynne, recreated and adapted by Chrissie Cartwright. Originally Directed by Harold Prince, this production is Directed by Seth Sklar-Heyn

WEST END CHARITY FOOTBALL CLUB ANNOUNCE THE
RETURN OF THE BIG WEST END WALK
ON SUNDAY 8 SEPTEMBER

West End Charity Football Club today announces the return of The Big West End Walk taking place on Sunday 8 September. Following the incredible success of last year’s walk which raised over 3.5K for Acting for Others, the event is back and will be led by West End Charity Football Club Captain Jon-Scott Clark (Hamilton, Miss Saigon) and Jonny Phillips (Les Misérables) who launched the event in 2023.

West End stars and famous faces will take to the streets to join the team in walking to 58 West End theatres covering 15 miles across London. This year they are offering the chance for the public to join the team for the Big West End Walk 24, details of how to be entered into the competition are available via the West End Charity Football Club’s Instagram page. Three friends will be drawn and invited to join the challenge on Sunday 8 September.

The three competition winners will be notified on 25 August.

The route will be shared publicly after the event so supporters can take on the challenge in aid of Acting for Others.

The West End Charity Football Club team includes: John Addison (School of Rock, Pretty Woman The Musical), Matt Blaker (Jesus Christ Superstar, The Phantom of the Opera), Jon Scott Clark (Hamilton, Miss Saigon), Danny Colligan (Les Misérables, Dirty Dancing) Vinny Coyle, (Aspects of Love, The Phantom of The Opera) Ellis Kirk (Dear Evan Hansen, Heathers), Jo Parsons (Les Misérables), Jonny Phillips (Les Misérables) and Captain of the Women’s team, Courtney Stapleton (Beauty and the Beast, SIX).

Supporters can sponsor the event with donations at ww.actingforothers.enthuse.com/pf/the-big-westend-walk-2024

COMING TO THE OTHER PALACE

FROM 13 SEPTEMBER – 10 NOVEMBER

Following electrifying try-out performances at The Lyric Theatre last year, Bill Kenwright Ltd and Paul-Taylor Mills present the brand-new musical, come gig, come ballet, now back for a full reign. This time, one of the most prolific monarchs in history has found her (rightful) home at a palace…The Other Palace, to be exact from 13 September 2024 for a strictly limited season.

From some of the most exciting figures in modern British theatre, Cake: The Marie Antoinette Playlist continues its journey, following a successful UK tour at the start of 2023 and five performances in the West End last September, it now returns for a limited season in London this autumn.

Cake: The Marie Antoinette Playlist has an award-winning creative team, including Morgan Lloyd Malcolm (Emilia – The Globe), Tasha Taylor Johnson (The Cat In The Hat), singer-song writer and Jack McManus with Bronagh Lagan (Cruise) and Christopher Tendai (Closer To Heaven) joining as director and choreographer respectively, as they build on Olivier winner Drew McOnie (In the Heights; Jesus Christ Superstar) original show.

Reprising their roles will be West End star Zizi Strallen (Mary Poppins; Strictly Ballroom) as Marie Antoinette, and the original Catherine of Aragon in the award-winning musical SIX, Renée Lamb (Be More Chill; SIX) as Jeanne with further casting to be announced.

Combining a multi-genre pop score with 18th century France, Cake: The Marie Antoinette Playlist, retells a story that sparked a revolution.
Marie Antoinette’s reign was blighted by gossip and scandal. But when she is implicated in a crime to defraud the crown jewellers of a diamond necklace, it is not just her reputation at stake, but the monarchy and France itself.

Cake was originally commissioned by Paul Taylor-Mills (Heathers; In the Heights) and promises to re-define our expectations of what a musical can be.

Paul Taylor-Mills (Artistic Director of The Other Palace):

“I’m delighted we are bringing CAKE to The Other Palace for a full run, as this brand-new genre busting musical continues to evolve following on from its try-out last year. Completing our 2024 programme of new musicals and developing work, from Cruel Intentions the Musical at the start of the year to Babies currently receiving rave reviews, and Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World over the summer, the London Premiere of The Lightning Thief, this will literally be the icing on the CAKE!

Cake: The Marie Antoinette Playlist has book by Morgan Lloyd Malcolm and Tasha Taylor Johnson, music and lyrics by Jack McManus and Tasha Taylor-Johnson, directed by Bronagh Lagan based on the original staging by Drew McOnie with additional choreography by Christopher Tendai. Set and costume design by Sami Fendall, lighting design by Joshie Harriette and casting by Will Burton.

LISTINGS

BILL KENWRIGHT LTD & PAUL TAYLOR-MILLS PRESENT

CAKE: THE MARIE ANTIONETTE PLAYLIST

THE OTHER PALACE 

13 SEPTEMBER – 10 NOVEMBER 2024

Book by Morgan Lloyd Malcom and Tasha Taylor Johnson
Music and Lyrics by Tasha Taylor Johnson and Jack McManus

Directed by Bronagh Lagan based on the original staging by Drew McOnie

Additional choreography by Christopher Tendai
Based on an idea by Paul Taylor Mills  

Performance Schedule: Tuesday – Friday at 7.30pm
                                        Saturday at 2.30pm and 7.30pm

                                        Sunday at 1.30pm and 5.30pm

Run Time: 90 minutes

Age Guidance: 12 years+

Ticket Price: from £26

Venue: The Other Palace

Address: 12 Palace Street, London, SW1E 5JA

Box Office: 020 7592 0302

Website: theotherpalace.co.uk

Twitter/X: @cakemusical

Instagram: @cakemusical

Facebook: @cakemusical

TikTok: @cakemusical

#CakeMusical