GOSSIP: Producer wants West End transfer for Hairspray UK tour

Mark Goucher, who is currently producing the UK tour of Hairspray, has revealed to West End Frame that he wants the musical to transfer to the West End next year.

“I am desperately trying to get the writers to allow us to bring this new production into London next year” Goucher said, “My cast are phenomenal and absolutely deserve to be seen in London. I hope it happens!”

Goucher explained the tour is “obviously a little more economical than the original production” and that “in the right theatre it could sit down and just run for a very long time”.

Hairspray is currently playing a Christmas residency at Birmingham Alexandra Theatre as part of its 25 venue UK tour which began in September this year. The production is directed by Paul Kerryson, with choreography by Drew McOnie and musical direction by Ben Atkinson. The show has music and lyrics by Academy Award, Tony and Emmy winning duo Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman.

Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense extends West End run to January

Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense has extended its West End run at the Duke of York's Theatre until Saturday 17th January 2015. 

As previously announced, John Gordon Sinclair and James Lance will play the title roles from 30th June, taking over from current cast members Robert Webb and Mark Heap. Sinclair and Lance will star in the production until 20th September before reprising their performances in the play's first UK tour this autumn. 

Review: Mark Heap and Robert Webb join Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense at the Duke of York's Theatre

Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense
Duke of York's Theatre

Reviewed on Tuesday 15th April 2014

I have fond memories of Jeeves and Wooster, as my dad had the (video) boxset and we often watched it on Sunday afternoons. Could a stage show really do justice to the wonders that are Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie?

Based on PG Wodehouse's The Code of the Woosters, Perfect Nonsense sees Bertie Wooster (Robert Webb) explaining that he has decided to tell us the story of his aunt and the cow creamer.

Trusty valet Jeeves (Mark Heap) has agreed to take on some of the characters and they've roped in Bertie's aunt's butler Stebbings (Mark Hadfield) to play the rest.

And so it begins... An evening of confusion and mayhem, all ultimately resolved by Jeeves. The cast frequently talk to the audience and each other in the style of a completely unrehearsed play, especially when they realise that two of the characters need to be on stage at the same time... which is difficult as they're both played by the same person!

Gemma Arterton & Stephen Mangan to host the Olivier Awards

It has been announced that Gemma Arterton and Stephen Mangan will host the 2014 Olivier Awards. The ceremony is being held on Sunday 13th April at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. Highlights of the event will be broadcast later that evening on ITV.

It was recently revealed that Arterton will star in the new musical adaptation of Made In Dagenham, opening at the Adelphi Theatre later this year. Mangan is currently starring in Jeeves & Wooster In Perfect Nonsense at the Duke Of York's Theatre.

Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense extends West End run

It has been announced that Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense has extended its West End run at the Duke of York’s Theatre until 20th September 2014.

Matthew Macfadyen and Stephen Mangan (pictured right) will continue in the comedy until 5th April 2014, extending their performances as the genteel duo. Mark Hadfield will also continue in the role of Seppings until 5th April 2014. According to press material "further star casting" will be announced shortly.

The charmingly incompetent Bertie Wooster and his unflappable valet Jeeves are brought to life in a new comedy by brothers Robert and David Goodale. Based on and adapted from the established literary works of P.G. Wodehouse, Perfect Nonsense started previews at the Duke of York’s Theatre on 30th October 2013.