Review: Groundhog Day at the Old Vic

Groundhog Day

Old Vic

Reviewed on Thursday 18th August 2016

★★★★

In 2010 Tim Minchin set theatreland alight when his musical adaptation of Matilda premiered in Stratford-upon-Avon. The show went on to take the West End and Broadway by storm, and has now been seen by millions of people all around the world. Labelled by many as musical perfection, it was always going to be a tough act to follow.

Groundhog Day delays Broadway transfer

Earlier this week Groundhog Day celebrated its official opening at the Old Vic.

It had previously been announced that the musical would open on Broadway on 9th March 2017 (previews from 23rd January). However, following reports in the New York Times that producer Scott Rudin has departed the project, the musical's Broadway run has been pushed back. New dates and a theatre are yet to be announced. 

Tim Minchin's musical runs in London to 17th September 2016. With book by Danny Rubin and choreography by Peter Darling, Groundhog Day is directed by Matthew Warchus who previously collaborated with Minchin on Matilda.

PICS: Rehearsals for Tim Minchin's Groundhog Day starring Andy Karl

Rehearsal images have been released for Tim Minchin's musical adaptation of Groundhog Day at the Old Vic. The show opens at the Old Vic on 16th August (previews from 15th July) and runs until 17th September 2016. Check out the rehearsal images below (click picture to enlarge). 

Groundhog Day stars Andy Karl as Phil Connors, Carlyss Peer as Rita and Eugene McCoy as Larry as well as Leo Andrew, David Birch, Ste Clough, Roger Dipper, Georgina Hagen, Kieran Jae, Julie Jupp, Andrew Langtree, Vicki Lee Taylor, Emma Lindars, Antonio Magro, Carolyn Maitland, Kirsty Malpass, Lisa Mathieson, Jenny O’Leary, Leanne Pinder, Mark Pollard, Damien Poole, Jack Shalloo, Andrew Spillett and Spencer Stafford.

Groundhog Day delays first preview

Producers have cancelled the first three previews of Groundhog Day at the Old Vic due to the show's 'technical requirements'.

Performances were scheduled to begin on Monday 11th July; however, the first preview will now take place on Friday 15th July. Ticket holders should contact their point of purchase. 

Tim Minchin's musical officially opens on 16th August 2016. Following its London run, Groundhog Day will open on Broadway at a to-be-announced theatre on 9th March 2017 (previews from 23rd January).

Full casting announced for Groundhog Day

Full casting has been announced for Tim Minchin's musical adaptation of Groundhog Day at the Old Vic.

As previously announced the show will star Andy Karl as Phil Connors, Carlyss Peer as Rita and Eugene McCoy as Larry. Joining them are Leo Andrew, David Birch, Ste Clough, Roger Dipper, Georgina Hagen, Kieran Jae, Julie Jupp, Andrew Langtree, Vicki Lee Taylor, Emma Lindars, Antonio Magro, Carolyn Maitland, Kirsty Malpass, Lisa Mathieson, Jenny O’Leary, Leanne Pinder, Mark Pollard, Damien Poole, Jack Shalloo, Andrew Spillett and Spencer Stafford.

Further casting revealed for Groundhog Day musical

The Daily Mail's Baz Bamigboye has announced further casting for Tim Minchin's musical adaptation of Groundhog Day at the Old Vic.

With book by Danny Rubin and choreography by Peter Darling, the musical is directed by Matthew Warchus who previously collaborated with Minchin on Matilda.

The show will open at the Old Vic on 16th August 2016 (previews from 11th July). As previously announced, Broadway actor Andy Karl will lead the cast as Phil. Joining the cast are Carlyss Peer as Rita and Eugene McCoy as Larry.

Dates confirmed for Tim Minchin's Groundhog Day at the Old Vic starring Andy Karl

Dates have been confirmed for Tim Minchin's musical adaptation of Groundhog Day at the Old Vic.

With book by Danny Rubin and choreography by Peter Darling, the musical is directed by Matthew Warchus who previously collaborated with Minchin on Matilda.

The show will open at the Old Vic on 16th August 2016 (previews from 11th July). Tickets go on priority sale today (10th March) and general sale from 12th April 2016.

Broadway's Andy Karl to star in Groundhog Day musical

The Daily Mail's Baz Bamigboye has announced that Broadway actor Andy Karl has landed the lead role of Phil in Tim Minchin's musical adaptation of Groundhog Day. 

The role was famously played by Bill Murray in 1993 movie. As previously confirmed, Groundhog Day will premiere at the Old Vic later this year before transferring to Broadway in 2017.

With book by Danny Rubin and choreography by Peter Darling, the musical is directed by Matthew Warchus who previously collaborated with Minchin on Matilda. No dates for the run at the Old Vic have been revealed; however, it has been confirmed that Groundhog Day will open on Broadway at a to-be-announced theatre on 9th March 2017 (previews from 23rd January).

GOSSIP: Could Groundhog Day musical open at the Old Vic if workshop is a success?

According to the Daily Mail, Matthew Warchus and Tim Minchin are planning a second workshop in March for their musical adaptation of Groundhog Day. If successful, Baz Bamigboye reports the show will run at the Old Vic next year.

Described as an American fantasy comedy, the 1993 film Groundhog Day was directed by Harold Ramis and starred Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell and Chris Elliott.