Review: Breakfast at Tiffany's starring Pixie Lott at the Theatre Royal Haymarket

Breakfast at Tiffany's 
Theatre Royal Haymarket
Reviewed on Tuesday 26th July 2016
★

Adapted from Truman Capote’s classic novella, which was famously turned into a successful film, a new stage adaptation of Breakfast at Tiffany's has opened at the Theatre Royal Haymarket. Following a six month tour and four weeks of West End previews you would think Breakfast at Tiffany's would by now be a well oiled, fine-tuned piece of theatre. Think again. 

Review: How the Other Half Loves at the Theatre Royal Haymarket

How the Other Half Loves
Theatre Royal Haymarket
Reviewed on Friday 1st March 2016
★★★★

Nothing beats a good Alan Ayckbourn play; marking its return to the West End, How the Other Half Loves provides several hours of fun, fluffy escapism. 

Mr Foote’s Other Leg confirms West End transfer

It has been confirmed that Richard Eyre’s production of Mr Foote’s Other Leg starring Simon Russell Beale will transfer to the West End.

Following its sold out run at the Hampstead Theatre, Mr Foote’s Other Leg will open at the Theatre Royal Haymarket on 4th November 2015 (previews from 28th October) for a limited run until Saturday 23rd January 2016. 

The new comedy, set in Georgian London, is written by Ian Kelly. Design is by Tim Hatley with the full cast including: Russell Beale (Samuel Foote); Dervla Kirwan (Peg Woffington); Joseph Millson (David Garrick); Micah Balfour (Frank Barber); Jenny Galloway (Mrs Garner); Ian Kelly (Prince George); Forbes Masson (John Hunter); Colin Stinton (Benjamin Franklin/Charles Macklin); Sophie Bleasdale (Miss Chudleigh) and Joshua Elliott (Hallam).

Press Night Pics: McQueen transfers to the Theatre Royal Haymarket

Last night the West End transfer of McQueen celebrated its official opening at the Theatre Royal Haymarket. Check out images of the cast and VIP guests below (click image to enlarge).

Following its premiere at the St James Theatre earlier this year, McQueen runs at the Theatre Royal Haymarket until 7th November 2015. Scenes have been rewritten and an interval has been added. 

Production Pics: McQueen transfers to the Theatre Royal Haymarket

Production images have been released for the West End transfer of McQueen. Check out the pictures below (click image to enlarge).

Following its premiere at the St James Theatre earlier this year, McQueen opens to press at the Theatre Royal Haymarket tonight (27th August) for a limited run until 7th November 2015. Scenes have been rewritten and an interval has been added. 

Big Interview: Carly Bawden, starring in McQueen at the Theatre Royal Haymarket

Carly Bawden is starring as Dahlia in the West End transfer of McQueen by James Phillips, replacing Dianna Agron who played the role during the play’s premiere at the St James Theatre earlier this year. 

Most recently Carly starred as Squeaky opposite Catherine Tate in Jamie Lloyd’s revival of Assassins at Menier Chocolate Factory. In 2012 she received tremendous acclaim for starring as Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady alongside Dominic West at the Sheffield Crucible. 

Carly’s theatre credits also include: Zenka in The Natives (Old Vic New Voices Festival), Polly Peachum in Dead Dog In A Suitcase And Other Stories (UK tour), Whitehands in Tristan & Yseult (UK/US tours), Polly/Lucy in The Beggars Opera (UK tour), Susan in The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe (Kensington), Catherine in Pippin (Menier Chocolate Factory), Genevieve in The Umbrellas Of Cherbourg (Leicester Curve/Gielgud), Bella in Sleeping Beauty (Wakefield), Castiza in Vice (Arcola), Swallow in Whistle Down The Wind (UK tour) and The Mistress in Evita (UK tour).

Her workshop credits include: Mandy Rice-Davies in Stephen Ward (Sir Richard Eyre), Exstasis in Paradise Lost: Shadows & Wings (Rupert Goold), Lydia/Mary/Anne in Pride & Prejudice (Laurie Samson) and Althea in The Light Princess (Marianne Elliot).

I recently spoke to Carly about why she’s so excited to be joining the cast of McQueen, her favourite Alexander McQueen creations, why she likes to be kept on her toes and which song she would want to belt out at the top of a tree on a desert island… 

What drew you to McQueen? Did you manage to see it at the St James?

Yes! I actually managed to catch it during its last week – I went to the final matinee and thought it was pretty amazing. Then, having a read of the script I just became instantly attracted to it and felt like I really wanted to give it a go. I was also just bowled over by everyone involved in the show, especially Stephen (Wight) who I’m very excited to be working with. It’s so exciting to now be a part of the company!

McQueen cancels first previews at the Theatre Royal Haymarket

The Stage has announced that McQueen has delayed the start of previews at the Theatre Royal Haymarket.

Following its premiere at the St James Theatre, the play was scheduled to begin performances in the West End on 13th August 2015; however, Georgia Snow reports that McQueen will now play its first performance on 22nd August 2015 as the show's rehearsal period has "overrun". Press night will still take place on 27th August 2015. 

Producers said: "With all the changes that were being made to the production for the transfer to the Theatre Royal Haymarket, we needed a longer technical rehearsal period than we’d originally allowed in the schedule and, in order to be totally ready to present the production in front of an audience, we took the difficult decision to cancel the first few previews."

McQueen transferring to Theatre Royal Haymarket

Following its premiere at the St James Theatre earlier this year, it has been announced that McQueen is transferring to the Theatre Royal Haymarket.

The production will open on 27th August (previews from 13th August) for a limited run until 7th November 2015. 

Written by James Phillips and directed by John Caird, the production stars Stephen Wight in the title role. Carly Bawden is replacing Dianna Agron as Dahlia. Scenes have been rewritten and an interval has been added. 

Review: The Elephant Man at the Theatre Royal Haymarket starring Bradley Cooper

The Elephant Man 

Theatre Royal Haymarket 

Reviewed on Monday 1st June 2015

★★★★

Fresh from its Broadway run, Scott Ellis’ production of The Elephant Man has transferred to the West End with Hollywood actor Bradley Cooper reprising his portrayal of deformed character John Merrick.

Review: Harvey at the Theatre Royal Haymarket starring James Dreyfus & Maureen Lipman

Harvey
Theatre Royal Haymarket
Reviewed on Monday 23rd March 2015
★★★

There's no denying that when Mary Chase's play premiered on Broadway in 1944 it was way ahead of its time. However, in 2015 Harvey - which was adapted into a 1950 film starring James Stewart - is feeling a little tired. 

The piece centres around Elwood P. Dowd (James Dreyfus) who introduces his (imaginary) six-foot, three-and-one-half-inch tall rabbit friend to everyone he meets. Tired of finding herself in awkward social situations, Elwood's sister (Maureen Lipman) seeks treatment for her brother... but things don't quite go to plan.

As it becomes more and more farcical, the first act of Harvey is joyfully silly. James Dreyfus and Maureen Lipman bring eccentricity to their performances, with Lipman particularly standing out for her stellar comic timing.

The supporting cast also have fun in their roles, providing some hilarious moments and superb one-liners. The first act does dip occasionally, but it is the second half which becomes extremely tiresome as Lindsay Posner’s production loses its steam. Cracks begin to show and Chase's play feels dated.

Production images released for Harvey at the Theatre Royal Haymarket

Production images have been released for Harvey starring James Dreyfus and Maureen Lipman. Lindsay Posner’s production transfers to the West End following a short UK Tour. Check out the images below (click image to enlarge).

Harvey opens at the Theatre Royal Haymarket on Tuesday 17th March and runs until Saturday 2nd May, with a gala night on Monday 23rd March. The tour opens at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre on 6th February. Dreyfus and Lipman play Elwood P. Dowd and Veta Louise Simmons.

Interview: David Bamber, starring in Harvey at the Theatre Royal Haymarket

David Bamber is currently starring in Lindsay Posner’s new production of Harvey by Mary Chase. The play is touring the UK before transferring to the West End’s Theatre Royal Haymarket from Tuesday 17th March.

The comedy tells the story of Elwood P. Dowd and his unwavering friendship with a six-foot tall, invisible rabbit. Bamber plays William R. Chumley alongside James Dreyfus as Elwood P. Dowd and Maureen Lipman as Veta Louise Simmons.

Harvey premiered on Broadway in 1944, winning Chase the Pulitzer Prize for Drama the following year. The production was directed by Antoinette Perry, after whom the Tony Awards are named. Harvey premiered in London in 1949 at the Prince of Wales Theatre.

David's theatre credits include: Travels With My Aunt (Menier Chocolate Factory), Troilus And Cressida, The Merchant Of Venice and Honk (all for the National), Sweet Smell Of Success (Arcola), Betty Blue Eyes (Novello), On The Razzle (Chichester), Real Inspector Hound/Black Comedy (West End Warehouse Production), The Cocktail Party (Edinburgh) and My Night With Reg (Royal Court). He is perhaps best known for playing Mr. Collins in the 1995 television series of Pride and Prejudice alongside Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle.

I recently spoke to David about why there is more to Harvey than first meets the eye, what people will take away from the piece and reuniting with Lindsay Posner…

How much did you already know about Harvey?

I think that I was principally aware of it as the film which I’d seen a very long time ago with James Stewart who did it on stage as well. I didn’t know that it had been in the West End in the seventies! To be perfectly honest, although I am a man of the theatre, I don’t think I was even aware that it was a stage play when I first saw the film.

Sneak peek at... rehearsals for Harvey starring James Dreyfus & Maureen Lipman

Rehearsal images have been released for Harvey starring James Dreyfus and Maureen Lipman. Lindsay Posner’s production transfers to the West End following a short UK Tour. Check out the images below (click image to enlarge).

Harvey opens at the Theatre Royal Haymarket on Tuesday 17th March and runs until Saturday 2nd May, with a gala night on Monday 23rd March. The tour opens at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre on 6th February. Dreyfus and Lipman play Elwood P. Dowd and Veta Louise Simmons.

CONFIRMED: The Elephant Man starring Bradley Cooper transfers to the Theatre Royal Haymarket in May

As previously reported by West End Frame, it has been confirmed that Scott Ellis’ production of The Elephant Man will transfer to London with the US cast starring Bradley Cooper, Patricia Clarkson and Alessandro Nivola. The production will run at the Theatre Royal Haymarket for a strictly limited season between 19th May and 8th August 2015.

Bradley Cooper (John Merrick) & Alessandro Nivola (Frederick Treves) / Photo Credit: Joan Marcus

Alongside Cooper as John Merrick, the cast includes: Patricia Clarkson as Mrs. Kendal, Alessandro Nivola as Dr. Frederick Treves, Anthony Heald as Ross / Bishop How, Scott Lowell as Snork / Pinhead Manager / Lord John, Kathryn Meisle as Miss Sandwich / Princess and Henry Stram as Carr Gomm / Conductor. The cast also includes Chris Bannow, Peter Bradbury, Lucas Calhoun, Eric Clem, Amanda Lea Mason, Marguerite Stimpson and Emma Thorne.

The Elephant Man completes its New York run on 21st February at the Booth Theatre. This production was first produced in July 2012 in Williamstown, Massachusetts by the Williamstown Theatre Festival under Jenny Gersten’s season.

Harvey transfers to West End following UK Tour

It has been confirmed that Lindsay Posner’s new production of Harvey by Mary Chase will transfer to the West End following its UK Tour.

The show will open at the Theatre Royal Haymarket from Tuesday 17th March until Saturday 2nd May, with a Gala Night on Monday 23rd March. 

The tour opens at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre on 6th February where it runs until 21st February. James Dreyfus and Maureen Lipman lead the cast as Elwood P. Dowd and Veta Louise Simmons.

The cast also includes: David Bamber as William R. Chumley, Desmond Barrit as Judge Omar Gaffney, Felicity Dean as Betty Chumley, Ingrid Oliver as Myrtle Mae Simmons, Amanda Boxer as Miss Ethel Chauvenet, Sally Scott as Nurse Ruth Kelly, Youssef Kerkour as Duane Wilson, Jack Hawkins as Lyman Sanderson and Linal Haft as E J Lofgren.

GOSSIP: The Elephant Man starring Bradley Cooper to open at the Theatre Royal Haymarket in May?

Bradley Cooper has revealed that he will reprise his performance in The Elephant Man when the show transfers to the West End later this year. 

During an interview, the Oscar nominee told Howard Stern that the play will run at the Theatre Royal Haymarket between 18th May and 9th August 2015. The Elephant Man runs on Broadway at the Booth Theatre until 22nd February. 

Bernard Pomerance’s The Elephant Man revolves around the real-life Joseph Merrick, a severely disfigured 19th-century Englishman who struggles to live with dignity. Scott Ellis directs.

Review: Great Britain at the Theatre Royal Haymarket

Great Britain
Theatre Royal Haymarket
Reviewed on Monday 29th September 2014
★★★★★

Great Britain is one of the best plays I have seen all year. Written by Richard Bean, Great Britain is a hysterically funny and unapologetic satire about the phone hacking scandal. The play may not tell us anything we didn't know before, but it is extremely relevant and cleverly put together.

Casting announced for West End transfer of Great Britain; Lucy Punch replaces Billie Piper

It has been announced that Lucy Punch (pictured right) will star as Paige Britain in the West End transfer of Richard Bean’s new play, Great Britain.

Billie Piper is currently playing the role at the National Theatre where the piece premiered in June.

Directed by Nicholas Hytner, Great Britain opens at the Theatre Royal Haymarket on Friday 26th September 2014 (previews from 9th September) for a limited run until Saturday 10th January 2015.

The show is designed by Tim Hatley with video design by 59 Productions, lighting by Neil Austin, music by Grant Olding and sound by Paul Arditti. 

Review: Daytona at the Theatre Royal Haymarket

Daytona 
Theatre Royal Haymarket
Reviewed on Frdiay 4th July 2014

It's wonderful that the Theatre Royal Haymarket are finally recognising the terrific work which happens off-West End by welcoming their first off-West End transfer; however, it's a huge shame the show they have chosen to transfer is a dull piece of theatre which fails to represent the new and exciting work I witness week after week when reviewing off-West End productions.

Richard Bean’s Great Britain transfers from National Theatre to West End in September

It has been announced that Richard Bean’s new play Great Britain will transfer to the West End following its run at the National Theatre.

Nicholas Hytner’s production will begin performances at the Theatre Royal Haymarket on Wednesday 10th September 2014.

Great Britain currently stars Billie Piper alongside Harriet Thorpe, Kellie Shirley, Robert Glenister and Oliver Chris. However, casting for the West End transfer is yet to be announced.