Sneak peek at... Richard Bean's Great Britain

Ahead of tonight's opening of Richard Bean's new play Great Britain, the National Theatre have released the play's production images. Take a look at the pictures below (click image to enlarge). Billie Piper stars in the play which opens without any preview performances and is currently booking at the Lyttelton Theatre until Saturday 23rd August 2014.

Described as a "fast and furious new play", Great Britain is an anarchic satire about the press, the police and the political establishment. Billie Piper plays Paige Britain, ambitious young news editor of The Free Press, a tabloid newspaper locked in a never ending battle for more readers. 

Photo Feature: The cast of One Man, Two Guvnors celebrate gala performance with VIP Guests at after-party

After a special gala performance of One Man, Two Guvnors last night (17th October), the cast and VIP Guests enjoyed a post show party at Mint Leaf. Take a look at pictures taken at the party below (click on an image to enlarge).

Attendees were treated to The Gunvors’ cocktails and array of canapés including Potato and Chick Pea Chaat on Wheat Crisp served with Yogurt and Tamarind, Chili and Garlic Marinated Tandoori Paneer, Kadhai Spiced Tempura Asparagus served with Tomato and Mustard Relish and Garlic and Thyme Marinated Chicken Tikka followed by Chocolate Dipped Strawberries.

VIP Guests included: Amanda Holden, Nigel Harman, Myleene Klass, Gok Wan, Sarah Parish, Jill Halfpenny, Kayvan Novak , Daisy Lewis, Lisa Faulkner, Charlie Condou, John Torode, Cherie Blair, Jenny Eclair, Joe Lycett, Jeremy Edwards, Bernard Cribbins , Nicholas Parsons, Lucy Porter, Gaby Roslin, Simon and Yasmin Le Bon, John Taylor & Gela Nash Taylor, Joe Wilkinson, Steve Pemberton and Emma Barton. Take a look at pictures of the guests arriving for the performance here.

Editor's Blog: One Man, Two Guvnors fresher and funnier than ever

New cast members recently joined the West End production of One Man, Two Guvnors at the Theatre Royal Haymarket (arguably one of the most comfortable theatres in London). 

Owain Arthur re-joined the production, following time away starring in the international tour. He's been joined by Kellie Shirley and Peter Caulfield as Pauline and Alfie who are reprising their roles from the international tour. 

Angela Griffin and Dominic Thorburn have also joined the cast as Dolly and Alan, while the production continues to feature Sam Alexander as Stanley Stubbers, David Benson as Gareth, Ian Burfield as Charlie Clench, Amy Cudden as Rachel Crabbe, Derek Elroy as Lloyd Boateng and Hugh Sachs as Harry Dangle.

Last week I went to see the show (for the third time) and must admit that I think the play, which will conclude its West End run next March, is feeling fresher and funnier than ever. The new cast members bring something completely different to the National Theatre's production. Often in long-running shows producers look for carbon copies when it comes to cast changes, but Kellie Shirley plays Pauline completely differently to her predecessor, yet is equally funny.  

Interview: Kellie Shirley, currently in One Man, Two Guvnors

Later this month Kellie Shirley is joining the West End production of One Man, Two Guvnors at the Theatre Royal Haymarket to play Pauline Clench, a role she previously played in the play’s UK and international tours. 

Kellie is best known for playing Carly Wicks in BBC1’s Eastenders between 2006 and 2012. Kellie’s television credits include: Lewis, The Office, Murder City, Parents of the Band, 20,000 Streets Under the Sky and The Bill while her film credits include: Frank, Girl on a Bicycle, Venus, The Grind, Heidi and Wimbledon.

Kellie also has an impressive list of theatre credits to her name. As well as touring Australia and Hong Kong during her time in the One Man, Two Guvnors international and UK tours, her theatre credits include: Rhoda at the Menier Chocolate Factory, State Fair at the Finborough Theatre, The Miracle at the National Theatre, Slam at Soho Theatre, Best of the Rest at the Royal Court and Cinderella at the Richmond Theatre. 

Last week I spoke to Kellie about why she decided to return to one of the West End’s funniest plays, her time in Eastenders and her theatre addiction…

After playing Pauline in the international and UK tours of One Man, Two Guvnors, what drew you back to reprising the role in the West End?

Well, I’ve never actually worked in the West End before. I’ve worked at the National Theatre and at the Royal Court and I was keen to ‘pop my West End cherry’ as it were! One Man, Two Guvnors is a really brilliant show and I love it. Plus it’s a great part and I play it slightly differently to the other girls who have played her before. Pauline’s quite a feisty dumb blonde and I really enjoy playing her. Obviously Owain (Arthur) who I love working with is returning to the West End production – he’s such a great actor. One of my really good friends, Amy Cudden, is also in the cast. She plays Rachel and I’ve got a big scene with her which I love because I’ve always wanted to work with her. So I love the show, love the cast, I’m working with some great friends and I can get the bus home every night – it’s perfect!