PICS: Rehearsals for The Wind in the Willows starring Rufus Hound, Fra Fee & Neil McDermott

Rehearsal images have been released for the major new musical adaptation of The Wind in the Willows. Check out the images below (click picture to enlarge).

The show receives its world premiere at Theatre Royal in Plymouth from 8th October 2016 followed by dates at The Lowry in Salford and the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton. Producers are then aiming to transfer to show to the West End. Based on Kenneth Grahame’s novel, The Wind in the Willows has book by Julian Fellowes and music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe. 

The production stars Rufus Hound as Mr Toad, David Birrell as Badger, Fra Fee as Mole, Thomas Howes as Ratty, Neil McDermott as Chief Weasel and Sophia Nomvete as Mrs Otter.

Alex Gaumond replaces Rufus Hound in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

It has been confirmed that Rufus Hound has left the West End production of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and will be replaced by Alex Gaumond.

Gaumond begins performances as Freddy Benson at the Savoy Theatre from Tuesday 11th November 2014, joining Robert Lindsay, Katherine Kingsley, Bonnie Langford and Gary Wilmot. The Daily Mail reports various reasons for Hound's exit. He is apparently filming a movie in Scotland and could have left the show following disagreements with Lindsay. 

Alex Gaumond most recently starred as Miss Trunchbull in the West End production of Matilda. He previously worked with Dirty Rotten Scoundrels' director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell when he starred in Legally Blonde. His West End credits also include We Will Rock You and Top Hat.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels confirms extension

It has been confirmed that Jerry Mitchell’s production of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels has extended its run at the Savoy Theatre until Saturday 7th March 2015. 

Robert Lindsay, Rufus Hound and Katherine Kingsley will continue to star as Lawrence Jameson, Freddy Benson and Christine Colgate throughout the new booking period. 

Sir Howard Panter (ATG’s Joint CEO and Creative Director) said: “We are thrilled with the audience and critical reaction to Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Night after night packed houses raise the roof with laughter and leap to their feet with applause for this new musical comedy. We have found the perfect home for this production in the lavish Savoy Theatre, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels has truly become the night out for theatregoers.”

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels extends to March 2015

According to The Daily Mail, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is extending its West End run at the Savoy Theatre until 7th March 2015. 

Robert Lindsay, Rufus Hound, Samantha Bond, John Marquez and Katherine Kingsley star in Jerry Mitchell's production. The show is based on the legendary 1988 film which famously starred Michael Caine and Steve Martin. 

The musical premiered on Broadway in 2005 but has since been reconceived and reimagined for British audiences.

Review: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at the Savoy Theatre

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Savoy Theatre

Reviewed on Saturday 29th March 2014

Filling the gap left behind by Singin' In The Rain and Top Hat, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels feels like a timeless classic, despite only receiving its first run ten years ago. This is not only down to the warm humour and elegant style, but also as the entire show is so slick - it's as if Dirty Rotten Scoundrels has been running in the West End for years.

The production's director and choreographer, Jerry Mitchell must be commended. He insisted the show had a thorough tech period and two Broadway style out of town tryouts which has clearly benefited the production hugely as every detail is polished and fine-tuned.

Set in the French Riviera, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels follows two conmen as they go head to head to pull off their biggest con, whilst fighting for the affections of millionaire soap heiress Christine Colgate.

Funnily enough, at times Dirty Rotten Scoundrels reminded me of Mitchell's most recent West End production, Legally Blonde (which I adored). Both shows are American but behold a British charm. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels works a treat with British audiences. Sadly I didn't see the show on Broadway, but I suspect Mitchell has injected British appeal into the show. He certainly deserves several awards for his terrific direction and divine choreography.

Interview: Robert Lindsay & Rufus Hound

Robert Lindsay and Rufus Hound are currently starring in one of this year’s most highly anticipated musicals, the UK premiere of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. The production is currently playing to regional audiences prior to its West End opening in April.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, which also stars Samantha Bond, John Marquez and Katherine Kingsley, is the inaugural production for Jerry Mitchell Productions. The show is based on the legendary 1988 film which famously starred Michael Caine and Steve Martin. The musical premiered on Broadway in 2005 but has since been reconceived and reimagined for British audiences.

Robert and Rufus play conmen Lawrence Jameson and Freddy Benson who compete for the riches and heart of the young impressionable heiress Christine Colgate. The roles were originally played by Michael Caine and Steve Martin who starred in the 1988 film directed by Frank Oz.

VOTE: Best West End Debut 2013

The voting period has now ended, click here to view the result!

Every year many actors join their first West End show so our latest award is a celebration of some of the most spectacular West End debuts which have been made over the past year. Nine incredible actors have been nominated, some of whom are established performers and some who have only recently graduated from drama school.

Voting for Best West End Debut opened at opened at 2pm on Friday 16th August and must close at 3pm on Thursday 29th August 2013. The result will be announced on Friday 30th August and you can preview the result (after voting) until Sunday 25th August.

Best West End Debut is part of the 2013 West End Frame Awards. Unlike other theatre awards West End Frame only opens voting for one category at a time. Best West End Debut follows Understudy Of The Year, Best Performance of a Song in a Musical and Best Jukebox Musical. Last year's Best West End Debut Award was won by Shayne Ward who made his West End debut as Stacee Jaxx in Rock Of Ages at the Shaftesbury Theatre. Kimberley Walsh (Princess Fiona, Shrek) came second and Adam Pettigrew (Boq, Wicked) came third.

Rufus Hound to join West End production of One Man, Two Guvnors

Actor, stand-up comic and presenter Rufus Hound will join the cast of the West End production of One Man, Two Guvnors to play lovable chancer Francis Henshall in Richard Bean’s version of Carlo Goldoni’s classic Italian comedy The Servant of Two Masters. Rufus will join the West End cast from 4th February 2013 having played the role in the current UK touring production. 

The West End production of One Man, Two Guvnors has recently announced a further new booking period releasing over 200, 000 new tickets for sale taking bookings at the Theatre Royal Haymarket to 31st August 2013. 

Fired from his skiffle band, Francis Henshall becomes minder to Roscoe Crabbe, a small time East End hood, now in Brighton to collect £6,000 from his fiancee’s dad. But Roscoe is really his sister Rachel posing as her own dead brother, who’s been killed by her boyfriend Stanley Stubbers. Holed up at the Cricketers’ Arms, the permanently ravenous Francis spots the chance of an extra meal ticket and takes a second job with one Stanley Stubbers, who is hiding from the police and waiting to be re-united with Rachel. To prevent discovery, Francis must keep his two guvnors apart. Simple.

Rufus Hound joins One Man, Two Guvnors tour

Comedian Rufus Hound will play Francis Henshall in One Man, Two Guvnors during the play's new national tour later this year. This marks Rufus Hound's second professional theatre role following his current run in Utopia at Soho Theatre.

The role of Francis Henshall was created in the National Theatre production by James Corden. Owain Arthur, who originally understudied James Cordon, took over the role when the production transferred to the Theatre Royal Haymarket. This makes Rufus Hound the third actor to play the role.

The new national tour commences at the Curve in Leicester from 25 October-3 November 2012, and visits Newcastle Theatre Royal (6-10 November), Glasgow Theatre Royal (13-17 November), Belfast Grand Opera House (20-24 November), Blackpool Grand (27 November-1 December), Theatre Royal Norwich (4-8 December), Leeds Grand Theatre (11-15 December), Llandudno, Venue Cymru (2-5 January), Salford Lowry (8-19 January), Cardiff Millenium Centre (22-26 January) and Nottingham Theatre Royal (29 January-2 February).

Further casting for the tour is still to be announced, though it has been rumored that current cast member Jodie Prenger will join Rufus Hound for shows at the Lowry in Salford and her home town of Blackpool.