Editor's Blog: Top 10 Shows of 2015

10

The Ruling Class

directed by Jamie Lloyd at Trafalgar Studios

Photo by Simon Annand

Wild and unpredictable, The Ruling Class is probably the most bonkers play I saw all year. James McAvoy gave a stellar performance as a paranoid schizophrenic in Peter Barnes' play. Jamie Lloyd's production had absolutely no boundaries, it seemed nothing was off limits. I still can't decide whether I was moved or disturbed by Lloyd's top notch, thought-provokingly enthralling production.

Read our 4* review of The Ruling Class

9

Carrie

directed by Gary Lloyd at the Southwark Playhouse

Photo by Claire Bilyard

Known as the most expensive flop in Broadway history, 2015 saw Carrie The Musical finally make its long-awaited London premiere. As expected there was plenty of death and blood, but - thanks to a strong performance from the perfectly cast Evelyn Hoskins - the production also had a great deal of heart. I have no idea why it took so long to bring Carrie to London; Gary Lloyd's production certainly has potential for future life. Behind the blood and beyond the darkness is a touching story of self-discovery, and I loved every second.

Read our 5* review of Carrie

Check out our interview with Evelyn Hoskins

8

Hangmen

directed by Matthew Dunster at the Royal Court & Wyndham's Theatre

Photo by Helen Maybanks

Competition: Win a pair of tickets to see Close to You - Bacharach Reimagined!

We are giving away a pair of tickets to Close to You: Bacharach Reimagined at the Criterion Theatre. To enter the competition, simply sign up to West End Frame's mailing list below.

The winner will be randomly selected at 10am on Monday 21st December 2015 (entries after this time will not be included). The prize is valid  until 31st January 2016 (excluding Saturdays). 

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Having triumphed in New York with rave reviews, the wildly successful celebration of Burt Bacharach’s songbook CLOSE TO YOU has transferred to the heart of London’s West End.

Close To You: Bacharach Reimagined to release cast recording

It has been revealed that the West End cast of Close To You: Bacharach Reimagined are in the studio recording a cast album. 

Following its UK premiere at the Menier Chocolate Factory, Close To You transferred to the Criterion Theatre in October where it is currently booking until Valentine’s Day on 14th February 2016. Featuring new arrangements of Burt Bacharach’s songbook, Close To You broke box office records at the Criterion with the biggest advance in the venue’s history.

Kyle Riabko, who co-created the show with David Lane Seltzer, leads the cast. Direction is by Steven Hoggett. The cast also includes: Daniel Bailen, Greg Coulson, Anastacia McCleskey, Stephanie McKeon, Renato Paris and James Williams.

Close To You extends West End run

Close To You: Bacharach Reimagined has extended its West End booking period at the Criterion Theatre until Valentine’s Day 14th February 2016. Tickets for the new booking period are on sale now.

The show transferred to the West End in October following its acclaimed run at the Menier Chocolate Factory. Featuring new arrangements of Burt Bacharach’s songbook, Close To You broke box office records at the Criterion with the biggest advance in the venue’s history.

Sally Greene, Chief Executive of the Criterion Theatre, said: "I couldn’t be more thrilled that we have been able to agree an extension of five weeks with the wonderful company of Close To You. It has been a pleasure to welcome such a warm-hearted and joyous show, and even better that they have broken all box office records!"

Press Night Pics: Close To You - Bacharach Reimagined

Last night (17th October) Burt Bacharach attended press night of Close To You: Bacharach Reimagined which has transferred to the West End's Criterion Theatre following its run at the Menier Chocolate Factory. 

After the performance Bacharach joined the cast outside the theatre to perform a special rendition of ‘Raindrops Keep Fallin’ for crows in Piccadilly Circus. VIP guests in attendance included Sir Tom Jones, Sir Patrick Stewart, Ricky Wilson, Darcey Bussell, Pete Waterman, Michelle Collins, Toby Anstis, David Baddiel, Ben Hanlin and Tyger Drew-Honey. Check out images below (click picture to enlarge).

Stunning new production images released for Close To You: Bacharach Reimagined

Stunning new production images have been released for Close To You: Bacharach Reimagined which is transferring to the West End next month following its acclaimed run at the Menier Chocolate Factory. Check out the pictures below (click image to enlarge).

Close To You: Bacharach Reimagined opens at the Criterion Theatre on 15th October 2015 (previews from 3rd October) and is currently booking to 10th January 2016. Co-creator Kyle Riabko will continue to star in the show which is directed by Steven Hoggett. Further casting is yet to be confirmed.