GOSSIP: Barry Levinson to direct Barbra Streisand in long rumoured Gypsy film?

Everything might finally be coming up roses for Barbra Streisand!

According to Variety, the star is one step closer to finally starring as Mama Rose in her long rumoured film adaptation of Gypsy.

STX Entertainment is reportedly in "advanced negotiations" to make Gypsy starring Streisand with Oscar-winner Barry Levinson directing. 

If everything is finalised, Streisand will produce the film alongside Joel Silver whilst Richard LaGravenese will write the script (naturally Streisand is involved in developing the script). Production could start this year.

Interview: Louise Gold on Richard Bean’s The Nap & Gypsy

Louise Gold is currently playing Waxy in the world premiere of Richard Bean’s new play The Nap.

Directed by Richard Wilson, the comedy thriller about snooker opens at the Sheffield Crucible on 15th March (previews from 10th March) and plays until 2nd April 2016. The cast also includes Ralf Little and Jack O’Connell.

Louise most recently starred in Gypsy at the Chichester Festival Theatre and Savoy Theatre. As well as playing Mazeppa – one of the three strippers – Louise also understudied Imelda Staunton as Mama Rose, playing the role at three performances in August (2015). 

Louise’s West End credits include: Mrs Sowerberry/Mrs Bedwin in Oliver! (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), Miss Andrew in Mary Poppins (Prince Edward), Baroness in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (London Palladium), Dottie Otley in Noises Off (Piccadilly), Tanya in Mamma Mia! (Prince Edward), Sarah Jane Moore in Assassins (Donmar), Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes (Prince Edward), Fanny Brice in Ziegfeld (London Palladium), Sister Mary Amnesia in Nunsense (Fortune) and Isobel in The Pirates Of Penzance (Theatre Royal Drury Lane).

Just a few of Louise’s other theatre credits include: Bertha in Pippin (Menier Chocolate Factory), God in The Good Soul Of Szechuan (Young Vic), The Water Babies & The Gondoliers (Chichester), Miss Prism in The Importance Of Being Earnest The Musical (Theatre Royal Windsor), Phyllis in Follies (Royal Festival Hall), Lilli/Kate in Kiss Me, Kate & Titania in A Midsummer Night's Dream (Regent’s Park), Dunyasha in The Cherry Orchard (RSC), title role in Calamity Jane & Gussie in Merrily We Roll Along (both Leicester Haymarket) and Mrs Johnston in Blood Brothers (Watermill).

I recently spoke to Louise about what makes The Nap a relevant play, why she’s having a joyous time in rehearsals and how she reacted after being told she would be going on as Mama Rose in Gypsy… 

Richard Bean is such an unpredictable writer! What were your first impressions of The Nap?

Well I was very excited when I heard Richard Wilson was directing a new Richard Bean play in Sheffield which is a great theatre, so before I even read the play I thought, ‘this is going to be interesting if nothing else’. The play is so funny, it’s about snooker. Bizarrely I have been in possibly the only ever musical about snooker!

WhatsOnStage Awards 2016: Full winners list

The 2016 WhatsOnStage Awards took place last night (21st February) at the Prince of Wales Theatre.

Hamlet and Gypsy led the awards this year with four victories each – Hamlet won for Benedict Cumberbatch in the Best Actor in a Play category, Best Play Revival, Best Set Design and Best Lighting Design with Gypsy picking up Best Actress in a Musical for Imelda Staunton, Best Supporting Actress in a Musical for Lara Pulver, Best Musical Revival and Best Direction for Jonathan Kent.

Just behind Hamlet and Gypsy is Kinky Boots which received awards for Best New Musical, Best Actor in a Musical for Matt Henry, who also performed 'Hold Me in Your Heart', and Best Choreography for Jerry Mitchell.

Editor's Blog: Stagey guide to Christmas TV

Presents wrapped? Mulled wine at the ready? Stagey TV planned and set to record...? Here's West End Frame's guide to what you should be watching this Christmas!

TOP PICKS

The Sound Of Music Live Sun 20th Dec at 7:30pm on ITV1 Following NBC's event in 2013, ITV are broadcasting a live TV production of The Sound of Music starring Kara Tointon, Julian Ovenden, Katherine Kelly, Alexander Armstrong, Maria Friedman, Mel Giedroyc and Evelyn Hoskins. Make sure you watch out for lots of West End talent popping up in the ensemble! Join us on Twitter during the Broadcast (@West_End_Frame) on 20th December for live Tweeting. Click here for more info.

Gypsy starring Imelda Staunton Sun 27th Dec at 9.00pm on BBC4 Imelda Staunton's performance in Gypsy is already part of theatrical history. During the show's run at the Savoy Theatre, three performances were filmed. The wait is finally over as the production will be broadcast on 27th December ahead of a rumoured DVD release. Joining Staunton as Momma Rose are Lara Pulver as Louise, Peter Davison as Herbie, Gemma Sutton as June and Dan Burton as Tulsa. Click here for more info.

GOSSIP: Could Gypsy starring Imelda Staunton transfer to Broadway?

The Daily Mail's Baz Bamigboye has claimed that producers of the West End revival of Gypsy are "actively pursuing" a possible Broadway transfer for the production.

Bamigboye suggests that they are keen for Imelda Staunton to reprise her performance on Broadway for a run in 2017. 

Spreaking to Bamigboye, producer Michael Harrison said: "We are actively pursuing and trying to work out the right way to go to New York with Imelda in Gypsy." Please remember this is just gossip and nothing has been confirmed.

Directed by Jonathan Kent with book by Arthur Laurents, Gypsy has music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. 

Choreography is by Stephen Mear, designs by Anthony Ward, musical direction and orchestration by Nicholas Skilbeck, lighting by Mark Henderson and sound by Paul Groothuis. 

Gypsy starring Imelda Staunton to be broadcast on BBC this Christmas

Last month we reported that the West End production of Gypsy starring Imelda Staunton was being filmed for broadcast on the BBC.

Three shows were filmed this week, and now the Daily Mail's Baz Bamigboye has announced that the production will be screened on BBC4 over the Christmas season.

UPDATE: Gypsy will be broadcast on Sunday 27th December 2015 at 9pm on BBC4.

Bamigboye also reports that there is talk about the recording being shown on U.S. television and there is a possibility that it could be released on DVD next year. Please note further information is yet to be officially announced.

Directed by Jonathan Kent with book by Arthur Laurents, Gypsy has music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Choreography is by Stephen Mear, designs by Anthony Ward, musical direction and orchestration by Nicholas Skilbeck, lighting by Mark Henderson and sound by Paul Groothuis. 

SING OUT LOUISE! Gemma Sutton taking over from Lara Pulver in Gypsy

It has been announced that Gemma Sutton is taking over as Louise in the West End production of Gypsy at the Savoy Theatre from 12th October. Lara Pulver plays her final performance on 10th October 2015.

Sutton is currently starring in the show as June (Louise's sister). Writing about her new role on Twitter, Sutton said: "Same womb…..different hair colours. So very excited to get those cow hooves on."

Sutton has previously played Julie Jordan in Carousel (Arcola), Amber in Hairspray (UK Tour), Roxie Hart in Chicago (Leicester Curve) and Ice in DRUNK (Leicester Curve/Bridewell).

GOSSIP: Gypsy to be filmed for BBC broadcast?

Curtain up, light the lights - it's the news we've secretly all been hoping for!

Whilst nothing has been officially confirmed, Playbill have reported that the current West End revival of Gypsy starring Imelda Staunton may be filmed for broadcast on the BBC. There is no word on whether the recording could be released on DVD. 

Playbill claim that producers of Gypsy are "exploring the possibility" of filming the show during the first week of October. Apparently several ticketholders for affected performances have been informed via email that as their performance is being filmed they will receive a free upgrade in order to accommodate for film cameras.

Chowsie The Diva Dog gives Imelda Staunton a run for her money...

Having received tremendous acclaim for her portrayal of Momma Rose in Gypsy, Imelda Staunton continues to bring audiences to their feet night after night at the Savoy Theatre. However, it turns out there's an even bigger star in town...

Feature: April round-up

Star of the Month

Imelda Staunton

Photo Credit:  Johan Persson

Mark my words, people will be talking about Imelda Staunton's performance of Momma Rose in Gypsy for years to come. From the second she steps foot on stage, it is clear Staunton means serious business and is not to be messed with. Every word she says, every lyric she sings and every breath she takes is 100% believable. Her rendition of 'Rose's Turn' brought many to their feet, I can't remember the last time I was so blown away. 

Show of the Month

Gypsy at the Savoy Theatre

Photo Credit:  Johan Persson

Gypsy breaks box office record at the Savoy Theatre

Producers Michael Harrison and David Ian have announced that Jonathan Kent's production of Gypsy starring Imelda Staunton has broken the all-time box office record at the Savoy Theatre, taking £408,300 for performances ending 25th April 2015. 

Harrison and Ian said: “We are thrilled that this amazing record has been achieved in the 1089 seat Savoy Theatre and are delighted that we have been able to extend our run through November this year.”

Kent’s production originally opened at the Chichester Festival Theatre in October last year with the West End transfer opening earlier this month. Gypsy recently extended booking at the Savoy Theatre to 28th November 2015. 

Gypsy extends West End booking to November 2015

Jonathan Kent’s production of Gypsy starring Imelda Staunton has extended its West End run to 28th November 2015. 

Kent’s production originally opened at the Chichester Festival Theatre in October last year with the West End transfer opening last week at the Savoy Theatre

The show stars Staunton as Momma Rose, Lara Pulver as Louise, Peter Davison as Herbie, Gemma Sutton as June and Dan Burton as Tulsa. A brand new cast album will be released on 27th April 2015.

Review: Gypsy starring Imelda Staunton at the Savoy Theatre

Gypsy

Savoy Theatre

Reviewed on Thursday 16th April 2015

★★★★★

Following a run in Chichester last year, Jonathan Kent's revival of Gypsy has transferred to the West End's Savoy Theatre which is the perfect home for this bold and glitzy Broadway musical. 

Press Night Pics: Gypsy transfers to the Savoy Theatre

Last night (15th April) the West End transfer of Gypsy officially opened at the Savoy Theatre following its run in Chichester last year. Angela Lansbury, who famously played Momma Rose in the 1973 West End revival and 1975 Broadway revival, was in attendance and posed for photos with the cast after the performance. 

Guests also included: Jonathan Bailey, Don Black, John Bowe, Jim Broadbent, Jim Carter, Adam Garcia, Alex Gaumond, Susan Hampshire, Nigel Havers, Lenny Henry, Patricia Hodge, Nick Hynter, Raza Jaffrey, Lesley Joseph, Preeya Kalidas, James McArdle, Jane McDonald, Georgia Moffett, Lesley Nicol, Paul O’Grady, Elaine Paige, Arlene Phillips, Craig Revel Horwood, Linda Robson, Wayne Sleep and Kevin Whately.

Check out images from the press night below (click image to enlarge).

New production images released for West End transfer of Gypsy starring Imelda Staunton

Brand new production images have been released for the West End transfer of Gypsy starring Imelda Staunton. The production, which ran in Chichester last year, officially opens at the Savoy Theatre on 15th April 2015. Check out the production images below (click image to enlarge).

The show stars Staunton as Momma Rose, Lara Pulver as Louise, Peter Davison as Herbie, Gemma Sutton as June and Dan Burton as Tulsa. A brand new cast album will be released on 27th April 2015. 

Release date confirmed for new Gypsy cast recording

First Night Records have announced that the previously announced new cast recording of Gypsy will be available to buy at the Savoy Theatre from the show's opening night on 15th April. The album's general release date is 27th April 2015. 

Gypsy begins previews at the Savoy Theatre on 28th March following its acclaimed run in Chichester last year. The show stars Imelda Staunton as Momma Rose, Lara Pulver as Louise, Peter Davison as Herbie, Gemma Sutton as June and Dan Burton as Tulsa.

West End cast of Gypsy recording cast album!

It has been revealed that the West End cast of Gypsy are currently recording a cast album! An official release date is yet to be announced.

📷 SNAPSHOT 📷 Peter, Imelda, Nick, John & Niall (Engineer) pose in studio whilst recording our CAST ALBUM! 🎼 🎧 🎭 pic.twitter.com/ioSh6aaOuT
— Gypsy (London) (@GypsyMusicalLDN) March 11, 2015

The show stars Imelda Staunton as Momma Rose, Lara Pulver as Louise, Peter Davison as Herbie, Gemma Sutton as June and Dan Burton as Tulsa.

CONFIRMED: Lara Pulver & Peter Davison join Imelda Staunton in West End transfer of Gypsy

It has been confirmed that Lara Pulver will reprise her performance as Louise in the West End transfer of Gypsy, marking her West End debut.

As previously reported by West End Frame, Peter Davison is joining the cast as Herbie.

They join the previously announced Imelda Staunton as the indomitable Momma Rose in Jonathan Kent’s Chichester Festival Theatre production. Final casting will be announced shortly.

Gypsy reunites actor Imelda Staunton and director Jonathan Kent who previously collaborated on the Chichester Festival Theatre production of Sweeney Todd, which, after a sell-out run there, transferred to the West End. Kent also directed Staunton in Good People for Hampstead Theatre, which similarly transferred to the West End after a sell-out season in Hampstead. 

GOSSIP: Peter Davison & Lara Pulver join Imelda Staunton in West End transfer of Gypsy?

According to Baz Bamigboye, Peter Davison will star as Herbie in the West End transfer of Gypsy. He has also revealed that Lara Pulver will reprise her performance in the show alongside Imelda Staunton.

The production opens at the Savoy Theatre on 15th April 2015 (previews from 28th March). Gypsy reunites Imelda Staunton and Jonathan Kent who previously collaborated on the Chichester Festival Theatre production of Sweeney Todd, which transferred to the West End. Kent also directed Staunton in Good People for Hampstead Theatre which also transferred to the West End.

Editor's Blog: Top 10 performances of 2014

2014 has been an incredible year for theatre. Established stars have reminded us why they are known as theatrical legends whilst some new faces have stepped into the limelight for the first time. After looking back at every single show I have seen this year (including West End, Broadway, off-West End, fringe and regional theatre), below I have highlighted ten performances which particularly stood out for me...

10

Angela Lansbury

Blithe Spirit

Gielgud Theatre

Photo Credit: Johan Persson

In March Angela Lansbury returned to the West End stage for the first time in over thirty years to reprise her role as Madame Arcati in Noel Coward's masterpiece, Blithe Spirit. She didn't hold back one bit, I have never seen a performance like it! A true legend, Lansbury received huge applause each time she entered and exited the stage - she was utterly sensational.