It really is all go in the world of West End Theatre so now is the perfect time to consider coach holidays to London and check out some of the new shows that’ll be gracing the stage. What with Christmas creeping up behind us, London theatre breaks are a perfect gift idea for that loved one who has everything or maybe for yourself if you simply want to get away from it all and combine shopping and sightseeing with a hot new West End show. Here’s just a few of the hot new productions making their way to London’s West End towards the end of the year. If you get to see any of them, let us know what you think?
Driving Miss Daisy
It would appear that film adaptations are all the rage at the moment
with fantastic hit shows such as GHOST, The Lion King and Shrek proving to be extremely popular since their launch. But there’s another hot on their heels, Driving Miss Daisy starring Vanessa Redgrave and James Earl Jones is currently showing at the Wyndhams Theatre which had its opening night on 5 Oct 2011 with critics giving their nod of approval. This is a timeless American play, inspired by the Academy Award-winning film, tells the story of the decade-long relationship between a stubborn Southern matriarch and her compassionate chauffeur. This is a wonderful tale of pride, changing times and the power of friendship. If you loved the film, then you should definitely book your tickets to see this wonderful adaptation.
Backbeat
Another film adaptation due to grace the West End Stage this Autumn is Backbeat, the hard-hitting story of The Beatles. The stage show pretty much follows the successful 1994 film providing an intriguing insight to the early days of The Beatles in Hamburg with Pete Bestas, the forerunner to Ringo Starr. Though the show will not feature music from the Beatles, it will feature some classic rock ‘n’ roll songs from decades gone by (including Little Richard’s “Long Tall Sally”, which was later covered by The Beatles). So expect hits from the likes of the Isley Brothers and beyond as the story covers the relationship between Stuart Sutcliffe (the original bass player of The Beatles), his girlfriend Astrid Kirchherr and John Lennon. Again, if you’re a fan of the film, then you won’t want to miss this show when it opens on 10 October 2011 at the Duke Of York’s Theatre.
Crazy For You
The hit musical comedy from George and Ira Gershwin is due to grace the stage at the Novello Theatre this autumn
and is a wonderful show packed full of classic songs such as ‘I Got Rhythm’, ‘Someone To Watch Over Me’ and ‘Nice Work If You Can Get It’. The show is largely based upon the 1930 musical Girl Crazy but uses songs from other productions as well. The Broadway production received rave reviews on its opening night and won the 1992 Tony Award for Best Musical. The West End production opened in 1993 starring Ruthie Henshall and ran for 3 years winning an Olivier Award. Following on from its spell at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, Crazy For You will be opening at the Novello Theatre in October and Harriet Thorpe, Sean Palmer, David Burt, Clare Foster, Kim Metcalf and Michael McKell will all be starring.
Singing In The Rain
After it’s critically acclaimed sold-out run at Chichester Festival Theatre, Singing In The Rain will be treading the boards and making a splash at London’s Palace Theatre from February 2012. The show is based upon the classic MGM film that starred Gene Kelly and was the first Hollywood movie musical in a world full of silent films. This fabulous production by Jonathan Church features all the favourites from the film including ‘Good Morning’, ‘Make Em’ Laugh’ and the classic ‘Singin In The Rain’. The show has already received rave reviews and has been hailed by critics as the ultimate feel-good show, so don’t delay, book your seat today.
Matilda The Musial
After completing a sell-out season at The Courtyard Theatre, the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Matilda
The Musical will be transferring to the Cambridge Theatre from 25 October 2011. The much-loved story by Roald Dahl, bursts into life on the stage in this brand new musical version by Dennis Kelly and award-winning musician and comedian Tim Minchin. Follow the entertaining story of Matilda whose parents think she is a nuisance and her life at school isn’t much better until she discovers that she has a very special power and decides that all grown-ups should be taught a lesson they will never forget! We’re sure that the whole family will love this entertaining new musical and tickets for the show are going to sell out fast!
Do you like the sound of any of these shows? Which one is high on your list to see?