Casting announced for Ragtime at the Charing Cross Theatre

Fresh from starring in Les Miserables on Broadway, Earl Carpenter will star in Ragtime at the Charing Cross Theatre. 

Carpenter will appear opposite Anita Louise Combe who is currently playing Grizabella in the international tour of Cats. 

Review: Titanic at the Charing Cross Theatre

Titanic 

Charing Cross Theatre

Reviewed on Tuesday 7th June 2016

★★★★

Thom Southerland's production of Titanic by Maury Yeston and Peter Stone created a huge buzz at the Southwark Playhouse in 2013. People were fighting for tickets and there were even whispers of a Broadway transfer. Having revived the piece in Toronto last year, Southerland has brought Titanic back to London to kick off his debut season as artistic director of the Charing Cross Theatre.

Niall Sheehy joins cast of Titanic at the Charing Cross Theatre

Niall Sheehy (Miss Saigon/Les Miserables) has joined the cast of Titanic as Barrett, replacing the previously announced Dom Simpson who has withdrawn from the production due to knee surgery.

Sheehy joins his former Les Miserables co-star Rob Houchen, as well as Scarlett Courtney, Matthew Crowe, Sion Lloyd, Shane McDaid, Philip Rham, Dudley Rogers, Victoria Serra, Judith Street, David Bardsley, Alistair Barron, Helena Blackman, Scott Cripps, James Gant, Luke George, Douglas Hansell, Claire Machin, Jessica Paul and Peter Prentice.

Having played the Southwark Playhouse in 2013, Titanic will run at the Charing Cross Theatre between 28th May and 6th August 2016. Director Thom Southerland reunites with producer Danielle Tarento and musical stager Cressida Carre. Musical direction will be from Mark Aspinall with design by David Woodhead, lighting by Howard Hudson and sound by Andrew Johnson.

Titanic returning to London

Thom Southerland's production of Titanic is returning to London this May.

Having played the Southwark Playhouse in 2013, Titanic will run at the Charing Cross Theatre between 28th May and 6th August 2016. Casting to be announced.

Southerland will reunite with producer Danielle Tarento and musical stager Cressida Carre. Musical direction will be from Mark Aspinall with design by David Woodhead, lighting by Howard Hudson and sound by Andrew Johnson.

Piaf extends run at Charing Cross Theatre

Pam Gems’ Piaf has extended its run at the Charing Cross Theatre until 9th January 2016. The show opened on 1st December 2015.

Piaf tells the extraordinary life of Edith Piaf, and featuring 17 of her iconic songs including Hymne à l’amour, La Vie En Rose, Millord and her signature tune Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien. On Sunday (19th December) the production will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Edith Piaf’s birthday.

Julie Atherton to star in Singular Sensations this Sunday

This Sunday (8th November), West End actress Julie Atherton will take to the stage at the Charing Cross Theatre to star in Singular Sensations.

Atherton will be interviewed by Edward Seckerson about her life and career. She will also perform a selection of songs live throughout the show which begins at 3pm. Click here for tickets and watch the trailer below.

Known as musical theatre's Queen of new writing, Atherton's most recent theatre credits include: Pure Imagination (St James), I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change (Above The Arts), Shock Treatment (King's Head) and Thérèse Raquin (Park/Finborough).

Dusty to close later this month

It has been announced that Dusty will close at the Charing Cross Theatre at the end of its current booking period on 21st November 2015.

The musical will have played four months of previews and two months of regular performances. Dusty has been seen by over 300,000 people. According to press material, "productions are planned for Australia and the U.S. as well as several countries in Asia and Europe".

Review: Dusty at the Charing Cross Theatre

Dusty
Charing Cross Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 9th September 2015
★

Following nearly four months of previews, Dusty has officially opened at the Charing Cross Theatre. The "multi-media" production combines video footage and 3D holograms with the jukebox musical concept in an attempt to tell the story of Dusty Springfield’s rise to fame.

New cast announced for Dusty

A new cast has been announced for Dusty at the Charing Cross Theatre. The show, which has been in previews since May, will officially open to press on 7th September 2015,

As several cast members left the show during previews, producers have announced the musical's full new cast. 

Alison Arnopp takes over from Ellie Ann Lowe as  Dusty/Mary O’Brien. The full cast now includes: Francesca Jackson (Nancy Jones), Graham Kent (Gerrard ‘OB’ O’Brien), Leo Elso (Dion O’Brien/Tom Springfield), Sienna Sebek (Norma), Harvey Robinson (Dave Dean), Witney White (Martha Reeves), Luke Thornton (Douggie Reece), Matt Blaker (Johnny Franz), Oliver Lynes (Vic Billing) and Ellen Verenieks (Kay O’Brien).

Ellie Ann Lowe to leave Dusty at the Charing Cross Theatre; third director steps in

According to The Stage, leading lady Ellie Ann Lowe will leave Dusty at the Charing Cross Theatre later this month. Her replacement is yet to be announced. 

Ann Lowe is the latest cast member to leave the production, after five cast members left last month "amid complaints of unrest on the show".

The newspaper's News Editor Matthew Hemley has also revealed that Dusty's second director Ben Woolf and choreographer Lyndon Lloyd have left the show. The production has also swapped publicists and a third director Joey McKneely has been appointed. 

Review: Boys Of The Barricade at the Charing Cross Theatre

Boys Of The Barricade
Charing Cross Theatre
Reviewed on Sunday 26th July 2015
★★★★

Described as "the world's first musical super group", last night Boys of the Barricade made their debut with a one-night-only concert at the Charing Cross Theatre. Made up of musical theatre performers who have appeared in either the West End, touring or film versions of Les Miserables, the group performed new arrangements of a plethora of music.

Editor's Blog: Another standing ovation for Cynthia Erivo, Connie Fisher sings once more & Wicked launches For Good programme

Cynthia Erivo

Yesterday (19th July), Cynthia Erivo took to the stage at the Charing Cross Theatre for her final London solo concert appearance before heading off to Broadway. Following in the footsteps of Gavin Creel, Janie Dee, Louise Dearman and Kerry Ellis, Erivo's show was part of the ongoing Singular Sensations series which sees West End stars perform a selection of songs and being interviewed by Edward Seckerson.

Kicking things off with 'Don't Rain On My Parade' from Funny Girl (Erivo later admitted Fanny Brice is a role she would love to sink her teeth into), the West End and soon-to-be Broadway star was on top form (as usual). Being interviewed live in a spotlight in front of a packed audience must be a little daunting, yet Erivo took it all in her stride and soon warmed to the atmosphere. She is a beautiful storyteller, bouncing off the audience who were engaged throughout.

Dusty extends run at the Charing Cross Theatre

Dusty has extended its run at the Charing Cross Theatre to 21st November 2015. 

Press night will now take place on 7th September 2015. The a unique new multi-media show celebrates music icon Dusty Springfield.

With original music by Springfield, the show features 3-D technology and digital media. Written by Kim Weild and Duncan Sibbald with dramaturg Jack Bradley, Dusty is directed by Ben Woolf. 

Media Night Pics: Dusty opens at the Charing Cross Theatre

A media night was held yesterday (15th July) to celebrate the opening of Dusty, a unique new multi-media show celebrating the musical icon Dusty Springfield, at the Charing Cross Theatre. Check out images below (click picture to enlarge).

Guests included: Tina Barrett, Simon Bell, Steven Berkoff, Paul Carrack, Elaine Cassidy, Michelle Collins, Nancy Dell’Olio, Lynne Essex, Dan Gillespie Sells, Charlotte Jackson, Cathy Lette, Linda Lusardi, Vicky Michelle, Becky O’Brien, Elaine Paige, Tony Palmer, Rick Parfitt, Lee Ryan, Pat Sharp, Linzi Stoppard and Jo Wood.

With original music by Springfield, the show features 3-D technology and digital media. Written by Kim Weild and Duncan Sibbald with dramaturg Jack Bradley, Dusty is directed by Chris Cowey. It is currently booking to 22nd August 2015.

Rob Houchen, Bradley Jaden & Liam Tamne join Boys of the Barricade line-up

Rob Houchen (Marius in Les Mis), Bradley Jaden (Enjolras in Les Mis) and Liam Tamne (Raoul in Phantom) have joined the line-up for Boys of the Barricade's debut concert at the Charing Cross Theatre on 26th July at 7pm. 

Described as "the world's first musical super group", the Boys of the Barricade line-up (all of whom have appeared in Les Miserables) includes the previously announced: Craig Mather, Kieran Brown, Andy Coxon, Simon Schofield and James Charlton.

Jonathan Dudley (Titanic) and John Addison (Ghost) will also perform in the show. Simon Bailey and Scott Garnham will make special guest appearances. Boys of the Barricade has been created by Garnham and Schofield.

Craig Mather, Kieran Brown, Andy Coxon + more set for first Boys of the Barricade concert

The line-up has been announced for the first ever Boys of the Barricade concert. 

Described as "the world's first musical super group", the Boys of the Barricade will perform at the Charing Cross Theatre on 26th July at 7pm.

The line-up (all of whom have appeared in Les Miserables) includes: Craig Mather, Kieran Brown, Andy Coxon (pictured right), Simon Schofield and James Charlton.

Simon Bailey and Scott Garnham will make special guest appearances. Boys of the Barricade has been created by Garnham and Schofield.

Interview: Ellie Ann Lowe, starring as Dusty Springfield in Dusty at the Charing Cross Theatre

Ellie Ann Lowe is currently starring as Dusty Springfield in the world premiere of new multi-media musical Dusty at the Charing Cross Theatre.

Most recently Ellie played Connie and understudied Annette in the UK tour of Saturday Night Fever. She previously appeared in Love Story at the Union Theatre.

Celebrating the life of one of Britain’s most influential recording artists, Chris Cowey’s production includes classic footage of Dusty performing her story as seen through the eyes of Nancy Jones, one of Dusty's childhood friends, and other key figures who accompanied her on her journey. 

The show is written by Kim Weild and Duncan Sibbald with dramaturg Jack Bradley.

I recently spoke to Ellie about how she prepared to take on such a massive role, what she has learnt about Dusty’s iconic image and the joy of working on a brand new show…

There has been a lot of talk about a Dusty Springfield musical for some time, what did you think when you first heard about this production?

I just thought, ‘How exciting!’ because I love Dusty Springfield and her music – it’s absolutely fantastic. I thought it would be a great part, especially because it’s biographical. It’s brilliant because we get to see her life and find out more about her – it’s really interesting to get to know the woman behind the black eye makeup and the big beehive hair. 

Competition: Win a pair of tickets to see Dusty!

We are giving away a pair of tickets to Dusty at the Charing Cross 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 15th June 2015 (entries after this time will not be included). The prize is valid Monday - Thursday performances until 30th July 2015.

Even if you already subscribe to West End Frame's newsletter you still have to input your details below to enter this particular competition. You will not receive our newsletter twice (assuming you enter the same email address). Please read the terms and conditions below. 

DUSTY is a ground-breaking multi-media ‘Fusion Musical’. A celebration of the career of Dusty Springfield, this unique theatrical event combines the latest 3D technology and digital media with live performance, music and dance.

First production images released for multi-media show Dusty

First production images have been released for Dusty - a new multi-media show celebrating the musical icon Dusty Springfield - which is currently in previews at the Charing Cross Theatre ahead of press night on 12th June 2015. Check out the pictures below (click image to enlarge).

Currently booking to 22nd August 2015, the cast includes: Ellie Ann-Lowe (Mary O’Brien), Francesca Jackson (Nancy), Stewart McCheyne (DJ Dave Dean), Ben Tolley (Johnny Franz), Leo Elso (Dion O’Brien/Tom Springfield), Joe Vetch (Douggie Reece), Joan Walker (Kay O’Brien), Graham Kent (Gerard ‘OB’ O’Brien), Tristan Pate (Vic Billings), Allyson Ava Brown (Martha Reeves), Danielle Kassarata (Maddie) and Arabella Rodrigo (Norma) as well as Bex Leung, Cleo Jaeger and Marianna Neofitou.

Multi-media musical Dusty cancels first previews

New multi-media musical Dusty has cancelled its first previews. 

The show's run was scheduled to begin at the Charing Cross Theatre yesterday (Monday 25th May); however, all performances have been cancelled until Friday 29th May. Ticket holders for cancelled performances should contact their point of purchase. 

Featuring music by Dusty Springfield, press material states that audiences will "see Springfield on stage using the most up-to-date 3-D technology and digital media." The show also includes rare film footage which is claimed to have only recently been discovered

Combined with a musical theatre format of live performance, music and dance, Dusty follows the highs and lows of Springfield’s rise from middle class suburban London to the recording of her seminal album Dusty in Memphis.