Editor's Blog: Christmas telly picks + odds & ends

Turkey? Check. Presents? Check. Stagey TV planned and set to record...?

Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without some stagey TV. Highlights on Christmas Day include Kiss Me, Kate at the Proms (BBC2 / 14.45) starring Ben Davis, Tony Yazbeck, Alexandra Silber and Louise Dearman, as well as The Sound of Music Live (Channel 5 / 12.35) which was originally broadcast live on US TV. It stars Carrie Underwood, Stephen Moyer, Christian Borle and Audra McDonald.

Louise Dearman in Kiss Me, Kate at the Proms

If you're looking for a classic musical movie there's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Channel 5 / 15.25) or documentary-wise there's Frozen at Christmas (Channel 4 / 20.00) and Tim Rice - A Life In Song (BBC2 / 22.30).

Tim Rice's From Here To Eternity to close in March

Producers have confirmed that Tim Rice, Stuart Brayson and Bill Oakes's new musical From Here to Eternity will close on 29th March 2014 at the Shaftesbury Theatre.

Based on James Jones's 1951 debut novel that's best known for the 1953 Oscar-winning film that starred Burt Lancaster, Frank Sinatra, Montgomery Clift, Ernest Borgnine, Deborah Kerr and Donna Reed, From Here To Eternity opened in the West End last October. 

Gossip: From Here To Eternity to close next April, Chichester's The Pajama Game transferring to the Shaftesbury?

The Daily Mail has claimed that the West End production of Tim Rice's new musical, From Here To Eternity, will end its run at the Shaftesbury Theatre in April 2014, six months after it officially opened in the West End. The paper also suggests that the Chichester Festival Theatre production of The Pajama Game will transfer to the Shaftesbury from May 2014.

Darius Campbell and Rebecca Thornhill in From Here to Eternity

Tim Rice's first musical in a decade opened at the West End's Shaftesbury Theatre last month starring Darius Campbell, Siubhan Harrison, Robert Lonsdale, Ryan Sampson and Rebecca Thornhill. Adapted from James Jones's 1951 novel, the musical is described as a "gripping tale of illicit love and army life". From Here To Eternity unites the writing talents of Tim Rice (lyrics), Stuart Brayson (music) and Bill Oakes (book).

Review: From Here To Eternity at the Shaftesbury Theatre

From Here To Eternity 

Shaftesbury Theatre

Reviewed on Thursday 24th November 2013

Tim Rice's new musical has been adapted from one of the greatest novels of the twentieth century. But unfortunately in a year which has seen many big musicals open in the West End, From Here To Eternity doesn't quite live up to the standard of its competitors. Tim Rice (lyrics) teamed up with West End newbie Stuart Brayson (music) and Bill Oakes (book) to write the musical.

Tim Rice's 'From Here to Eternity' musical to open at the Shaftesbury Theatre October 2013

New page-to-stage musical 'From Here to Eternity' will receive its world premiere at the West End's Shaftesbury Theatre next year. The production will open 23rd October 2013, with previewa from 30th September. The show, which is adapted from James Jones' 1951 novel, features lyrics by multi award-winner Tim Rice, music by newcomer Stuart Brayson and a book by Bill Oakes.

From Here to Eternity is set on the Hawaiian island of Oahu in 1941, before and during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Loosely based on Jones' own wartime experiences, the story follows several members of a military company, including Captain Dana “Dynamite” Holmes and First Sergeant Milt Warden, who begins an affair with Holmes' wife Karen.

Full casting announced for Jesus Christ Superstar UK arena tour

At last the full casting has been announced for the upcoming UK arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar. Alexander Hanson and two Superstar contestants join Ben Forster, Tim Minchin, Mel C and Chris Moyles to complete the cast.

Alexander Hanson will play Pilate, the Roman leader who "washes his hands" of the crucifixion. Jeff Anderson and Tim Prottey-Jones, both of whom reached the Superstar live finals, will feature in the ensemble, with Jeff Anderson understudying Jesus and Tim Prottey-Jones understudying Judas.