Kinky Boots extends West End booking to September 2016

Change the world when you change your mind! Kinky Boots - the West End's hottest new musical - has extended its booking period to 24th September 2016. Tickets for the new booking period are on sale from 1st February 2016.

The musical opened at the Adelphi Theatre in September 2015 to tremendous acclaim. With a book by Harvey Fierstein plus music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper, Kinky Boots won the 2013 Tony Award for Best Musical, and the 2014 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album. 

Directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell, the cast includes Killian Donnelly as Charlie Price, Matt Henry as Lola and Amy Lennox as Lauren as well as Amy Ross as Nicola, Michael Hobbs as George and Jamie Baughan as Don.

Review: Kinky Boots at the Adelphi Theatre

Kinky Boots 
Adelphi Theatre
Reviewed on Saturday 12th September 2015
★★★★★

Everybody say YEAH - a musical with heaps of heart, irresistible style, killer songs and a sensational cast has opened in London's glittering West End! Kinky Boots transfers from Broadway where it opened in 2013, winning six Tony Awards including Best Musical.

Stiles and Drewe's Peter Pan to be staged at the Adelphi Theatre

Stiles and Drewe's musical adaptation of Peter Pan is to receive a concert staging in the West End later this year. The show will play two performances at the Adelphi Theatre (home of Kinky Boots) on 25th October 2015. 

Ollie Rosenblatt and Elliot Davis (producers) said: "Peter Pan is a timeless classic and the score penned by Stiles and Drewe along with a Willis Hall script is a delight which works so wonderfully well in concert format."

Review: Made In Dagenham at the Adelphi Theatre

Made In Dagenham 
Adelphi Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 5th November 2014
★★★

Hooray! A NEW British musical has opened in the West End which has a relevant story to tell! What's the catch? Sadly it's not quite up to scratch... yet.

Transporting us back to 1968, Made In Dagenham is inspired by a true story about a group of Essex girls working in a factory who went on strike demanding equal pay. Gemma Arterton plays Rita O’Grady who leads the girls on their mission, but soon discovers it isn't easy to organise a strike and maintain a happy family life at the same time. Nevertheless, Rita and her friends battle against Ford, refusing to back down.

Interview: Gemma Arterton

International stage and screen actress Gemma Arterton is currently preparing to star as Rita O’Grady in the West End’s newest musical, Made In Dagenham.

Based on the hit British film, Made In Dagenham opens at the Adelphi Theatre in November. The new musical comedy has been in development for around four years, with Gemma involved from the early workshop stages.

Director Rupert Goold has gathered a dream team to adapt the successful film for the stage. Made in Dagenham has a book by Richard Bean, music by David Arnold and lyrics by Richard Thomas.

Yesterday (Tuesday 17th June) I headed to the Playhouse Theatre for the musical’s press launch. First we were treated to five of the show’s catchy, funny and poignant numbers which showed off the piece’s huge potential. It certainly is set to be the most relevant new musical we’ve seen in the West End for a while!

Gemma made her professional stage debut at the Globe in 2007 as Rosaline in Love's Labour's Lost. Earlier this year she returned to the theatre to star in the title role in The Duchess of Malfi. On stage Gemma has also starred as Hilde Wangel in Ibsen's The Master Builder (Almeida) and as Ellen in Jamie Lloyd's production of The Little Dog Laughed (Garrick). 

Listen to new song from Made In Dagenham!

Producers of Made In Dagenham have released the first song from the new stage musical, entitled 'Everybody Out'. Click here to listen to the song.

Directed by multi-award winning Rupert Goold (Artistic Director of the Almeida Theatre), Made in Dagenham has a book by Richard Bean (writer of One Man, Two Guvnors), music by BAFTA and Grammy award winning composer David Arnold (James Bond series and Little Britain) and lyrics from Olivier Award winner Richard Thomas (Jerry Spring The Opera).

Further casting announced for Made In Dagenham

Further casting has been announced for Made In Dagenham which opens at the Adelphi Theatre on Wednesday 5th November (previews from 9th October).

Based on the hit British film, the new musical comedy will star international stage and screen actress Gemma Arterton (pictured right) in the lead role of Rita O’Grady, with Adrian der Gregorian as her husband Eddie.

Joining Gemma and Adrian are Steve Furst playing US Ford Executive Mr Tooley, Mark Hadfield as Harold Wilson, Sophie-Louise Dann playing Barbara Castle, Sophie Stanton as Beryl, Heather Craney as Clare, Sophie Isaacs as Sandra, Julius D'Silva playing Ford Dagenham boss Mr Hopkins and Naomi Frederick as his wife Lisa.

Also joining the Made in Dagenham cast are Naana Agyei-Ampadu, Thomas Aldridge, Kate Coysten, Christopher Howell, Scott Garnham, Ian Jervis, Paul Kemble, Emma Lindars, Jo Napthine, Tracey Penn, Gemma Salter, Gareth Snook, Rachel Spurrell, Emily Squibb, Karli Vale and Rene Zagger.

Photo Feature: Former X Factor contestants & celebrity guests attend The Bodyguard's media night

Former X Factor contestants and celebrity guests attended The Boydguard's media night last night (Wednesday 11th June 2014) which officially welcomed Alexandra Burke to the cast. Those in attendance included: Jamelia, Lawson, Jade Ewen, Jenni Falconer, Javine, Anthony Joshua, Kingsland Road, Rough Copy and Amy Willerton.

Take a look at pictures of the celebrity guests arriving at the Adelphi Theatre below (click on image to enlarge). Click here to read West End Frame's review of last night's performance.

Based on Lawrence Kasdan’s 1992 Oscar nominated Warner Bros. film, The Bodyguard follows former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, who is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge; what they don’t expect is to fall in love. 

Review: Alexandra Burke stars in The Bodyguard at the Adelphi Theatre

The Bodyguard 
Adelphi Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 11th June 2014

As The Bodyguard enters the final few months of its West End run, X Factor winner Alexandra Burke has taken over from soul queen Beverley Knight as Rachel Marron. The Bodyguard has really grown on me, when I first saw it in early 2013 I enjoyed the production but after several return visits it has become one of my favourite musicals in the West End.

Some may moan about film to stage adaptations and jukebox musicals, but The Bodyguard is a smooth and slick production which stands alone as a very strong piece of theatre in its own right. Fans of the 1992 Oscar nominated film will not be disappointed and those unfamiliar with the film wanting to see a big West End show are guaranteed to have a fantastic night out. 

The Bodyguard centres around American superstar Rachel Marron. Her team hire bodyguard Frank Farmer to protect the celebrity against an obsessive and potentially dangerous stalker. At first Rachel doesn't approve of Frank and his ideas but, after Rachel asks Frank on a date, the pair eventually find a way of working together…

Made In Dagenham releases first trailer

The producers of Made In Dagenham have released the new musical's first trailer. Watch the video below.

Made In Dagenham opens at the Adelphi Theatre on Wednesday 5th November (previews from 9th October). Based on the hit British film, the new musical comedy will star international stage and screen actress Gemma Arterton as Rita O’Grady opposite Adrian der Gregorian as her husband Eddie.

Made In Dagenham is directed by the Almeida's Artistic Director, Rupert Goold. The creative team also includes One Man, Two Guvnors writer Richard Bean (book), BAFTA and Grammy award winning composer David Arnold (music) and the Olivier Award winning Richard Thomas (lyrics). 

Sneak peek at... Alexandra Burke in The Bodyguard

As Beverley Knight enters her final week of performances as Rachel Marron in The Bodyguard, Alexandra Burke is preparing for her first performance on Monday 2nd June 2014. Take a sneak peek at the X Factor winner singing Queen Of The Night and stepping into her costumes for the first time below...

Burke will star opposite Tristan Gemmill who continues in the role of Rachel’s bodyguard, Frank Farmer. and Carole Stennett as Nicki Marron. The Bodyguard runs at the Adelphi Theatre until 30th August 2014. 

Three-time Brit nominee Alexandra Burke rose to fame after winning the fifth series of The X Factor. Her debut number one single Hallelujah sold over one million copies in the UK, a first for a British female soloist. Burke’s first album, Overcome saw the release of her subsequent number one singles Bad Boys and Start Without You. 

CONFIRMED: Gemma Arterton to star in Made In Dagenham at the Adelphi Theatre

Following previous reports, producers have confirmed that Gemma Arterton will star in the West End premiere of Made In Dagenham. The musical will open at the Adelphi Theatre on Wednesday 5th November (previews from 9th October). Based on the hit British film, Arterton will play Rita O’Grady in the musical comedy opposite Adrian Der Gregorian as her husband Eddie. Tickets are on sale now.

Arterton is "beyond thrilled" to be creating the role of Rita on stage. The international star of stage and screen said: "It’s an important story that I’m passionate about telling, and we intend to tell it with wit, warmth and, of course, a lot of singing and dancing in this production! Roll on October!"

UPDATED: Beverley Knight to star in Memphis, The Bodyguard searching for new West End home & Made In Dagenham to open at the Adelphi

According to the Daily Mail, Beverley Knight will star in the West End premiere of Memphis which is set to open at the Shaftesbury Theatre in October. The performer recently made her West End debut in The Bodyguard to rave reviews, she will leave the production on 31st May.

Memphis opened on Broadway in October 2009 where it ran for 1,165 performances and won 4 Toy Awards including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Original Score and Best Orchestrations.

The Bodyguard extends to August 2014

It has been announced that the West End production of The Bodyguard, which currently stars Beverley Knight as Rachel Marron and Tristan Gemmill as Frank Farmer, has extended its run at the Adelphi Theatre to 30th August 2014 with over 300,000 new tickets going on sale. 

Based on Lawrence Kasdan’s 1992 Oscar nominated Warner Bros. film, Thea Sharrock’s hit West End production of The Bodyguard recently celebrated a year in the West End following its world premiere in November last year. Designs are by Tim Hatley, with lighting by Mark Henderson, sound by Richard Brooker and video designs by Duncan McLean. Choreography is by Arthur Pita, orchestrations by Chris Egan with musical supervision by Mike Dixon. The Bodyguard is produced by Michael Harrison and David Ian. 

Photo Feature: The Bodyguard celebrates its first birthday

Last night (6th November), the West End production of The Bodyguard celebrated its first Birthday at the Adelphi Theatre. Take a look at pictures from the evening below (click on an image to enlarge).

At the end of the performance, Debbie Kurup, who has played Nicki Marron in the production since its world premiere in December 2012, asked the audience to join in celebrating this milestone as a specially commissioned birthday cake was brought out on to the stage. The cast, led by Beverley Knight and Tristan Gemmill treated the audience to their own rendition of Happy Birthday. After a standing ovation, the company then performed the finale song I Wanna Dance With Somebody.

The Bodyguard debuts new trailer starring Beverley Knight and Tristan Gemmill

The West End production of The Bodyguard has released a new trailer featuring the musical's new stars Beverley Knight and Tristan Gemmill. You can watch the trailer below. 

Thea Sharrock’s hit West End production of The Bodyguard is based on Lawrence Kasdan’s 1992 Oscar nominated Warner Bros film. December 2012 saw the world premiere of this production at the Adelphi Theatre, which is currently booking until 8th March 2014. 

Last week the production invited VIP Guests to watch the show and support the new cast. Matt Cardle, Mel C, Emeli Sandé, Joss Stone and Sophie Ellis-Bextor were among those who attended. Take a look at pictures of the VIP guests arriving here and take a look at pictures from the after party here.

Former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge; what they don’t expect is to fall in love. 

Photo Feature: Beverley Knight celebrates a triumphant opening night in The Bodyguard

Last night (16th October) Beverley Knight and Tristan Gemmill celebrated their official opening night in The Bodyguard. The special performance was attended by celebrity guests and you can take a look at pictures of Beverley and her co-stars celebrating after the show below (click on an image to enlarge).

Read West End Frame's new review of the show by clicking here. Based on Lawrence Kasdan’s 1992 Oscar nominated Warner Bros. film, Thea Sharrock’s production of The Bodyguard has book by Alex Dinelaris. December 2012 saw the world premiere of this production at the Adelphi Theatre, which is currently booking to 8th March 2014.

Photo Feature: Celebs support Beverley Knight's opening night in The Bodyguard

Last night the West End production of The Bodyguard hosted a Media Night to celebrate Beverley Knight and Tristan Gemmill joining the cast at the Adelphi Theatre. Celebrity guests included: Wretch 32, Nihal Arthanayake, Gemma Atkinson, Matt Cardle, Andrew Castle, Celena Cherry, Mel C, Brendan Cole, Camilla Dallerup, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Dan Gillespie-Sells, Richard Jones, Lesley Joseph, Deena Payne, Kathryn Rooney, Jack Ryder, Kevin Sacre, Emeli Sandé, Shingai Shoniwa and Joss Stone.

Take a look at pictures from the evening below (click on an image to enlarge). West End Frame's Editor, Andrew Tomlins, also attended. Read his review by clicking here. Based on Lawrence Kasdan’s 1992 Oscar nominated Warner Bros. film, Thea Sharrock’s production of The Bodyguard has book by Alex Dinelaris. December 2012 saw the world premiere of this production at the Adelphi Theatre, which is currently booking to 8th March 2014.

Review: The Bodyguard at the Adelphi Theatre

The Bodyguard

Adelphi Theatre

Reviewed on Wednesday 16th October 2013 

"Not another film being turned into a musical" and "not another jukebox musical" are two phrases I have heard a lot recently. But what I love about Thea Sharrock's smart production of The Bodyguard is that it is not simply the 1992 Oscar nominated Warner Bros. film on stage. It is a strong piece of theatre in its own right.

The Bodyguard is also not a show which just attempts to slot in some famous songs where possible. Whitney Houston's music is mostly performed in context, the lyrics are very apt and actually quite theatrical.

This was my second time seeing The Bodyguard (although first time reviewing the production) which opened in the West End late last year. I must admit that the show is now in much better shape, not only because of the musical's new leading lady, but because the whole spectacle seems far more slick and smooth.

Tim Hatley's big and bold design gives The Bodyguard a very cinematic feel. I'm not usually a fan of projections in theatre, but they are used well in this piece. Scenes change constantly as the action swiftly moves from location to location, it is rather impressive.

Photo Feature: Beverley Knight and Tristan Gemmill join The Bodyguard

New production images have been released featuring the new cast of The Bodyguard. Multi award-winning recording artist Beverley Knight has joined Thea Sharrock’s West End production as Rachel Marron, while Rachel’s bodyguard Frank Farmer is now played by Tristan Gemmill. Take a look at the pictures below (click on an image to enlarge).

Based on Lawrence Kasdan’s 1992 Oscar nominated Warner Bros. film, Sharrock’s production of The Bodyguard has book by Alex Dinelaris. December 2012 saw the world premiere of this production at the Adelphi Theatre, where booking recently extended to 8th March 2014.

The production also stars Debbie Kurup (Nicki Marron), Richard Lloyd King (Bill Devaney), Stephen Marcus (Tony), Dominic Taylor (Sy Spector), Michael Rouse (Stalker) and Stuart Reid (Ray Court). Ensemble members are: Gareth Andrews, Kimball Armes, Christopher Birch, Hannah Fairclough, Robert Gill, Nicky Griffiths, Ben Harrold, Jamie Hughes-Ward, Alex Jackson, Genesis Lynea, Fergal McGoff, Sara Morley, Joelle Moses, David O’Mahoney, Stuart Rogers, Kyle Seeley, Danielle Steers, Katy Stredder and Christopher Terry.