Tracie Bennett replaces Janie Dee in Mrs Henderson Presents; full casting announced

Tracie Bennett has replaced the previously announced Janie Dee in Mrs Henderson Presents. Dee has withdrawn from the production due to "personal reasons".

The production runs between 14th August and 5th September 2015 at the Theatre Royal Bath. The new musical has book by Terry Johnson who will also direct the production. Lyrics are by Don Black with music by George Fenton and Simon Chamberlain.

The cast includes: Emma Williams, Sarah Bakker, Katie Bernstein, Rhiannan Chesterman, Lizzy Connolly, Victoria Hay, Samuel Holmes, Lauren Hood and Matthew Malthouse.

Anita Dobson to star in She Stoops to Conquer at the Theatre Royal Bath

It has been announced that Anita Dobson will play Mrs Hardcastle in She Stoops to Conquer at the Theatre Royal Bath.

Directed by Lindsay Posner, the production opens on 8th July (previews from 1st July) and runs until 18th July 2015. 

Oliver Goldsmith’s 1773 classic play is described as a "delightfully warm and witty romp filled with a sweep of brilliant comic characters, hilarious misunderstandings, mischief and mayhem."

Anita Dobson is best known for playing Angie Watts in EastEnders. Her stage roles have included Gertrude in Hamlet, Bette Davis in Bette and Joan, Mistress Quickly in The Merry Wives of Windsor for the RSC and Jocasta in Steven Berkoff’s Oedipus. 

Full casting announced for West End transfer of Hay Fever

The Theatre Royal Bath have announced full casting for the West End transfer of Hay Fever. 

Lindsay Posner directs Noël Coward’s comedy of bad manners which first played the West End in 1925.

Starring the previously announced Felicity Kendal as Judith Bliss, the production opens at the Duke of York's Theatre on 11th May (previews from 29th April) and runs until 1st August 2015. 

The cast also includes: Simon Shepherd (Peak Practice/The Duck House) as David, Michael Simkins (Yes, Prime Minister/Oh What a Lovely War) as Richard Greatham and Sara Stewart (Heartbreak House/Enron) as Myra Arundel.

CONFIRMED: Mrs Henderson Presents to be staged at the Theatre Royal Bath next year

Following yesterday’s gossip, it has now been confirmed that the world premiere of Mrs Henderson Presents will be staged at the Theatre Royal Bath next year. The production runs between 14th August and 5th September 2015.

The musical has book by Terry Johnson who will also direct the production. Lyrics are by Don Black with music by George Fenton and Simon Chamberlain. 

Leigh Zimmerman joins Patricia Hodge & Caroline Quentin in West End transfer of Relative Values

It has been announced that Leigh Zimmerman will join the cast of Relative Values next month when the comedy transfers to the Harold Pinter Theatre.

Zimmerman most recently won an Olivier Award for her portrayal of Sheila in the West End revival of A Chorus Line at the London Palladium. Her West End credits also include Chicago and The Producers. She will take on the role of Miranda Frayle in Noël Coward’s play about the uproarious culture clash between the glittering world of Hollywood and the stiff upper lip of the English aristocracy.

Relative Values opens at the Harold Pinter Theatre on Monday 14th April (previews from 19th March) and runs until 21st June 2014. Zimmerman joins the previously announced Patricia Hodge, Caroline Quentin, Rory Bremner and Ben Mansfield, all of whom starred in the play's run at the Theatre Royal Bath.

Natalie Imbruglia to make stage debut in Alan Ayckbourn's Things We Do For Love at the Theatre Royal Bath, prior to UK Tour

It has been announced that Natalie Imbruglia will make her stage debut in Alan Ayckbourn's Things We Do For Love at the Theatre Royal Bath.

Directed by Laurence Boswell, the production will run between 16th-26th April 2014 prior to a UK Tour (details of which to be announced). Imbruglia will play Nikki Wickstead, the victim of a classic Ayckbourn love triangle.

Imbruglia began her career on Neighbours playing Beth Brennan. She went on to become one of the biggest pop sensations in Europe. Her smash hit single Torn, and the subsequent album, Left Of The Middle, sold more than 6 million copies worldwide and won her three Grammy nominations and two Brit Awards. She co-starred in the 2003 film Johnny English with Rowan Atkinson and made her leading actress debut in the 2009 film Closed for Winter.

Imbruglia appeared as a Guest Judge on X Factor UK in 2010 while Dannii Minogue was on maternity leave and later returned to assist her during the Judges Houses stage of the competition. She has also appeared as a regular judge on X Factor Australia.