David Hunter & David Burt to star in A Christmas Carol

It has been announced that David Hunter (Once/ITV's Superstar) and David Burt (original Enjolras in Les Mis) will star as Bob Cratchit and Scrooge in A Christmas Carol at Middle Temple Hall this Christmas.

Following sell out runs in 2012 and 2014, the production opens on 23rd December (previews from 22nd December) and runs until 30th December 2015. 

Completing the cast are: David Anthony, Chris Courtenay, Alex Hooper, Victoria Hope, Kerry Loosemore, Katie Lovell, Dean Riley and Andrea Sadler as well as child actors Harley Gallacher, Leo Mann, Miles Roughley and Archie Stevens. 

David Hunter, Rebecca Trehearn & Stephen Rahman Hughes cast in workshop of new musical 'Midnight'

It has been announced that David Hunter (Once), Rebecca Trehearn (City of Angels) and Stephen Rahman Hughes (Rock of Ages) will star in a workshop presentation of a new musical called Midnight. 

Based on the play Citizens of Hell by Azerbaijan’s Elchin, the musical is written by Timothy Knapman (book and lyrics) and Laurence Mark Wythe (music and lyrics). Midnight will be staged at the St James Studio on 9th October 2015 at 2pm.

The full cast also includes Nick Hayes, Thomas Sutcliffe, Greg Castiglioni, Kiara Jay and Jenny O’Leary. Matthew Gould directs with musical direction by James Cleeve. The piece is described as a "haunting new musical thriller" which "matches dark wit with an innovative score".

Interview: David Hunter, starring as Guy in Once

David Hunter joined the West End production of Once last July understudying the role of Guy. Nine months later, the performer has now taken on the role full-time, starring opposite former Dirty Dancing star Jill Winternitz as Girl.

Following its Olivier Awards success, John Tiffany’s production is currently booking at the Phoenix Theatre until 4th July 2015. Based on the much-loved Oscar-winning film, Once is described as a “celebration of love, friendship and music.” 

David appeared in the original cast of One Man, Two Guvnors (National Theatre/UK Tour/Adelphi) and in 2012 he finished fourth place in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s television programme Superstar (ITV).

His theatre credits also include: Seussical (Arts Theatre), The Who’s Tommy (Prince Edward), The Hired Man (Leicester Curve), Spinach and Love Shift (Manchester Royal Exchange) and Moving On (The Lowry). 

David catches up with West End Frame to discuss how it feels to have taken over as Guy full-time, why he’s such a huge fan of Once and why being reunited with former Superstar contestant Tim Prottey-Jones is like sharing an ice cream with an angry parrot…

How does it feel to have taken over as Guy full-time?

Totally bizarre and completely normal. I've played the part a fair few times as an understudy, so it felt strange to get nervous before my 'official' first night, but I just couldn't help it! It was great indulging in that first night excitement, whilst knowing I wasn't going to muck up my lines or forget where to stand!

Photo Feature: David Hunter & Jill Winternitz join Once

Images have been released of the new cast of Once. David Hunter and Jill Winternitz joined the production as Guy and Girl last week. Directed by John Tiffany, the West End production of Once opened in April 2013 and is currently booking at the Phoenix Theatre until 4th July 2015.  Take a look at the images below (click on picture to enlarge).

Hunter originally joined Once in July last year as Guy understudy. In 2012 he appeared on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s television programme Superstar (ITV). His theatre credits include: One Man Two Guvnors (National/UK Tour/Adelphi), Seussical (Arts), The Who’s Tommy (Prince Edward) and The Hired Man (Curve). He has recently filmed Nativity! 3 which is due to be released later this year. 

David Hunter & Jill Winternitz take over as Guy & Girl in Once

David Hunter and Jill Winternitz will lead the cast as Guy and Girl respectively in the Olivier award-winning production of Once.

Hunter, who originally joined the show in July last year understudying the role of Guy, and Winternitz have their first performance together on Monday 12th May 2014. Last month Once was the winner of two coveted Olivier awards - including the first ever recipient of the Olivier for Outstanding Achievement in Music. 

The show has also won 8 Tony awards including Best Musical and the Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album. In addition Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová’sFalling Slowly won the Oscar for Best Original Song.

Editor's Blog: Greetings from Broadway!

Schoenfeld Theatre, home of Bridges

Greetings from Broadway! 

I've been in NYC for four days now and I'm nearly half way through my busy theatre schedule! The best thing I've seen so far is The Bridges Of Madison County which is one of the best pieces of theatre I've ever seen. I had absolutely no idea what to expect, but quickly fell in love with Jason Robert Brown's stunning score, the beautiful staging and tremendous cast.

Aladdin was good, although I'm not sure whether it lives up to its hype - it's very predictable and takes few risks. However, the magic carpet was breathtaking and the Genie's big number 'Friend Like Me' was insanely brilliant, with both moments concluding with mid-show standing ovations. Pippin was spectacular and thought provoking while Newsies features some of the best choreography I've ever seen on stage.

Gary Wilmot, Sophie-Louise Dann & David Hunter to star in Molly Wobbly’s Tit Factory at the Hackney Empire

Molly Wobbly’s Tit Factory will receive its London première at Hackney Empire, running from Sunday 22nd September (previews from Friday 20th September) until Saturday 5th October 2013.

Molly Wobbly’s Tit Factory is directed and written by Paul Boyd. The musical premiered Lyric Theatre Belfast and subsequently ran at last years Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

The cast includes: Gary Wilmot (Malcolm), Sophie-Louise Dann (Margaret), David Hunter (Kitten), Shona White (Jemma), Conleth Kane (Jake), Stephanie Fearon (Ruth), Christopher Finn (Robbie), and Russell Morton (Ithanku).

'The town of Little Happening gets an unexpected make-over when a devious and creepy stranger arrives on Mammary Lane promising personal improvement to three unhappy women”.

Julie Atherton, Keith Jack & David Hunter to star in A Night At The Musicals at the Greenwich Theatre

David Hunter

It has been announced that Julie Atherton (Lift, Avenue Q) will join Keith Jack (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat), David Hunter (The Hired Man) and Stacey McClean (S Club Juniors) for two performances of Sell a Door's A Night At The Musicals at the Greenwich Theatre on 19th and 20th July.

The show has been described as "an evening of glitz, glamour and toe-tapping tunes". Zoe Birkett was also due to take part but has been forced to drop out due to unforeseen circumstances.

Keith Jack is currently rehearsing for Sell a Door's UK tour of new musical Sincerely, Mr Toad while David Hunter previously appeared in Sell A Door's West End production of Seussical.

Interview: David Hunter, currently starring as Horton the Elephant in Seussical at the Arts Theatre

David Hunter is currently starring as Horton the Elephant in Seussical at the Arts Theatre. David recently reached the semi-finals of Andrew Lloyd Webber's latest TV talent search, ITV's Superstar. His theatre credits include Tommy (Gala at The Prince Edward Theatre), One Man, Two Guvnors (National Theatre & Adelphi Theatre) and Spinach (Manchester Royal Exchange). David chats to West End Frame about Seussical, life post Superstar and his favourite West End show...

Are you enjoying playing Horton the Elephant in Seussical?

Very much. I've been a big fan of Seussical and the show's writers (Flaherty and Ahrens) since I discovered their work at drama school. They've written some wonderful musicals and this is no exception. I was thrilled when I heard it was coming to the West End and desperate to be a part of it. Luckily it all worked out and here we are!

What can people expect from the show?

The show brings together several Dr Seuss stories and centres mainly around Horton Hears a Who. Seuss isn't as much of a household name in the UK (although I'm sure everyone knows The Grinch at the very least) but he has such a playful yet pointed writing style and the show really reflects that. On the surface it's a show about an elephant protecting a tiny world on a dust speck, but Dr Seuss doesn't write anything without making a much more serious point. Yertle The Turtle, for example, is a story about Hitler! He just used a turtle to tell it.

Review: Seussical at the Arts Theatre

Seussical

Arts Theatre

Reviewed on Thursday 6th December 2012 (Press Performance)

Seussical is 80 minutes of outrageous family fun. The show is a perfect pantomime alternative and there are even a few jokes thrown in for the parents! The energy of the show is infectious and incredibly uplifting. Richard Evans' bright, colourful design is perfect for the West End premier of this classic children's story.

Full casting announced for Seussical starring David Hunter

Final casting has been announced today for the London production of Seussical at the Arts Theatre. Joining the previously announced David Hunter as Horton the Elephant are: Kirsty Marie Ayers (Gertrude McFuzz), Jessica Parker (Mazie La Bird), Clark Devlin (Jojo), Natalie Green (Sour Kangaroo), Joe Morrow (The Cat in the Hat), Philip Scutt, Joe McCourt and Mathew Waters (Wickersham Brothers), Amy Punter, Tanya Shields and Jennifer Low (Bird Girls).

Seussical is a colourful Broadway musical set in the fantastical, bombastical and songtastical world of Dr. Seuss. It is being presented in a new Theatre for Young Audiences version at the Arts Theatre and has special family-friendly daytime performances from Tuesday 4th December - Sunday 6th January. The press performance is Thursday 6th December at 1.00pm.

With Music, Lyrics and Book by Tony Award winners Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens (Ragtime) and a sprinkling of the fantastical from Monty Python’s Eric Idle, Seussical sees the magical “thinks” of Dr. Seuss brought to life on stage.

Superstar finalist David Hunter to star as Horton the Elephant in Seussical at the Arts Theatre

David Hunter, who reached the semi-finals of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ITV1 search for Jesus for his new arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar, is to star as Horton the Elephant in the new London production of Seussical at the Arts Theatre from 4th December 2012.

With Music, Lyrics and Book by Tony Award winners Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens (Ragtime) and a sprinkling of the fantastical from Monty Python’s Eric Idle, Seussical sees the magical “thinks” of Dr. Seuss brought to life on stage.