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. 

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.

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. 

Casting announced for Dusty at the Charing Cross Theatre

Casting has been announced for Dusty, a unique new multi-media show celebrating the musical icon Dusty Springfield.

The show opens at the Charing Cross Theatre on 3rd June (previews from 25th May) and runs until 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). Ensemble members are: Bex Leung, Cleo Jaeger and Marianna Neofitou.

Multi-media Dusty Springfield show to premiere at the Charing Cross Theatre

It has been announced that a "unique new multi-media" show celebrating the music of 60’s pop icon Dusty Springfield will premiere at the Charing Cross Theatre later this year.

Dusty will open on 3rd June (previews from 25th May) for a limited run to 22nd August 2015.

With original music by the legendary artist Dusty Springfield, audiences will see and hear Springfield on stage using the most up-to-date 3-D technology and digital media. 

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.