Kerry Ellis, Preeya Kalidas & Ramin Karimloo to star in Godspell concert

It has been announced that Kerry Ellis (Cats/Wicked), Preeya Kalidas (Bend It Like Beckham/EastEnders) and Ramin Karimloo (Evita/Les Miserables) will star in a concert staging of Godspell by Stephen Schwartz.

The performances will take place at St. Paul’s Church in Covent Garden on Tuesday 30th and Wednesday 31st August 2016. 

Dean Johnson directs with musical direction by Michael Bradley. The concerts will be hosted by Mark Shenton. Ellis, Kalidas and Karimloo will perform alongside the British Theatre Academy.

Godspell In Concert announces early closure

The UK tour of Godspell in Concert will close two months early, with producers blaming poor ticket sales. 

The show had been scheduled to tour the UK until 3rd July; however, it will now close at the Princess Theatre in Torquay on 6th May 2015. Ticket holders for cancelled dates should contact their point of purchase. 

The show stars Andy Abraham (X Factor), Leanne Jarvis (The Voice) and Tom Senior (Jersey Boys). Former Sugababe Jade Ewen withdrew from the cast during rehearsals and was replaced by Laura Mansell.

Review: Godspell in Concert (UK Tour) at the Hackney Empire

Godspell in Concert (UK Tour) 
Hackney Empire
Reviewed on Sunday 5th April 2015
★★

This was my first time seeing a production of Godspell which is touring the UK following a one-off West End staging last year. Bringing together a series of gospel parables, Stephen Schwartz's weird and wonderful musical features an exhilarating score.

Laura Mansell replaces Jade Ewen in Godspell Tour

Due to ill health, Sugababe Jade Ewen has withdrawn from the forthcoming tour of Godspell In Concert.

Laura Mansell, who is already a member of the current cast who are in rehearsals, has been promoted to replace Ewen in Stephen Schwartz 's musical.

Jade Ewen said: "I'm saddened to have to withdraw from Godspell due to ill health. I wish the cast and crew a truly successful run, although I know they will put on an amazing show, and I can't wait to see it."

Mansell's previous credits include: Diva 2 in Priscilla, Queen of The Desert (UK Tour), Princess Lily in Puss in Boots (Gate Arts Centre), Crystal in Little Shop of Horrors (White Bear Theatre), Precious Maguire in Steel Pier (Bridewell Theatre), BBC Proms with Maida Vale Singers and John Wilson Orchestra (Royal Albert Hall) and ensemble in Rent In Concert (Garrick Theatre).

Final casting announced for Godspell In Concert UK Tour

Final casting has been announced the upcoming tour of Godspell In Concert.

Joining the previously announced Andy Abraham, Jade Ewen, Leanne Jarvis and Tom Senior (pictured right) are: Jennifer Potts, Jason Broderick, Robert Hannouch, Dominique Planter, Mitch Miller and Maeve Byrne. The ensemble includes: Rachel Bingham, Laura Mansell, Steffan Lloyd-Evans and Ricky Johnston.

Godspell in Concert opens at the Hackney Empire on 4th and 5th April 2015. The tour then plays: Guildford, Southampton, Llandudno, Cardiff, Swansea, Reading, Brighton, Southsea, Gateshead, Sunderland, Torquay, Liverpool, Bournemouth, Ipswich, Manchester, Darlington, Grimsby, Dartford, Birmingham, Oxford, Hastings, Hull, Bradford, Glasgow, Woking, Watford, Blackpool, Wycombe and Northampton.

First casting announced for Godspell in Concert 2015 UK Tour

First casting has been announced for the upcoming UK Tour of Godspell in Concert.

X Factor's Andy Abraham returns to the production as Judas/John following last year's West End gala. The cast also includes Jade Ewen (Sugababes) and Leanne Jarvis (The Voice). Tom Senior (pictured right), who is currently appearing in the West End production of Jersey Boys, will play Jesus. Kenneth Avery Clark directs with musical direction from Russell Scott.

Godspell in Concert opens at the Hackney Empire on 4th and 5th April 2015. The tour then plays: Guildford, Southampton, Llandudno, Cardiff, Swansea, Reading, Brighton, Southsea, Gateshead, Sunderland, Torquay, Liverpool, Bournemouth, Ipswich, Manchester, Darlington, Grimsby, Dartford, Birmingham, Oxford, Hastings, Hull, Bradford, Glasgow, Woking, Watford, Blackpool, Wycombe and Northampton.

Godspell Tour announces open auditions

It was recently announced that, following its recent West End staging, Godspell in Concert will tour the UK next Sprig. 

Producers secured the rights for the new Broadway Revival production which had never been performed outside of the USA. The show features new orchestrations by Michael Holland and additional lyrics from Stephen Schwartz.

In the show a cast of 10 principles will be supported by a small ensemble and a choir in each venue. Open auditions have been announced. Producers are looking for a small number of "incredible" singers/vocalists to join the cast as principles. The open casting call says:

Sneak peek at... Godspell in Concert

The producers of Godspell in Concert have released a video giving a sneak peek at the one-night-only theatrical event and introducing the all-star cast. Watch the video below.

Stephen Schwartz's musical is being staged at the Lyric Theatre on Monday 19th May for the first time since it premiered 42 years ago. The one-off charity gala concert performance is in aid of Make-A-Wish Foundation® UK.

Marti Webb to reunite with David Essex at Godspell's West End return

Marti Webb (pictured right), who recently returned to the West End in Tell Me on a Sunday, will reunite with David Essex and other original cast members of the rock musical Godspell at the Lyric Theatre on Monday 19th May. 

Stephen Schwartz's musical is being staged in the West End for the first time since it premiered at the Wyndhams Theatre 42 years ago in a one-off charity gala concert performance in aid of Make-A-Wish Foundation® UK.

Casting announced for Godspell's West End return

Godspell, the heart-lifting feel-good Broadway musical from Stephen Schwartz, is to be staged in the West End at the Lyric Theatre on Monday 19th May for the first time since it premiered 42 years ago. The one-off charity gala concert performance, in aid of Make-A-Wish Foundation® UK, will be introduced on stage by David Essex, whose casting as Jesus in the original production turned him into an overnight sensation.

A timeless tale of friendship, loyalty and love, featuring such popular songs as Day By Day, Light of the World and Turn Back, O Man,Godspell has touched the hearts of theatregoers all over the world since. For the first time in the UK, fans will hear the stunning new orchestrations from the recent acclaimed Broadway revival production.

Godspell returns to the West End for one night only next year

It has been announced that Stephen Schwartz's musical 'Godspell' will receive a West End concert staging next year. The show will be performed at the Lyric Theatre on Monday 19th May 2014 in aid of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Godspell was last seen in the West End in 1972 when it ran at the Wyndham’s Theatre starring David Essex and Marti Webb. The show recently enjoyed a successful run on Broadway and is currently touring the US. It was recently announced that Grease 2 will also receive a concert staging for one night only at the Lyric Theatre next January.