First casting revealed for Drew McOnie's Strictly Ballroom

Full casting has been announced for Drew McOnie's production of Strictly Ballroom.

Gemma Sutton and Sam Lips will lead the cast as Fran and Scott.

The production will also star Tamsin Carroll as Shirley, Stephen Matthews as Doug, Julius D’Silva as Barry, Richard Grieve as Les, Eve Polycarpou as Abuela, Charlotte Gooch as Tina, Lauren Stroud as Liz, Jade Albertsen as Vanessa, Liam Marcellino as Wayne, Gary Watson as Ken, Michelle Bishop as Pam, Richard Dempsey as JJ / Merv and Zak Nemorin as Terry / Clarry.

The cast is completed by Courtney-Mae Briggs, Javier Cid, Selina Hamilton, Luke Jackson, Rebecca Lisewiki, Lindsay McAllister, Freya Rowley, Javier Santo, Alexzandra Sarmiento and Dale White.

Review: Jesus Christ Superstar at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre

Jesus Christ Superstar 

Open Air Theatre

Reviewed on Thursday 21st July 2016

★★★★

Timothy Sheader and Drew McOnie have successfully reinvented one of my all-time favourite musicals. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's rock opera has been staged to give it the feel of a live gig; the whole experience certainly feels like an event, completed with simplistic yet highly effective design from Tom Scutt.

Review: Jekyll and Hyde at the Old Vic

Jekyll and Hyde 
Old Vic
Reviewed on Thursday 26th May 2016 (matinee)
★★★★★

In 2014 I was blown away by The McOnie Company's inaugural production, Drunk at the Bridewell Theatre; since then Drew McOnie has been swept off his feet, choreographing musicals such as Bugsy Malone, Hairspray, In The Heights and Oklahoma! to huge acclaim.

Production Pics: Drew McOnie's Jekyll & Hyde

Production images have been released for the Old Vic's Jekyll and Hyde which is devised, directed and choreographed by Drew McOnie with music by Grant Olding.

The show is currently in previews ahead of press night on 25th May. Jekyll and Hyde stars Daniel Collins as Dr Jekyll, Tim Hodges as Mr Hyde and Rachel Muldoon as Dahlia. Simon Hardwick is associate director. Completing the cast are Ashley Andrews, Joao Carolino, Carrie Taylor Johnson, Anabel Kutay, Ebony Molina, Freya Rowley, Alexzandra Sarmiento, Barnaby Thompson and Jason Winter.

Jekyll & Hyde to release album

New dance thriller Jekyll & Hyde today announces the release of the score on Air-Edel Records. 

The album features music by composer Grant Olding and is available to buy from Friday 20th May.

Jekyll & Hyde begins performances at the Old Vic tonight (20th May) ahead of press night on 25th May. The show plays a limited run to 28th May.

Devised and directed by theatre choreographer Drew McOnie, Jekyll & Hyde reimagines Robert Louis Stevenson's sinister drama in an excitingly physical new dance production. 

PICS: Rehearsals for Drew McOnie's Jekyll and Hyde

Rehearsal images have been released for the Old Vic's Jekyll and Hyde which is devised, directed and choreographed by Drew McOnie with music by Grant Olding.

The show opens at the Old Vic on 25th May (previews from 20th May). Jekyll and Hyde stars Daniel Collins as Dr Jekyll, Tim Hodges as Mr Hyde and Rachel Muldoon as Dahlia. Simon Hardwick is associate director. Completing the cast are Ashley Andrews, Joao Carolino, Carrie Taylor Johnson, Anabel Kutay, Ebony Molina, Freya Rowley, Alexzandra Sarmiento, Barnaby Thompson and Jason Winter.

Casting announced for Drew McOnie's Jekyll and Hyde

Casting has been announced for Jekyll and Hyde devised, directed and choreographed by Drew McOnie with music by Grant Olding.

The show opens at the Old Vic on 25th May (previews from 20th May). Jekyll and Hyde will star Daniel Collins as Dr Jekyll, Tim Hodges as Mr Hyde and Rachel Muldoon as Dahlia. Simon Hardwick is associate director.

Drew McOnie to direct & choreograph new production of Strictly Ballroom

Drew McOnie will direct and choreograph a new production of Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin's musical version of Strictly Ballroom.

The Australian musical will open at the West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds on 6th December 2016 (previews from 30th November) and run until 21st January 2017.

Terry Johnson is joining the creative team to adapt the original book.

McOnie says: "The film Strictly Ballroom has had such a huge impact on me. It inspired me as an 8-year-old dancer to follow my choreographic instinct and gave me the desire to explore the many different ways of communicating ideas through dance.

Review: In The Heights at the King's Cross Theatre

In The Heights
King's Cross Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday 13th October 2015
★★★★★

Jade Ewen

Last May In The Heights set theatreland on fire when it made its UK premiere at the Southwark Playhouse. 

Seventeen months later Luke Sheppard's production has returned to London, playing in rep with The Railway Children at the newly built King's Cross Theatre. 

In The Heights is quite simply a musical like no other. With his new show Hamilton currently revolutionising Broadway, it seems audiences on both side of the pond can't get enough of Lin-Manuel Miranda. His writing hits you like a breath of fresh air and makes an almighty impression.

In The Heights, which premiered off-Broadway in 2007 before moving to the Great White Way for a triumphant three year run, provides a snapshot into the lives of an ensemble of characters living in the Washington Heights. Sacrifices are made, dreams are achieved and hearts are at risk of being broken. In The Heights is brought to life with energy and culture, introducing characters who aren't usually represented in musical theatre.

Casting announced Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax at the Old Vic

Casting has been announced for David Greig’s adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax.

Directed by Max Webster, the show opens at the Old Vic on 16th December 2015 (previews from 3rd December) and runs until 16th January 2016. 

The Lorax is directed by Max Webster with choreography by Drew McOnie and music by Charlie Fink.

Simon Lipkin (Rock Of Ages/Assassins) will play the role of the Lorax, alongside puppeteers Laura Cubitt and Ben Thompson, whilst Simon Paisley Day (Urinetown) takes the role of the Once-ler.

Drew McOnie announces open auditions for dance-thriller adaptation of Jekyll & Hyde at the Old Vic

Acclaimed choreographer Drew McOnie has announced open auditions for his dance-thriller adaptation of Jekyll and Hyde. 

With music by Grant Olding, the production will premiere at the Old Vic next year as part of Matthew Warchus' debut season as artistic director of the iconic venue.

Open auditions will be held on Sunday 5th July 2015 at Glasshill Studios (King Bench Street, London SE1 0QX) with registration taking place between 9am and 12pm and auditions taking place between 10am and 6pm. Auditionees should bring a current CV and headshot and be prepared to stay all day. Girls to bring heels and no outdoor trainers. Recalls will take place on Sunday 12th July. 

Candidates must be available April - June 2016. The open call states: "We are looking for extraordinary, vibrant and intelligent dancers with a minimum of three years dance training who excel in narrative expression to form the dance company."

Review: Bugsy Malone at the Lyric Hammersmith

Asanda Jezile as Tallulah

Bugsy Malone 
Lyric Hammersmith
Reviewed on Wednesday 29th April 2015
★★★

Marking its first professional UK staging in ten years, Sean Holmes' revival of Bugsy Malone reopens the Lyric Hammersmith following multi-million pound re-development work. Adapted from Alan Parker’s iconic 1976 gangster film, the piece takes place in Prohibition era New York.

Big Interview: Drew McOnie

Drew McOnie is currently one of the busiest choreographers working in British theatre. 

His current projects include a brand new touring production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma!. Starring Ashley Day and Charlotte Wakefield, Drew has worked alongside director Rachel Kavanaugh on the show.

He is also currently choreographing the new UK Tour of Hairspray which is directed by Paul Kerryson as well as the UK’s first professional stage production of Bugsy Malone in over a decade at the Lyric Hammersmith.

Drew’s other recent credits include: The Sound of Music and Chicago (both Leicester Curve), In The Heights (Southwark Playhouse), Little Red Riding Hood (National Youth Ballet), West Side Story (NYMT), 13 (Apollo Theatre), Laurel and Hardy (Watermill Theatre), James and The Giant Peach (UK Tour), Soho Cinders (Soho Theatre) and Patience (Union Theatre).

He is also the founder of The McOnie Company for which his work includes: Drunk (Leicester Curve/Bridewell), Good Morning Midnight (Jermyn Street Theatre) and Making Midnight (Latitude Festival).

I recently spoke to Drew about taking on a show as iconic as Oklahoma!, why diversity plays such an important part of his career and what musical theatre songs he would want with him on a desert island… 

What was your relationship with Oklahoma! like before you were approached to choreograph this new production?

Well I think for any choreographer Oklahoma! is a pretty massive deal. Not least because as a show it offers the opportunity for real creativity, but also it provides a platform for dance which is incredibly narrative and important. For me personally it’s a very important show because when it first opened in 1943 it really changed the way that musicals were perceived, and in particular the way that dance in musical theatre was received. So any of us new choreographers owe a huge amount to Agnes de Mille (who choreographed the original production) for what she did and introduced into musical theatre. 

Rehearsal Pics: OKLAHOMA! 2015 UK Tour

Rehearsal images have been released of the OKLAHOMA! 2015 UK Tour. The production stars Belinda Lang as Aunt Eller, Gary Wilmot as Ali Hakim, the West End Frame Award winning Ashley Day as Curly and Charlotte Wakefield as Laurey. Check out the images below (click picture to enlarge).

The cast also includes: Nic Greenshields as Jud Fry, Lucy May Barker as Ado Annie, James O’Connell as Will Parker, Paul Grunert as Andrew Carnes, Kara Lane as Gertie Cummings, Christopher D Hunt as Cord Elam and Barnaby Thompson as Ike Skidmore.

Simon Anthony, Christina Bennington, Robbie Boyle, Katie Marie-Carter, Lisa Dent, Emilie du Leslay, Ian Gareth-Jones, Hannah Grace, Ross Lee Fowkes, Perry O’Dea, Sasi Strallen and Gabriella Stylianou complete the cast. OKLAHOMA! tours the UK and Ireland this year, opening at the Derngate Theatre in Northampton on 19th February 2015.

Review: The Sound of Music at the Leicester Curve Theatre

The Sound of Music
Leicester Curve Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 3rd December 2014
★★★★

Marking Paul Kerryson's final show as Artistic Director of the Curve, The Sound of Music is absolutely glorious. It is visually stunning, the score is sounding better than ever and the cast bring something new to the piece.

Big Interview: Laura Pitt-Pulford

2014 has been quite a year for Laura Pitt-Pulford. After starring in the The Light Princess at the National Theatre she went on to win rave reviews for her performances in Marry Me A Little (St James Studio) and The Return of the Solider (Jermyn Street).

Laura is currently starring as Maria in The Sound of Music at the Leicester Curve Theatre. She returns to the Curve having played Irene Molloy in Hello, Dolly! and Toine in Piaf.

The Sound of Music opens on 3rd December (previews from 28th November) and runs until 17th January. Paul Kerryson directs, marking his final show as artistic director of the Curve, with choreography from Drew McOnie.

Just a few of Laura’s other theatre credits include: A Man of No Importance (Salisbury Playhouse), Mack and Mabel and Parade (Southwark Playhouse), title role in Sweet Charity (Belfast MAC), The Little Prince (Lyric Belfast), Guys and Dolls (the Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, Clwyd Theatre and Salisbury Playhouse) and Copacabana (Watermill Theatre, Newbury).

I recently spoke to Laura about why she’s so thrilled to be playing Maria, her whirlwind year and why she’s yodelling on the bus… 

Roles don’t come more iconic than Maria! Was the part always on your list of dream roles?

It has always been on my dream list, I think it’s probably on most girls lists [laughs]. I used to watch the film all the time with my mum and knew it inside out. I always wanted to play Maria but never thought it would happen! I saw the Palladium production and then the one at Regent’s Park and they were both fantastic in their own way. So when I was asked to do this I was a bit like, ‘Wow! Yes please!’ It’s one of those roles that you want to be able to put your own stamp on. I’m really looking forward to finding my Maria.

Ashley Day, Charlotte Wakefield & Nic Greenshields star in OKLAHOMA! 2015 UK Tour

It has been announced that Ashley Day, Charlotte Wakefield and Nic Greenshields will star in a new UK Tour of Rodgers & Hammerstein's OKLAHOMA! next year. The show will be directed by Rachel Kavanaugh with new choreography by Drew McOnie.

OKLAHOMA! opens at the Derngate Theatre Northampton on 19th February 2015.

This new production of one of the great classic American musicals will feature a large cast and chorus led by Belinda Lang as Aunt Eller, Gary Wilmot as Ali Hakim, Ashley Day (West End Frame Award Winner, pictured right) as Curly, Charlotte Wakefield as Laurey and Nic Greenshields as Jud Fry, accompanied by a live orchestra led by musical director Steve Ridley. Set and costumes will be designed by Francis O’Connor, with lighting by Tim Mitchell and sound by Ben Harrison.

Editor's Blog: New openings, career defining performances & a trip to Chichester

Michael Flatley, Christina Bianco, Jacqueline Hughes, Cynthia Erivo, Drew McOnie & Sophie Thompson take centre stage...

August is always a strange month in theatreland. As the focus moved to Edinburgh, few shows opened in London, but suddenly September has crept up on us and the West End is kicking into action. Two of this month's biggest openings include the West End transfers of Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games and Forbidden Broadway.

Editor's Blog: "Keep supporting theatre, it's where we still have magic!"

Michael Xavier & Joanna Riding
Photo Credit:  Tristram Kenton

The last few weeks have been a little quieter in terms of openings so I've had the chance to catch up with some new faces in familiar shows.

Last week I saw Gary Wilmot in The Pajama Game at the Shaftesbury Theatre who has taken over from Peter Polycarpou as Vernon Hines. It was fantastic to see how Wilmot has put his own stamp on the role, performing with great charm and striking stage presence. The Pajama Game is such a fun show and I enjoyed it even more second time round.

Joanna Riding continues to shine as Babe whilst relishing every moment. Michael Xavier was unwell meaning Understudy of the Year nominee Dan Burton stepped into the role of Sid. Burton played the part very differently but is equally as strong as Xavier. He really stood out for being an incredible dancer and belted out a tremendous rendition of 'Hey There'.

Those thinking of booking a trip to see The Pajama Game must sort out their tickets soon as the musical's limited run ends on Saturday 13th September 2014 to make way for the West End premiere of Memphis starring Beverley Knight (more on her shortly!).

Last week I finally caught up with Imelda Staunton's phenomenal performance in Good People at the Noel Coward Theatre. The play, which transferred to the West End from the Hampstead Theatre and closes tomorrow, gets off to a slow start. The first act is good, whilst the second half is hysterically funny yet also very moving. Staunton doesn't leave the stage at all throughout the play's entirety but showed no sign of tiredness; she gives the performance of a lifetime! I'm now even more excited to see her star in Chichester’s production of Gypsy later this year!

Review: Drunk at the Bridewell Theatre

Drunk
Bridewell Theatre
Reviewed on Friday 7th February 2014

Following its world premiere at the Leicester Curve, Drew McOnie has brought the McOnie Company's inaugural production, Drunk, to the Bridewell Theatre for a four week London season. Described as a 'wickedly delicious cocktail of theatre and dance', Drunk is a theatre-dance revue with music by One Man, Two Guvnors composer Grant Olding.