Hairspray and Sister Act may no longer be on the scene and the curtains might be closing on Grease this April, but the West End show must of course go on. With hot new musicals like the Wizard of Oz already lighting up the London stage, plus the eagerly anticipated arrivals of a pottery wheel (GHOST the Musical) and the world’s favourite green ogre (Shrek), this year’s London Theatre Breaks promise to be as glittering as ever so why not join coach holidays to the capital and find out more…
GHOST the Musical
Based on the Academy Award winning film with that pottery scene starring Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore, GHOST the Musical had its World Premiere in Manchester last night and hits the London’s West End Piccadilly theatre on 22nd June.
GHOST the Musical is a modernised-from-the-film and timeless fantasy story about the eternal power of love, which lasts even after death. Walking back to their apartment one night, Sam and Molly are attacked leaving Sam murdered. He is trapped between this world and the next and unable to leave Molly, especially when he learns that she is in serious danger. With the help of a dubious but endearing psychic by the name of Oda Mae Brown, Sam tries to communicate with Molly while hoping to save and protect her.
Richard Fleeshman, who made his West End debut in smash hit Legally Blonde playing Warner, stars as Sam, with Caissie Levy starring as Molly. She returns to the UK after having starred as Sheila in last season’s West End production of Hair.
To keep the show authentic to the film real props have been flown in from New York – including over 300 empty pizza boxes!
With music from Dave Stewart (Eurythmics) and Grammy-winning producer Glen Ballard (who penned Michael Jackson’s Man in the Mirror), some moving stage effects from the crew behind Harry Potter and an infamous pottery scene (not having it would be like Dirty Dancing without the lift), GHOST the Musical promises to be one of the must-see musicals in London.
The show opened last night to rapturous audience reviews. If it’s a supernatural romance you’re after, this one should have you laughing and crying.
Shrek the Musical
Hot on the heels of GHOST is Shrek the Musical, which opens at the rather apt Theatre Royal Drury Lane (“Do you know the muffin man?”) on 6th May with a cast that’s as talked about as the production.
Join everyone’s favourite Ogre Shrek and his loyal but loud- mouthed Donkey (played brilliantly cast Richard Blackwood) as they set out to rescue the beautiful yet slightly sultry princess Fiona (BGT’s Amanda Holden) from her tower guarded by a fiery and lovesick dragon. Throw in the proud Lord Farquaad (smouldering Nigel Harman), a bunch of fairytale creatures and a biscuit with attitude – and you have the recipe for a fantastic new musical comedy.
Shrek the Musical is billed to be an irresistible and thrilling mix of laughter, dancing, singing and adventure. Expect romance, hilarious comedy, 19 catchy new songs, a lot of lines from the Donkey and some of the most breathtaking scenery you’ll ever see on the London stage.
Which new musical camp are you in? Shrek, Ghost or both?