Editor's Blog: Erich Bergen, Jordan Lee Davies, Wicked Young Writers Award + more

Erich Bergen makes his London debut

Photo Credit: Darren Bell

Earlier this week U.S. performer Erich Bergen made his London debut with two solo shows at the London Hippodrome. The show featured music that inspired Bergen growing up, some material from his albums, as well as a tribute to his theatrical career which most notably saw him play Bob Gaudio in the U.S. touring and Las Vegas productions of Jersey Boys, before reprising his performance for the film adaptation.

Bergen put on a wild evening; he let loose on stage and gave us a taste of what he's all about. Bergen certainly knows how to tell a story and brought all the material together smoothly. Special guests Cassidy Janson and Charl Brown set the stage alight, but the highlight of the evening was when Bergen was joined by former UK Jersey Boys stars Stephen Ashfield, Tim Driesen and Michael Watson to form a Jersey Boys supergroup - many were brought to their feet. Bergen put on a superb evening with a terrific band - let's hope he returns to the UK again soon.

★★★★ | Read our interview with Erich | Visit www.club11.london for information about upcoming concerts at the London Hippodrome.

Wicked Young Writers Award restores faith 

Photo Credit: Matt Crockett

Hours after the EU referendum result was announced, my faith in this country was restored after attending the 2016 Wicked Young Writers Award at the Apollo Victoria Theatre. Now in its 6th year, the Awards are all about inspiring young people to use writing to express themselves by producing unique and original pieces of prose and poetry. Over 100 shortlisted finalists and their families and teachers attended the ceremony, creating an extraordinary buzz in the theatre.

Release date confirmed for Close to You cast recording

It has been announced that Close To You's cast recording will be released in June.

Ghostlight Records will release the album in digital formats on Friday 24th June, with two-disc physical copies online and in stores from Friday 1st July. 

Seen in New York and London, Close To You (previously named What's It All About) revitalises the catalogue of the iconic American composer Burt Bacharach for a new generation with Kyle Riabko’s visionary interpretations. The album also features special bonus tracks of Riabko’s never-before-heard original demos, which formed the basis for the project. 

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).

Review: Close To You - Bacharach Reimagined at the Criterion Theatre

Close To You: Bacharach Reimagined

Criterion Theatre

Reviewed on Thursday 15th October 2015

★★★★★

Back in July Close To You: Bacharach Reimagined (formerly known as What's It All About?) made its London debut at the Menier Chocolate Factory. Kyle Riabko and David Lane Seltzer's show, which originally premiered off-Broadway, presents Burt Bacharach's back catalogue in an entirely new way, highlighting and bringing together recurring themes surrounding love and the true meaning of life.