Review: Sheridan Smith stars in Funny Girl at the Savoy Theatre

Funny Girl 

Savoy Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 20th April 2016
★★★★★

Following its sold out run at the Menier Chocolate Factory, Funny Girl has transferred to the West End where it hasn't been seen since Barbra Streisand starred as Fanny Brice in 1966. Juxtaposing Fanny Brice's rise to stardom with the downfall of her marriage to Nick Arnstein, Funny Girl is a heartfelt musical about fame, love and what really goes on behind closed doors.

I thought Michael Mayer's production was sensational at the Chocolate Factory, but it's even better at the Savoy. Both the cast and set have been expanded to give the show more glitz and glamour. The performance numbers fill the stage gloriously (there's some brilliant choreography by Lynne Page) whilst the more sincere scenes still feel intimate and detailed. Jule Styne's music is more charming than ever. 

I cannot find the words to express how phenomenal Sheridan Smith is as Fanny Brice. Smith nails every scene; she comes into her own during the song and dance numbers, showcasing impeccable comic timing and leading the cast with tremendous spirit. Her portrayal of offstage Fanny is equally as masterful; Smith can play things up with a twinkle in her eye without losing the character's sincerity. She performs the heartfelt moments with genuine emotion, it really is quite moving.

Review: Guys and Dolls at the Savoy Theatre

Guys and Dolls
Savoy Theatre
Reviewed on Monday 4th January 2016
★★★★

Gordon Greenberg's production of Guys and Dolls has transferred to the West End's Savoy Theatre following its 2014 run at the Chichester Festival Theatre. Regarded by many as one of the greatest musicals of all time, Guys and Dolls is a legendary show which bursts with old school charm.

Full casting announced for Guys & Dolls

Full casting has been announced for the West End transfer of Guys and Dolls.

The show will embark on a short UK tour prior to opening at the Savoy Theatre on 6th January 2016 (previews from 10th December 2015) for a limited thirteen week run concluding on 12th March 2016. The production ran at the Chichester Festival Theatre last year.

As previously announced, Sophie Thompson and Jamie Parker will reprise their performances as Miss Adelaide and Sky Masterton. Joining them are David Haig as Nathan Detroit and Siubhan Harrison as Sarah Brown.

Chowsie The Diva Dog gives Imelda Staunton a run for her money...

Having received tremendous acclaim for her portrayal of Momma Rose in Gypsy, Imelda Staunton continues to bring audiences to their feet night after night at the Savoy Theatre. However, it turns out there's an even bigger star in town...

Chichester's Guys and Dolls transferring to the West End

It has been confirmed that Chichester's production of Guys and Dolls will transfer to the Savoy Theatre later this year.

The musical will open on 6th January 2016 (previews from 10th December 2015) for a limited thirteen week run concluding on 12th March 2016. 

Sophie Thompson and Jamie Parker will reprise their performances as Miss Adelaide and Sky Masterton, with further casting to be confirmed.

Based on colourful stories about New York gamblers by Damon Runyon, Guys and Dolls opened at the Chichester Festival Theatre last August. Gordon Greenberg directs with choreography by Carlos Acosta and Andrew Wright and design by Peter McKintosh.

Gypsy breaks box office record at the Savoy Theatre

Producers Michael Harrison and David Ian have announced that Jonathan Kent's production of Gypsy starring Imelda Staunton has broken the all-time box office record at the Savoy Theatre, taking £408,300 for performances ending 25th April 2015. 

Harrison and Ian said: “We are thrilled that this amazing record has been achieved in the 1089 seat Savoy Theatre and are delighted that we have been able to extend our run through November this year.”

Kent’s production originally opened at the Chichester Festival Theatre in October last year with the West End transfer opening earlier this month. Gypsy recently extended booking at the Savoy Theatre to 28th November 2015. 

Review: Gypsy starring Imelda Staunton at the Savoy Theatre

Gypsy

Savoy Theatre

Reviewed on Thursday 16th April 2015

★★★★★

Following a run in Chichester last year, Jonathan Kent's revival of Gypsy has transferred to the West End's Savoy Theatre which is the perfect home for this bold and glitzy Broadway musical. 

New production images released for West End transfer of Gypsy starring Imelda Staunton

Brand new production images have been released for the West End transfer of Gypsy starring Imelda Staunton. The production, which ran in Chichester last year, officially opens at the Savoy Theatre on 15th April 2015. Check out the production images below (click image to enlarge).

The show stars Staunton as Momma Rose, Lara Pulver as Louise, Peter Davison as Herbie, Gemma Sutton as June and Dan Burton as Tulsa. A brand new cast album will be released on 27th April 2015. 

Review: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at the Savoy Theatre

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels 
Savoy Theatre

Reviewed on Tuesday 18th November 2014

★★★★

It just keeps getting better and better! I loved Dirty Rotten Scoundrels when it first opened, but eight months later it is slicker and funnier than ever. Set in the French Riviera, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels follows two conmen as they go head to head to pull off their biggest con, whilst fighting for the affections of millionaire soap heiress Christine Colgate.

Editor's Blog: Changes to Cats, improvements at Scoundrels & excitement about Kids Week

Yesterday (Monday 7th July), Andrew Lloyd Webber officially launched the West End revival of Cats which opens in December. 

Cats will run at the London Palladium between Saturday 6th December 2014 and Saturday 28th February 2015. The revival will see the original creative team, including Director Trevor Nunn, Associate Director and Choreographer Gillian Lynne, Designer John Napier and Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, reunited.

Discussing the show's return at yesterday's press launch, Lloyd Webber explained, "The four of us have been discussing looking at Cats again for what must be about a year. We wanted to rework the material and examine the show which really, literally changed our lives. Then I found we had this extraordinary opportunity over Christmas at the Palladium!"

Lloyd Webber is currently in the process of re-writing the music for two of T. S. Eliot's iconic poems which will see the Rum Tum Tugger transformed. Speaking about the changes and revisions to producer David Ian during the Q&A section of the launch, Lloyd Webber said, "I never was very happy with 'Growltiger's Last Stand'. It was never my favourite moment in the show, I have to admit, because I thought I got it a bit wrong - so I've completely rewritten that!"

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels confirms extension

It has been confirmed that Jerry Mitchell’s production of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels has extended its run at the Savoy Theatre until Saturday 7th March 2015. 

Robert Lindsay, Rufus Hound and Katherine Kingsley will continue to star as Lawrence Jameson, Freddy Benson and Christine Colgate throughout the new booking period. 

Sir Howard Panter (ATG’s Joint CEO and Creative Director) said: “We are thrilled with the audience and critical reaction to Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Night after night packed houses raise the roof with laughter and leap to their feet with applause for this new musical comedy. We have found the perfect home for this production in the lavish Savoy Theatre, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels has truly become the night out for theatregoers.”

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels extends to March 2015

According to The Daily Mail, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is extending its West End run at the Savoy Theatre until 7th March 2015. 

Robert Lindsay, Rufus Hound, Samantha Bond, John Marquez and Katherine Kingsley star in Jerry Mitchell's production. The show is based on the legendary 1988 film which famously starred Michael Caine and Steve Martin. 

The musical premiered on Broadway in 2005 but has since been reconceived and reimagined for British audiences.

Review: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at the Savoy Theatre

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Savoy Theatre

Reviewed on Saturday 29th March 2014

Filling the gap left behind by Singin' In The Rain and Top Hat, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels feels like a timeless classic, despite only receiving its first run ten years ago. This is not only down to the warm humour and elegant style, but also as the entire show is so slick - it's as if Dirty Rotten Scoundrels has been running in the West End for years.

The production's director and choreographer, Jerry Mitchell must be commended. He insisted the show had a thorough tech period and two Broadway style out of town tryouts which has clearly benefited the production hugely as every detail is polished and fine-tuned.

Set in the French Riviera, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels follows two conmen as they go head to head to pull off their biggest con, whilst fighting for the affections of millionaire soap heiress Christine Colgate.

Funnily enough, at times Dirty Rotten Scoundrels reminded me of Mitchell's most recent West End production, Legally Blonde (which I adored). Both shows are American but behold a British charm. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels works a treat with British audiences. Sadly I didn't see the show on Broadway, but I suspect Mitchell has injected British appeal into the show. He certainly deserves several awards for his terrific direction and divine choreography.

Interview: Robert Lindsay & Rufus Hound

Robert Lindsay and Rufus Hound are currently starring in one of this year’s most highly anticipated musicals, the UK premiere of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. The production is currently playing to regional audiences prior to its West End opening in April.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, which also stars Samantha Bond, John Marquez and Katherine Kingsley, is the inaugural production for Jerry Mitchell Productions. The show is based on the legendary 1988 film which famously starred Michael Caine and Steve Martin. The musical premiered on Broadway in 2005 but has since been reconceived and reimagined for British audiences.

Robert and Rufus play conmen Lawrence Jameson and Freddy Benson who compete for the riches and heart of the young impressionable heiress Christine Colgate. The roles were originally played by Michael Caine and Steve Martin who starred in the 1988 film directed by Frank Oz.

Interview: Jerry Mitchell & Katherine Kingsley

Yesterday press were given a sneak peek at the West End premiere of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, which opens at the Savoy Theatre in March following two short regional runs in Manchester and Aylesbury. 

After watching the cast perform four terrific numbers from the show, I sat down with Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’ Director and Choreographer Jerry Mitchell (pictured right) and leading lady Katherine Kingsley to discuss the amazing high energy rehearsal room vibe, Katherine’s big number ‘Here I Am’ and why Jerry, who also choreographed the Broadway production in 2005, thinks the musical is most suited to British audiences.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, which also stars Robert Lindsay, Rufus Hound, Samantha Bond and John Marquez, is the inaugural production for Jerry Mitchell Productions.

Jerry Mitchell is currently one of the greatest Director/Choreographer in the world, recently winning a Tony Award for choreographing Kinky Boots on Broadway. He made his Broadway and West End debuts as Director and Choreographer of the Olivier award winning Legally Blonde the Musical. His other credits as a choreographer include: the Broadway productions of Catch Me If You Can, Gypsy, The Rocky Horror Show and You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown and the West End productions of Love Never Dies, La Cage aux Folles (winning Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics’ Circle Awards), Hairspray and The Full Monty.

Katherine Kingsley (pictured left) most recent starred as Helena alongside Sheridan Smith and David Walliams in Michael Grandage’s production of A Midsummer Nightʼs Dream (Noel Coward) and played Lina Lamont in Singinʼ In The Rain (Chichester Festival /Palace) for which she was nominated for the 2012 Olivier Award for Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical.

Just a few of her other theatre credits include: Relative Values (Bath Theatre Royal), The 24 Hour Musical Celebrity Gala (Old Vic), Heart To Heart (Minerva, Chichester), The 25th Annual Putnum County Spelling Bee (Donmar), Aspects Of Love (Menier), The 39 Steps (Liverpool Playhouse/UK Tour), Piaf! (Donmar/Vaudeville, nominated for 2009 Olivier Award for Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical) and High Society (Shaftesbury).

I loved the preview performance, the show is really taking shape! How are you feeling?

KK: It was great! It was a daunting thing to do!

JM: It was very good, if only I could get that John Marquez to get it together, I don’t know what to do with him!

KK: I know, that John Marquez is being a real diva [both laugh].

Full casting announced for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at the Savoy Theatre

Full casting has been announced for the West End premiere of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.

Earlier this morning it was revealed that Samantha Bond will play Muriel Eubanks, a glamorous divorcee looking for love in Beaumont-sur-Mer on the French Riviera. John Marquez has been cast as Andre Thibault, Beaumont-sur-Mer’s Chief of Police.

They join the previously announced Robert Lindsay and Rufus Hound as conmen Lawrence Jameson and Freddy Benson competing for the riches (and even the heart) of the young impressionable heiress, Christine Colgate played by Katherine Kingsley.

Samantha Bond joins Robert Lindsay in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

The Daily Mail have announced that Downton Abbey star Samantha Bond has been cast in her first West End musical. The actress will star in Jerry Mitchell's production of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels which opens at the Savoy Theatre next year.

Speaking to Baz Bamigboye, Bond admitted that she found auditioning for Mitchell "absolutely terrifying". She stood and sang with her back to him. She said: "It was bum-clenching! I hadn’t sung in a show since I was Principal Boy in Mother Goose in Bristol, when I was 22. Inside my heart, there’s a 12-year-old girl who has always wanted to be Ginger Rogers." 

She has been cast as Muriel, an American divorcee living on the French Riviera who comes into contact with a team of con artists who cheat wealthy women out of their trust funds. It is believed Samantha will try and manage filming Downton Abbey around her theatre schedule.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels: Meet the cast & team

Last week it was announced that Jerry Mitchell will direct the West End premiere of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at the Savoy Theatre starring Robert Lindsay, Rufus Hound and Katherine Kingsley. The show has music and lyrics by David Yazbek and book by Jeffery Lane. You can meet the team below and click here for more information about the show. Tickets are on sale now.

Robert Lindsay (Lawrence Jameson) is an Olivier, Tony and BAFTA award-winning actor. He is best known for his brilliantly comedic performance in My Family, which ran for nine series and for which he was nominated for the 2001 BAFTA for Best Comedy Performance. His on stage credits include: Me And My Girl, alongside Emma Thompson, The Lion In Winter at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, Onassis at Derby Playhouse/Novello Theatre, Aristo at the Minerva Theatre, Chichester, The Entertainer and Trelawny Of The Wells both at the Old Vic, Power at the National Theatre, Richard III at the Savoy Theatre, Oliver! at the Palladium Theatre, Cyrano De Bergerac at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket, Becket at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket, and Philoctetes at the Royal Exchange Theatre

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels: Further information announced

In the early hours of this morning we revealed that Jerry Mitchell will direct the West End premiere of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels starring Robert Lindsay, Rufus Hound and Katherine Kingsley. 

It has now been confirmed that the production will open at the Savoy Theatre on Wednesday 2nd April 2014 (previews from 10th March). Tickets go on sale at 10am on Monday 4th November 2013.

The Olivier, Tony and BAFTA award winning Robert Lindsay and legendary comedian Rufus Hound will star as the comedy duo Lawrence Jameson and Freddy Benson. West End actress Katherine Kingsley joins the pair as Christine Colgate. 

Directed and choreographed by Tony Award winning Jerry Mitchell in his debut production for Jerry Mitchell Productions, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels has music and lyrics by Drama Desk Award winner David Yazbek (The Full Monty) and book by the Golden Globe and Emmy-Award winning Jeffery Lane (Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, Mad About You).

Jerry Mitchell to direct Robert Lindsay, Rufus Hound and Katherine Kingsley in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at the Savoy Theatre next year

It has been announced that Robert Lindsay is returning to musical theatre for the first time in 16 years. The award-winning actor will star alongside Rufus Hound (One Man Two Guvnors) and Katherine Kingsley (Michael Grandage's A Midsummer Night's Dream) in the stage adaptation of the 1988 film 'Dirty Rotten Scoundrels' at the Savoy Theatre. The musical has music and lyrics by David Yazbek and book by Jeffrey Lane. 

Jerry Mitchell (who directed the West End production of Legally Blonde and choreographed the world premiere of Love Never Dies) choreographed the Broadway production but will also direct the West End premiere. Speaking to The Daily Mail Jerry said: "I saw Robert in Me And My Girl in London and he’s very much at home on the musical stage. I’ve always thought that if Dirty Rotten Scoundrels came to London, Robert would be on my list, because he can act, sing and dance. He’s a hoofer at heart"