Review: Jesus Christ Superstar (UK Tour) at the Milton Keynes Theatre

Jesus Christ Superstar (UK Tour) 
Milton Keynes Theatre
Reviewed on Monday 13th July 2015
★★★

In my mind Jesus Christ Superstar is one of the greatest musicals. Having premiered on Broadway in 1971, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's rock opera retells a story everyone knows, contains some truly iconic numbers and features two of the best male leading roles in musical theatre. 

Marcus Collins pulls out of Joseph Tour

Marcus Collins has pulled out of the 2015 UK Tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

The former X Factor finalist was due to star as the Narrator from 3rd February. The production will continue to star Lloyd Daniels as Joseph and Matthew Lapinskas as Pharaoh.

A statement from Bill Kenwright's team reads: "We have been advised by his agent that Marcus Collins has withdrawn from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Marcus was contracted to appear from 3rd February up to 6th June 2015, but he did not show up for rehearsals and then subsequently withdrew altogether. Without ever performing. No reason has been given by Marcus or his management. As this is an ongoing matter, no further comment is available at this time."

When questioned about performing ten shows a week during a recent interview with West End Frame, Collins said: "We’re going to have to have a little look at that and see how we can make it the best for everyone. It’s a very gruelling schedule and a very full on show. I’ve got a lot to do and it’s a very big sing, it’s going to be an interesting one but we’ll deal with that when we come to it."

Bill Kenwright to produce 2015 UK Tour of The Sound of Music

Bill Kenwright is a very busy man! As well as producing a new production of Jesus Christ Superstar and a new musical called The Glenn Miller Story, it has been revealed that he will also produce a new touring production of The Sound of Music next year.

Martin Connor will direct the show with choreography by Bill Deamer, design by Gary McCann and musical direction from David Steadman.

Bill Kenwright to produce 2015 UK Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar

It has been revealed that Bill Kenwright is producing a brand new production of Jesus Christ Superstar which will tour the UK from January 2015. 

Having premiered in 1971, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock opera tells the story of the last seven days in the life of Jesus. The score features many iconic numbers including 'I Don't Know How to Love Him', 'Everything's Alright' and 'Gethsemane'.

Tommy Steele plays Glenn Miller in new Bill Kenwright musical

The Stage has announced that Tommy Steele will play Glenn Miller in a new musical entitled The Glenn Miller Story.

Bill Kenwright will direct and produce the production which has choreography by Bill Deamer. Although further casting is yet to be announced, Matthew Hemley has revealed that the show will feature a 16-piece band (hooray)! The Glenn Miller Story will tour the UK throughout 2015, with Kenwright hoping to bring it to the West End. 

Lloyd Daniels, Danielle Hope & Matthew Lapinskas to star in Joseph UK Tour

Former X Factor contestant Lloyd Daniels and Over The Rainbow winner Danielle Hope will star in  Bill Kenwright's touring production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat as Joseph and the Narrator. They will perform opposite ex-EastEnders actor Matthew Lapinskas as Pharaoh.

Retelling the Biblical story of Joseph, his eleven brothers and the coat of many colours, this magical musical is full of unforgettable songs including 'Any Dream Will Do', 'Close Every Door' and 'One More Angel'.

The tour resumes performances with its new cast on 21st July at the Theatre Royal Windsor before visiting: Southend, Dublin, Truro, Woking, Reading, Stoke, Bromley, Cork, Carlisle, Liverpool, Manchester, Norwick, Tunbridge Wells, Mold, Darlington and High Wycombe.

Bill Kenwright announces Dreamboats and Petticoats sequel - Dreamboats and Miniskirts

Bill Kenwright has announced plans for a Dreamboats and Petticoats sequel. The new musical, entitled Dreamboats and Miniskirts, will embark on a UK Tour later this year.

Dreamboats and Miniskirts will begin performances at the Theatre Royal Windsor on Monday 4th August 2014 and tour until January 2015. The sequel will reveal what happened to Bobby & Laura and Norman & Sue after Dreamboats and Petticoats ended.

It's 1963, and the world is changing. Bobby and Laura's single 'Dreamboats and Petticoats' has not taken off. Norman and Sue have settled down to non-marital bliss - and a baby! But Ray and Donna seem blissfully happy...

GOSSIP: Bill Kenwright aiming to bring Evita, Scrooge & Starlight Express back to the West End?

According to Twitter sensation @WestEndProduer, Bill Kenwright is trying to secure the Apollo Theatre for two of his productions. 

It is claimed he wants to transfer his touring production of Evita, starring Marti Pellow and Madalena Alberto, to the Apollo Theatre after the tour concludes on 19th July 2014. He then wants to bring back his production of Scrooge to the West End for a festive season at the Apollo.

@WestEndProducer has also suggested that Kenwright is planning to bring his production of Starlight Express to the West End "soon". 

Review: Fame (UK Tour) at the New Wimbledon Theatre

Fame (UK Tour) 

New Wimbledon Theatre

Reviewed on Monday 24th January 2014

Those who immediately associate Fame with leg-warmers should think again as Gary Lloyd’s all-new production of the musical has been given a 2014 makeover for its latest national tour. Lines have been updated, melodies have been fiddled with and the cast are often seen with phones and iPads.

West End Stars including Jill Halfpenny, Roger Allam and Richard Wilson confirmed as mentors for new Sky Arts series

Photo Credit: Ian Gavan

West End Stars Jill Halfpenny, Roger Allam, Richard Wilson, Niamh Cusack, Julie Graham, Paterson Joseph, Martin Shaw and Harriet Walter have all been confirmed as mentors for an upcoming Sky Arts series looking for the "nation’s best amateur dramatic theatre company". 

The series, which begins broadcasting in November, will see eight groups battle it out for the title, with the winner performing in a West End venue. Each will be mentored by a leading actor. 

Each amateur theatre company will be assessed by a panel of judges consisting of actress Miriam Margolyes, producer Bill Kenwright and theatre critic Quentin Letts. 

James Hunt, Sky Arts Channel Director, said: “Sky Arts wants to recognise the importance of the amateur dramatist to UK cultural life. Sir Ian McKellen, Judi Dench and Patrick Stewart all began their illustrious careers within amateur dramatics... we hope to find amazing new talent who can put on a performance worthy of its final West End setting.”

Blood Brothers to close after nearly 24 years in the West End

London’s third longest-running musical, Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers, has posted closing notices after 10,000 performances and nearly 24 years in the West End.

The Bill Kenwright production is due to give its final performance at the Phoenix Theatre on 27 October 2012. And, despite earlier rumours that it may move directly into the Playhouse Theatre, where another Kenwright production, Dreamboats and Petticoats closed last week, there are no immediate plans to transfer to another venue.