The Audience script updated following General Election; new scene to debut tonight

Following the General Election, Peter Morgan has today (8th May 2015) updated his script for The Audience – a play about the weekly meeting between the Queen and her Prime Ministers – on the day HMQ invites David Cameron to form a new Government. 

The updated scene between The Queen and David Cameron, played by Kristin Scott Thomas and Mark Dexter, will be performed for the first time at this evening’s performance.

Morgan said: "In the same week as we opened The Audience it’s been particularly interesting to have experienced such a dramatic general election. This morning I have rewritten the scene in my play between The Queen and David Cameron to reflect the events of last night and this morning. Kristin Scott Thomas and Mark Dexter will be rehearsing this new dialogue this afternoon and I hope tonight’s audience in particular will enjoy our immediate response today’s results."

Review: The Audience at the Apollo Theatre starring Kristin Scott Thomas

The Audience 
Apollo Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 6th May 2015
★★★★

Peter Morgan's play The Audience premiered in the West End two years ago with Helen Mirren receiving huge acclaim for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II. Mirren is currently recreating her performance on Broadway whilst a new, updated version has opened its doors to West End audiences at the Apollo Theatre.

Production images released for The Audience starring Kristin Scott Thomas

Production images have been released for the West End revival of Peter Morgan's The Audience starring Kristin Scott Thomas as the Queen. Stephen Daldry’s production is currently in previews at the Apollo Theatre ahead of opening night on 5th May 2015. Check out the pictures below (click image to enlarge).

Currently booking to 25th July 2015, The Audience has designs by Bob Crowley, with lighting by Rick Fisher, sound by Paul Arditti and music by Paul Englishby. The Audience received its world premiere in February 2013 at the Gielgud Theatre with Helen Mirren leading the cast. Mirren is currently recreating her performance on Broadway.

Joining Scott Thomas are David Calder as Winston Churchill, Mark Dexter as David Cameron and Tony Blair, Michael Gould as John Major, Gordon Kennedy as Gordon Brown, Sylvestra Le Touzel as Margaret Thatcher, David Robb as Anthony Eden and Nicholas Woodeson as Harold Wilson. David Peart plays the Equerry, Charlotte Moore plays Bobo MacDonald and Private Secretary, Marnie Brighton, Madeleine Jackson Smith and Izzy Meikle-Small alternate in the role of Young Elizabeth and Matt Plumb and Harry Feltham play the footmen. 

Further casting announced for revival of The Audience starring Kristin Scott Thomas; meet the cast

Kristin Scott Thomas as The Queen

Further casting has been announced for the upcoming West End revival of Peter Morgan’s The Audience.

Joining Kristin Scott Thomas as The Queen in a new and updated version of the play are: David Calder as Winston Churchill, Mark Dexter as David Cameron, Michael Gould as John Major, Gordon Kennedy as Gordon Brown, Sylvestra Le Touzel as Margaret Thatcher, David Robb as Anthony Eden and Nicholas Woodeson as Harold Wilson. 

David Peart plays the Equerry, Charlotte Moore will play Bobo MacDonald and Private Secretary, Marnie Brighton, Madeleine Jackson-Smith and Izzy Meikle-Small will alternate in the role of Young Elizabeth and Matt Plumb and Harry Feltham will play the footmen. 

Sneak peek at... Kristin Scott Thomas as the Queen in The Audience

Producers of The Audience have released the first image of Kristin Scott Thomas as the Queen. Check out the picture below (click to enlarge).

The new version of Peter Morgan’s play opens at the Apollo Theatre on 5th May 2015 (previews from 21st April) and is booking until 25th July 2015. Directed by Stephen Daldry, The Audience has designs by Bob Crowley with lighting by Rick Fisher, sound by Paul Arditti and music by Paul Englishby. Further casting is to be announced shortly.

CONFIRMED: Kristin Scott Thomas stars in West End revival of Peter Morgan’s The Audience

It has been confirmed that Kristin Scott Thomas will play the Queen in a new version of Peter Morgan’s The Audience. 

Stephen Daldry’s production opens at the Apollo Theatre on 5th May 2015 (previews from 21st April) and is booking to 25th July 2015. Tickets are released for sale today (31st October 2014). 

The Audience has designs by Bob Crowley, with lighting by Rick Fisher, sound by Paul Arditti and music by Paul Englishby. Further casting to be announced.

For sixty years Elizabeth II has met each of her twelve Prime Ministers in a weekly audience at Buckingham Palace. Both parties have an unspoken agreement never to repeat what is said, not even to their spouses. The Audience imagines a series of pivotal meetings between the Downing Street incumbents and their Queen. 

GOSSIP: Kristin Scott Thomas stars in West End revival of The Audience?

According to the Daily Mail's Baz Bamigboye, Kristin Scott Thomas will star in a West End revival of The Audience by Peter Morgan. Meanwhile, Helen Mirren - who starred in the play's original West End run to huge acclaim - will reprise her performance for the play's Broadway run.

UPDATE: This gossip has now been confirmed. Click here for info!

The Audience is set to open at the Apollo Theatre (where Urinetown is currently running) on 5th May 2015 (previews from 21st Aprl).

Helen Mirren stars in Broadway transfer of The Audience

According to the Daily Mail, Helen Mirren will reprise her performance as the Queen in the Broadway transfer of The Audience.

Previews are set to begin in February ahead of an official opening in March. Peter Morgan’s play had a sold out West End run at the Gielgud Theatre in 2013. 

Theatre Gossip: The Audience for 2014 Broadway transfer?

According to the Daily Mail, The Audience, starring Helen Mirren as Elizabeth II, has drawn an advance total ticket sales of nearly £5 million. The Mail is also reporting that there is "chatter about it going to Broadway next spring for a limited run." The Audience opened this week and runs until 15th June 2013. 

For sixty years Elizabeth II has met each of her twelve Prime Ministers in a weekly audience at Buckingham Palace - a meeting like no other in British public life - it is private. Both parties have an unspoken agreement never to repeat what is said. Not even to their spouses.

More casting announced for The Audience starring Helen Mirren

Joining Helen Mirren as The Queen in the world premiere of Peter Morgan’s The Audience will be Haydn Gwynne who will play Margaret Thatcher, Robert Hardy as Winston Churchill and Paul Ritter as John Major. Stephen Daldry’s production will preview at the Gielgud Theatre from 15 February 2013, with press night on 5 March 2013 and is currently booking to 15 June 2013. Designs are by Bob Crowley, lighting by Rick Fisher and sound is by Paul Arditti and video by Ian William Galloway. Further casting will be announced shortly. 

For sixty years Elizabeth II has met each of her twelve Prime Ministers in a weekly audience at Buckingham Palace - a meeting like no other in British public life – it is private. Both parties have an unspoken agreement never to repeat what is said. Not even to their spouses. 

The Audience breaks this contract of silence - and imagines a series of pivotal meetings between the Downing Street incumbents and their Queen. From Churchill to Cameron, each Prime Minister has used these private conversations as a sounding board and a confessional - sometimes intimate, sometimes explosive. In turn, the Queen can’t help but reveal her own self as she advises, consoles and, on occasion, teases. 

Haydn Gwynne, Robert Hardy and Paul Ritter join Helen Mirren in 'The Audience'

Joining Helen Mirren as The Queen in the world premiere of Peter Morgan’s The Audience will be Haydn Gwynne who will play Margaret Thatcher, Robert Hardy as Winston Churchill and Paul Ritter as John Major. Stephen Daldry’s production will preview at the Gielgud Theatre from 15 February 2013, with press night on 5 March 2013 and is currently booking to 15 June 2013. Designs are by Bob Crowley, lighting by Rick Fisher and sound is by Paul Arditti and video by Ian William Galloway. Further casting will be announced shortly. 

Helen Mirren to play Queen Elizabeth II in the West End

Helen Mirren is once again set to play the role of Queen Elizabeth II. This time she will play the role onstage in the play 'The Audience' at the Gielgud Theatre with previews beginning 15th February 2013. The show will open 5th March 2013 and is currently booking until 15th June 2013.

Mirren won an Academy Award for her portrayal in the 2006 film The Queen, written by Peter Morgan. The Audience is also written by Morgan (who is currently working on a new draft of the script) and will be directed by Stephen Daldry.