Daniel Bedingfield leaves The War of the Worlds

Daniel Bedingfield has left the West End production of The War of the Worlds due to "unforeseen circumstances".

Understudy Simon Shorten has taken over as The Artilleryman for the rest of the musical's run at the Dominion Theatre.

After The Mirror reported that Bedingfield had left the show due to "tensions behind the scenes", a representative for The War of the Worlds told the newspaper: "Daniel Bedingfield is no longer performing in the show due to unforeseen circumstances. The role of the Artilleryman is played by Simon Shorten.”

Robert Fairchild & Leanne Michelle Cope to star in An American in Paris at the Dominion Theatre

The Daily Mail's Baz Bamigboye has announced that An American in Paris is transferring to the West End next year.

Directed and choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon, An American in Paris will open at the Dominion Theatre on 4th March 2017. 

Robert Fairchild and British dancer Leanne Michelle Cope will lead the cast, reprising their performance from the Broadway production.

Review: The War of the Worlds at the Dominion Theatre

The War of the Worlds
Dominion Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 17th February 2016
★

Jeff Wayne’s musical version of The War of The Worlds has found its way to the West End following eight years of world-wide arena tours. Recreating Wayne’s 1978 concept album, the show is essentially a staged concert production with the orchestra positioned onstage throughout.

The War of The Worlds cancels first preview at the Dominion Theatre

Producers of The War of The Worlds have been forced to cancel the show's first preview tomorrow (8th February) at the Dominion Theatre due to "unforeseen circumstances".

The musical will now play its first West End performance on 9th February. Ticket holders for the cancelled performance should contact their point of purchase to arrange a refund or exchange. The War of The Worlds opens to press on 17th February and runs until 30th April 2016.

A statement released via Twitter reads: "Due to unforeseen circumstances the producers have taken the very difficult decision to reschedule the first West End preview of Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds to Tuesday 9 February. The performance on Monday 8 February will not now take place.

Full casting confirmed for The War of The Worlds at the Dominion Theatre

Full casting has been announced for Jeff Wayne’s musical version of The War of The Worlds which opens at the Dominion Theatre on 17th February (previews from 8th February) and runs until 30th April 2016. 

Produced by Bill Kenwright, The War of The Worlds transfers to London following many years of world arena tours. The iconic score is played live and conducted on stage by Jeff Wayne. Check out rehearsal images below (click image to enlarge).

The Bodyguard returning to the West End starring Beverley Knight!

She's got the stuff that we want! It has been revealed by the Daily Mail's Baz Bamigboye that British Soul Queen Beverley Knight is reprising her performance as Rachel Marron in The Bodyguard!

After The Bodyguard's UK tour concludes on 18th June 2016 at the Congress Theatre in Eastbourne, the show will return to the West End for a run at the Dominion Theatre from 15th July 2016 to 15th February 2017.

The Bodyguard previously ran at the Adelphi Theatre between November 2012 and August 2014. Knight made her West End debut in the production in September 2013, boosting box office takings and receiving tremendous acclaim. 

Casting announced for The War of The Worlds at the Dominion Theatre

Casting has been announced for Jeff Wayne’s musical version of The War of The Worlds which opens at the Dominion Theatre on 17th February (previews from 8th February) and runs until 30th April 2016. 

Produced by Bill Kenwright, The War of The Worlds transfers to London following many years of world arena tours. The iconic score is played live and conducted on stage by Jeff Wayne.

Making their West End debuts are singer-songwriter, actor, musician and writer Jimmy Nail as Parson Nathaniel, New Zealand born and British raised singer-songwriter Daniel Bedingfield as The Artilleryman and former Sugababe Heidi Range as Beth.

The cast also includes West End regulars Michael Praed (The Pirates of Penzance) as George Herbert and Madalena Alberto (Evita) as Carrie. As previously announced, Liam Neeson will appear as The Journalist as a 3D hologram.

Competition: Win a pair of tickets to see The War of the Worlds!

We are giving away a pair of tickets to The War of the Worlds at the Dominion 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 Thursday 17th December 2015 (entries after this time will not be included). The prize is valid for Monday to Thursday performances between the 08/02/16 and the 31/03/16 (excluding 17/02/16).

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.

Since its inception in 1978, Jeff Wayne’s original double album has become one of the most ground breaking and best-selling musical works of all time – with over 15 million copies sold and 330 weeks in the UK Album Charts to date, a number one album in 11 countries, two international hit singles, a number-one music DVD, 8 years of worldwide arena tours, and huge critical acclaim across the globe (and probably the universe!). 

Jeff Wayne’s The War of The Worlds to open in the West End

Jeff Wayne’s musical version of The War of The Worlds will open in the West End next year following many years of extensive touring.

Produced by Bill Kenwright, the show will open at the Dominion Theatre on 17th February 2016 (previews from 8th February) for a limited run to 9th April 2016.

The iconic score is played live and conducted on stage by Jeff Wayne. Liam Neeson will appear as The Journalist as a 3D hologram.

Casting is yet to be announced. The most recent UK arena tour starred Joseph Whelan, Brian McFadden, Jason Donovan and Carrie Hope Fletcher (pictured).

Review: Elf The Musical at the Dominion Theatre

Elf The Musical
Dominion Theatre
Reviewed on Thursday 5th November 2015
★★

Having premiered on Broadway in 2010, Elf The Musical has found its way to London with an all-new production directed and choreographed by Morgan Young. Based on the 2003 movie, the musical follows a thirty-year-old elf named Buddy who - after discovering he is actually human - leaves Santa and the North Pole behind to travel to New York in search of his family.

Production Pics: Elf The Musical at the Dominion Theatre starring Ben Forster & Kimberley Walsh

Production images have been released for the West End production of Elf The Musical which runs at the Dominion Theatre. Check out the images below (click picture to enlarge). 

Directed by Morgan Young, the show is currently in previews ahead of press night on 5th November. The show runs until 2nd January 2016. The cast is led by Ben Forster, Kimberley Walsh, Joe McGann and Jessica Martin. The show has has a book by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin, music by Matthew Sklar and lyrics by Chad Beguelin.

Big Interview: Ben Forster

Ben Forster is starring as Buddy in Elf The Musical at the Dominion Theatre between 24th October 2015 and 2nd January 2016. 

Ben returns to the show having played Buddy during Elf’s runs in Plymouth and Dublin last year. Based on the beloved 2003 New Line Cinema hit starring Will Ferrell, Elf The Musical will also star Kimberley Walsh as Jovie.

After completing his run in Elf, Ben will take over as the title character in the West End production of The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty’s Theatre from 1st February 2016.

Ben recently reprised his performance as Brad in a limited West End run of The Rocky Horror Show at the Playhouse, starring alongside the show’s creator Richard O'Brien. A special gala performance was broadcast to cinemas around the world.

In 2012 Ben entered Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ITV reality series ‘Superstar’ and won the title role in the UK arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar. He later reprised his performance for the production’s Australian tour and for a second tour of the UK.

Ben’s theatre credits also include: El Haj in La Cava (West End), Doody in Grease (West End/ international tour), lead vocalist in Thriller Live (West End/international tour), Brad in The Rocky Horror Show (40th anniversary UK tour) and Magaldi in Evita (West End). Ben has also produced two acoustic albums and is currently working on original material for a third album.

I recently spoke to Ben during a break from Elf rehearsals about feeling festive, falling in love with Buddy and why he’s thrilled to be starring opposite Kimberley Walsh. We also discussed why reprising his performance in The Rocky Horror Show was a mad experience, how it feels to be taking over as one of the most iconic roles in musical theatre and the incredible support he receives from fans…

The last few months have been crazy for you with three West End shows lined up at the same time! Have you had the chance to take it in or has it all been a bit of a blur?

It has been amazing! As an actor I couldn’t ask for more. It’s so amazing to have stuff lined up like that, I’m incredibly lucky! I was doing the music rehearsals for Phantom, then the next week I was rehearsing for Rocky Horror, then we did Rocky Horror, I finished it on the Saturday and I started rehearsals for Elf on the Monday. It has been absolutely manic, but so rewarding! In an ideal world this is exactly what I would want to happen.

Review: West End Heroes at the Dominion Theatre

West End Heroes
Dominion Theatre
Reviewed on Sunday 4th October 2015
★★★★

Returning to the Dominion Theatre for its third year, West End Heroes unites military musicians with West End performers to raise money and awareness for Help For Heroes. 

Elf The Musical introduces £30 tickets following public demand

In an "unprecedented move", producers of Elf The Musical have bowed to "overwhelming public and social media demand" to introduce a more affordable ticket price to broaden the "already wide" demographic the show is attracting. 

A new price brand of £30 for a limited number of tickets will be available for throughout the run at the Dominion box office by telephone and via the website from Sunday 6th September. 

Press material released on behalf of producers reads: "The run, which is limited to 10 weeks only because of its festive content, has seen top price tickets selling first. Recent social and media coverage stating the show had attracted the highest premium price seats ever has meant that the box office quadrupled at its peak during the week commencing 24 August - most of the sales coming from the higher priced tickets. 

Full casting announced for Elf The Musical at the Dominion Theatre

Full casting has been announced for Elf The Musical at the Dominion Theatre.

The production stars the previously announced Ben Forster as Buddy,  Kimberley Walsh as Jovie, Joe McGann as Walter Hobbs, Jessica Martin as Emily Hobbs, Jennie Dale as Deb, Mark McKerracher as Santa and Graham Lappin as Store Manager. 

Completing the cast are: Katie Bradley, Charlie Bull, Nicola Coates, Alex Fobbester, Anton Fosh, Charlotte Gale, Francis Haugen, Matt Holland, Tash Holway, Paul Hutton, Mark Iles, Ceili O’Connor, Debbie Paul, Joanna Rennie, Barnaby Thompson and Ed White.

Interview: Alex James Ellison

Alex James Ellison is currently starring in Aliens Love Underpants. 

Following a UK tour, the production is transferring to the West End’s Dominion Theatre for a limited run between 1st August and 5th September 2015 with a family friendly performance schedule to coincide with Kids Week.

Adam Bampton-Smith‘s production is based on the hugely successful children’s book by Claire Freedman and Ben Cort which has sold more than three million copies since being published in 2007.

Alex’s theatre credits include: Apartment 40C (London Theatre Workshop/St James Studio), Whistle Down The Wind (Union), One Of Those Days (Lost Theatre) and Best Of Friends (Landor). He is also a singer/songwriter and has been touring to promote his latest single 'Chocolate Bar'. Alex is the organiser of The West End Big Busk which sees top West End stars busking to raise money for a homeless charity called The Passage.

I recently spoke to Alex about why kids have been loving Aliens Love Underpants, the importance of family theatre, balancing music work with a career in theatre and his latest single… 

The Aliens Love Underpants book has sold millions of copies; the stage show has been a massive hit – what is its secret? Why do families love this story so much?

I think it’s because the Aliens are amazing and the magic we can do onstage gets the kids really involved. The kids don’t know how it’s done with all the effects, like when the washing line disappears and when things pop out of nowhere. It’s really magical for kids to watch.

Elf The Musical announces Alzheimer’s Society gala

Producers of Elf The Musical have announced that they will be donating all ticket sales from their opening night gala on 5th November 2015 to the Alzheimer’s Society.

Starring Ben Forster and Kimberley Walsh, the musical runs at the Dominion Theatre between 24th October 2015 and 2nd January 2016. The cast also includes Joe McGann and Jessica Martin.

Last night, The Daily Mail's Baz Bamigboye revealed that the production has already sold £3 million worth of tickets. 

Alzheimer’s Society is the UK's leading dementia support and research charity, here for anyone affected by any form of dementia in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. 

Alzheimer’s Society provides information and practical and emotional support to help people live well with dementia, and the charity invests in world-class research with the ultimate goal of defeating it. Dementia can happen to anyone and there is currently no cure. There are 850,000 people with dementia in the UK and the number is set to rise to 1 million by 2021.

Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance breaks Dominion Theatre box office records following Britain’s Got Talent performance

Flatley & James Keegan

On Monday 1st June, following Michael Flatley’s last ever UK television performance on the final of Britain’s Got Talent, sales for his West End show Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games broke the Dominion Theatre box office records for the highest number of tickets sold and most money taken in one day.

Flatley said: “We're delighted to have made a little bit of history in the West End. London and the UK in general have been very good to us and we feel very at home here.”

David Pearson (General Manager at the Dominion Theatre) said: “We are delighted that Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games has broken the record for daily sales at the Dominion Theatre Box Office. I know that this phenomenal show will continue to thrill our audiences through until September.”

Aliens Love Underpants transferring to the Dominion Theatre

Aliens Love Underpants is transferring to the West End following its UK tour. 

Based on the hugely successful children’s book by Claire Freedman and Ben Cort, the production will run at the Dominion Theatre between 1st August and 5th September 2015. Adam Bampton-Smith directs.

The cast includes Abigail Carter-Simpson as Veronica, Mark Collier as Mr Stevens, Eve Pearson-Wright as Mum and Alex James Ellison as Timmy. Design is by Isla Shaw with lighting by Will Evans and choreography by Emma Clayton. 

Interview: James Keegan, star of Lord Of The Dance

James Keegan is currently starring as the Lord of the Dance in Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games at the Dominion Theatre. 

Born and raised in Manchester, James took up Irish dancing at the age of 4 with the Lally School of Irish Dancing. From a young age James competed in many Feisana consistently being placed top 3, winning his first title at the American National Championships at the age of 7. 

He continued to excel winning a total of 4 American National, 8 British National, 9 Great Britain, 3 all Ireland, 1 European and 2 World championship titles. In 2000 he won every major title that could be achieved competitively in Irish dancing. 

When James first played the Lord of the Dance he became the youngest dancer to have played the role. He has now played the part all over the world, in the USA, Mexico, Egypt, Dubai, Russia, Asia and Europe. 

I recently spoke to James about his journey with Lord of the Dance, what it’s like to work so closely with a living legend and why he’s up until 2am night after night…

How long have you been with the show now?

I’m coming up to twelve years which is a crazy amount of time! Do you know what? It sounds cliché, but time flies when you’re having fun. Every tour is always so different, I could be in London for six months – as I am at the minute – or we could be in Dubai for two weeks, or travelling around Germany or France doing back to back shows. It’s always a new experience, and obviously I’ve been around the block a few times [laughs] and been back to Germany and back to Dubai, but we have nice gaps between and there’s always new people coming in so it hasn’t felt like twelve years!