Imelda Staunton to star in West End production of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

Following reports in June, it has been confirmed that Imelda Staunton will star as Martha in a new West End production of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?.

Following the closure of Sunny Afternoon, the play will open at the Harold Pinter Theatre on 9th March (previews from 22nd February) for a limited run to 27th May 2017.

James Macdonald will direct the production which is produced by Sonia Friedman Productions whilst Conleth Hill will star opposite Staunton as George.

GOSSIP: Imelda Staunton in "very early talks" to star in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

The Daily Mail's Baz Bamigboye has reported that Imelda Staunton is in "very early talks" to star as Martha in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? for Sonia Friedman Productions.

If the production goes ahead, it will be directed by James Macdonald. No further information has been revealed at this stage. Please remember nothing has been confirmed. 

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.

West End Frame Awards 2015: Full Winners List

Readers of West End Frame were invited to vote for four awards throughout 2015. The West End Frame Awards recognise brand new and long-running plays and musicals, combining male and female actors into the same categories. Voting opens for one award at a time. Take a look at the full list of winners below:

Publicly Voted Awards

	Best West End Debut Matt Cardle for playing Huey Calhoun in Memphis Runners Up Danny Horn for Sunny Afternoon Marcquelle Ward for Cats Click here for full result / Photo Credit: Helen Maybanks
	Best Performance of a Song in a Musical John Dagleish for his rendition of 'Waterloo Sunset' in Sunny Afternoon Runners Up Jon Jon Briones for ‘American Dream’ in Miss Saigon Kerry Ellis for ‘Memory’ in Cats Click here for full result / Photo Credit: Kevin Cummins
	Understudy of the Year Jacqueline Hughes for standing by as Elphaba in Wicked (UK Tour) Runners Up Zoë Birkett for The Bodyguard Ryan O'Donnell for Sunny Afternoon Click here for full result
	Most Inspiring West End Show Sunny Afternoon at the Harold Pinter Theatre Runners Up Memphis at the Shaftesbury Theatre Miss Saigon at the Prince Edward Theatre Click here for full result / Photo Credit: Kevin Cummins

Editor's Blog: Top 6 Theatrical Highlights of 2015

6

Kay Murphy saves the day!

Back in November I bought a last minute ticket to see Xanadu at the Southwark Playhouse as I enjoyed the show so much first time round. Before the show director Paul Warwick Griffin announced that cast member Alison Jiear was indisposed so actress Kay Murphy had learnt the role in 24 hours and would be stepping in. Murphy threw herself into each and every number and performed the entire show without a script in hand! She had the time of her life; pulling off the choreography and dazzling with her faultless vocals, providing a night to remember! Click here to read more.

5

Bradley Jaden steals show after show

Since taking over as Enjolras in the West End production of Les Miserables back in June, Bradley Jaden has been proving himself as a leading man worth keeping an eye on. I've seen Jaden pop up in various one-night-only Sunday night concerts this year, and each time he has stolen the show. In West End Heroes (click here to read review) Jaden made a huge impression with his performances of 'Who I'd Be' and 'Bohemian Rhapsody' whilst in Kings Of Broadway (click here to read review) he rightfully received one of the evening's biggest applauses for his rendition of  'Maria'. I recently caught Les Mis and Jaden was, without doubt, the strongest Enjolras I have seen for a long time. The future certainly looks bright for Bradley Jaden; if Jason Robert Brown's musical The Bridges of Madison County ever finds its way to London Jaden would make a perfect Robert. Read our interview with Bradley Jaden. 

4

Green girls shine 

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. 

Winners announced for 2015 BroadwayWorld UK Awards

BroadwayWorld have announced the result of its 2015 UK Awards. 

Fresh from her win at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards, Imelda Staunton was named Best Leading Actress in a new production of a Musical for Gypsy whilst Killian Donnelly won Best Leading Actor in a new production of a Musical for his performance in Memphis.

Hamlet at the Barbican won three awards, including Best Leading Actor in a new production of a Play for Benedict Cumberbatch. Miss Saigon also won three awards whilst this year's most successful show was American Idiot which won four awards.

PICS: The Winners - Evening Standard Theatre Awards 2015

The 2015 Evening Standard Theatre Awards were held at the Old Vic last night (22nd November). Check out images of the winners - including James McAvoy, Nicole Kidman, Imelda Staunton & Stephen Sondheim - below (click image to enlarge).

Stephen Sondheim, James McAvoy, Imelda Staunton & Kinky Boots triumph at the 2015 Evening Standard Theatre Awards

James McAvoy

The 2015 Evening Standard Theatre Awards were held at the Old Vic last night (22nd November).

Presented by Rob Brydon, the awards were co-hosted by owner of the Evening Standard Evgeny Lebedev with Judi Dench and Ian McKellen who presented Stephen Sondheim the Lebedev Award for theatrical achievement at the end of the night.

Seventeen years after making her London stage debut, Nicole Kidman received Best Actress for her performance as Rosalind Franklin in Photograph 51 at the Noel Coward Theatre. The Award for Best Actor was presented to James McAvoy for his performance in The Ruling Class.

The award for Best Musical Performance went to Imelda Staunton for Gypsy who received the evening's first standing ovation as she collected her award. She later returned to the stage with co-star Gemma Sutton to perform 'Everything’s Coming Up Roses' and received a second standing ovation.

In the new talent categories, Molly Davies won Most Promising Playwright for God Bless the Child; the Emerging Talent Award was won by David Moorst, for his role in Violence and Son (both at the Royal Court Upstairs); and the Newcomer in a Musical Award went to Gemma Arterton for her musical theatre debut in Made in Dagenham.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

It's 100% official! Gypsy starring Imelda Staunton transfers to Savoy Theatre from 28th March!

Following months of speculation, it has finally been 100% confirmed that Imelda Staunton will star as Momma Rose in the West End transfer of Jonathan Kent’s Chichester Festival Theatre production of Gypsy. 

The production opens at the Savoy Theatre on 15th April 2015 (previews from 28th March). Tickets go on sale today. Further casting will be announced shortly.

Gypsy, a musical fable with book by Arthur Laurents, music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim suggested by the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee, has choreography by Stephen Mear, designs by Anthony Ward, musical direction and orchestration by Nicholas Skilbeck, lighting by Mark Henderson and sound by Paul Groothuis. Gypsy is produced in the West End by Michael Harrison and David Ian.