Casting announced for new musical Out There at the Union Theatre

Casting has been announced for Out There, a new musical by Elliot Davis and James Bourne.

Directed by Michael Burgen, the musical opens at the Union Theatre on 23rd September (previews from 21st September) for a limited run to 8th October 2016. 

The cast includes Dave Willetts as Ned Thomas, Luke Street as Logan Carter, Neil Moors as David Carter, Imelda Warren-Green as Jamie Pack, Melissa Veszi as Sheriff Marti Pack, Adam Pettit as Billy, Rhys Owens as Stan, Jodee Conrad as Celia Carter, Melissa Bayern as Linda Wares, Thea Jo Wolfe as Hope Carter and Shane Gibb as Newman Carter. The role of David Carter will be played by Christopher Howell between 1st and 3rd October.

John & Jen transferring to Union Theatre

Off-Broadway musical John & Jen is transferring to the Union Theatre following its engagement at the Lantern Theatre in Liverpool earlier this year.

The show will run between 12th and 17th September 2016. The production stars James Lacey as John and Sharon Byatt as Jen. Sam Donovan directs with musical direction by George Francis and design by Sean Gibbons.

Linda Nolan & Louise Jameson to star in Rumpy! Pumpy! at the Union Theatre

Linda Nolan (Blood Brothers) and Louise Jameson (The Mousetrap) are set to star in Rumpy! Pumpy! at the Union Theatre.

Rumpy! Pumpy! is described as "a remarkable true story of two genteel ladies from the Hampshire Women’s Institute who take it upon themselves to campaign for better conditions for Working Girls."

Review: The Fix at the Union Theatre

The Fix
Union Theatre
Reviewed on Friday 15th July 2016
★★

John Dempsey and Dana P Rowe's musical The Fix is the first show to run in the Union Theatre's new home in Union St (directly opposite the much loved former' venue). Having premiered at the Donmar Warehouse in 1997, The Fix centres around a fictional U.S. politician who finds himself caught up with the Mafia. You would think certain themes could seem relevant today, but sadly The Fix falls flat in 2016 and is an underwhelming piece.

Casting announced for Children of Eden at the Union Theatre

Casting has been announced for Children of Eden which is being revived at the Union Theatre, 25 years after its original West End production.

Directed by Christian Durham, Children of Eden will open on 12th August (previews from 10th August) for a limited run to 10th September 2016.

Natasha O'Brien will star as Eve/Mama with Stephen Barry as Adam/Noah. Completing the cast are Joey Dexter as Father, Samantha Giffard as Aysha, Guy Woolf as Cain/Japeth, Nikita Johal as Yonah, Susie Chaytow as Aphra, Daniel Miles as Abel/Ham, Kris Marc-Joseph as Seth/Shem, Verity Burgess as Storyteller and Gabriel Mokake as Snake.

Children of Eden to be revived at the new Union Theatre

Children of Eden will be staged at the new Union Theatre, 25 years after its original West End production.

Directed by Christian Durham, Children of Eden will open on 12th August (previews from 10th August) for a limited run to 10th September 2016.

Inspired by the Book of Genesis, the show tells the timeless story of what it means to be a parent. It is described as a "heartfelt and humorous musical about the unique family bond".

Review: The Rise And Fall Of Little Voice at the Union Theatre

The Rise And Fall Of Little Voice
Union Theatre
Reviewed on Saturday 4th June 2016
★★★★

The Union Theatre has staged one final gem before relocating over the road to its new venue. Jim Cartwright's 1993 play tells a beautiful little story - I can't believe I've never caught it before. Alastair Knights' production stars Carly Thoms who gives a career defining performance as Little Voice, a shy girl with an extraordinary talent for impersonating classic divas.

Fra Fee & Madalena Alberto to star in The Fix at the new Union Theatre

Casting has been announced for The Fix which marks the first production at the Union Theatre's new venue. 

With book and lyrics by John Dempsey and music by Dana P. Rowe, The Fix will be directed by Michael Strassen. 

The Fix opens on 15th July (previews from 13th July) and runs until 6th August 2016.

The show will star Fra Fee (As You Like It/Candide) as Cal Chandler, Lucy Williamson (End Of The Rainbow/Company) as Violet Chandler, Madalena Alberto (War of the Worlds/Evita) as Tina McCoy and Ken Christiansen (Rise and Fall of Little Voice/Lord of the Flies) as Graeme Chandler.

The Union Theatre announces final show before moving venues

It has been announced that The Rise and Fall of Little Voice by Jim Cartwright will be the final production to be staged at the Union Theatre before it moves to its new home.

Directed by Alastair Knights, The Rise and Fall of Little Voice opens on 4th June (previews from 1st June) and runs until 26th June 2016.

The Union Theatre's artistic director Sasha Regan says: “Twenty years ago when I opened the doors of the Union Theatre I never dreamed that this small arch under the railway in Southwark could achieve so much. 

Review: Gatsby at the Union Theatre

Gatsby
Union Theatre
Reviewed on Thursday 12th April 2016
★

Since premiering at the King's Head in 2012, Linnie Reedman and Joe Evans' musical Gatsby has been staged several times in London, but the piece still feels like it is at the early stages of its development.

Casting announced for Gatsby at the Union Theatre

Ferne McCann will star as Myrtle Wilson in Linnie Reedman and Joe Evans' musical Gatsby at the Union Theatre.

The production runs between 6th and 30th April 2016. McCann is best known for starring in The Only Way Is Essex and is an entertainment reporter for ITV's This Morning. Last year McCann appeared on I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here.

Speaking to Baz Bamigboye about her role, McCann said: "I sing all day long and drive my mum and friends mad! If I see a karaoke, then I’m straight up there."

She also revealed that she used to perform in plays and musicals at school and went on to audition for drama school but was rejected so went travelling. 

Review: Bad Girls at the Union Theatre

Bad Girls The Musical
Union Theatre
Reviewed on Friday 11th March 2016
★★★

"The baddest and the best" - Bad Girls The Musical has returned to London where it was first seen in 2007 at the Garrick Theatre. Based on the ITV prison drama, Bad Girls brings stereotyped soap storylines to the stage... and is strangely irresistible.

Jack North, Emma Harrold & Matthew Rowland to star in Best of British concert

The line-up has been announced for Best of British which is being staged at the Union Theatre on Sunday 20th March 2016 at 8pm.

Celebrating the best of British musical theatre, the cabaret fundraiser for the Union Theatre will feature music from such well-known composers as Andrew Lloyd Webber, Lionel Bart, Stiles & Drewe and Howard Goodall, as well as showcasing exciting new work by the next generation of British musical theatre writers. 

Devised by Alastair Knights with musical direction by Alex Parker, the line-up includes Jack North (Sweeney Todd/Harry Potter and The Cursed Child), Matthew Rowland (Taboo/Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), Sharan Phull (Bend It Like Beckham), Emma Harrold (Happy Days/ Oliver!), Alex Young (Showboat/Anything Goes) and Erin Doherty (Winner of the Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year Award 2015).

Sneak peek at... London revival of Bad Girls The Musical

Promotional images have been released for the upcoming London revival of Bad Girls The Musical. Directed by Will Keith, the musical opens at the Union Theatre on 11th March (previews from 9th March) and runs until 2nd April 2016. Check out the pictures below (click image to enlarge).

The cast includes Ceili O'Connor as Nikki Wade, Sinead Long as Shell Dockley, Christine Holman as Yvonne Atkins, Imelda Warren-Green as Denny Blood, Livvy Evans as Crystal Gordon, Jayne Ashley as Julie Saunders, Catherine Digges as Julie Johnston, Sarah Goggin as Rachel Hicks,Francine Rowan as Noreen Biggs, Gareth Davies as Jim Fenner, Tori Hargreaves as Helen Stewart, Perry Meadowcroft as Justin Mattison and Maggie Robson as Sylvia "Bodybag" Hollamby. 

Casting announced for London revival of Bad Girls The Musical

They're the baddest and the best! Casting has been announced for the London revival of Bad Girls The Musical.

Directed by Will Keith, the musical opens at the Union Theatre on 11th March (previews from 9th March) and runs until 2nd April 2016.

The cast includes Ceili O'Connor (pictured) as Nikki Wade, Sinead Long as Shell Dockley, Christine Holman as Yvonne Atkins, Imelda Warren-Green as Denny Blood, Livvy Evans as Crystal Gordon, Jayne Ashley as Julie Saunders, Catherine Digges as Julie Johnston, Sarah Goggin as Rachel Hicks, Francine Rowan as Noreen Biggs, Gareth Davies as Jim Fenner, Tori Hargreaves as Helen Stewart, Perry Meadowcroft as Justin Mattison and Maggie Robson as Sylvia "Bodybag" Hollamby. 

Review: Loserville returns to the Union Theatre

Loserville 
Union Theatre
Reviewed on Friday 4th December 2015
★★★

First seen at the Union back in March, Michael Burgen's revival of Loserville by Elliot Davis and James Bourne has returned for a second season. 

Loserville returning to Union Theatre; casting announced

It has been announced that Michael Burgen's revival of Loserville will return to the Union Theatre for a second season this Christmas.

Written by Elliot Davis and James Bourne, Loserville has choreography by Matt Krzan with musical direction by Dan Jarvis and lighting design by Tim Deiling.

Loserville returns to the Union Theatre on 4th December (previews from 2nd December) and runs until 20th December 2015. The cast includes: Joshua Wyatt (Matilda) as Michael Dork and Holly-Anne Hull who reprises her performance as Holly Manson.

Review: Gregory Hazel - What Am I Doing? at the Union Theatre

Gregory Hazel: What Am I Doing?
Union Theatre
Reviewed on Sunday 11th October 2015
★★★★

Marking his third solo show, in What Am I Doing Gregory Hazel played 'the worrying actor'. Offering an insight into how he sees the world through his eyes, Hazel guided the audience through an endearing evening with charm and plenty of stagey humour. 

Casting announced for Closer to Heaven's return to the Union Theatre

Casting has been announced for Closer to Heaven's second run at the Union Theatre.

The cast will be led by Alex Lodge as Straight Dave, Molly McGuire (pictured right) as Shell, Jonathan David Dudley as Mile End Lee, David Habbin as Vic and Nic Kyle as Bob.

Reprising their roles are Katie Meller as Billie Trix and Ben Kavanagh as Flynn. Tilly Ford, Daniel James Greenway, Keira Marner, Ellie Mitchell, Anthony Starr and Philip Towne complete the cast.

The Pet Shop Boys musical, which has book by Jonathan Harvey, runs between 21st October and 28th November 2015.

Review: The White Feather at the Union Theatre

The White Feather 
The Union Theatre
Reviewed on Friday 18th September 2015
★★

Set during the First World War, in new British musical The White Feather we meet innocent Harry who, despite being a little too young, heads off to war. After suffering from shell shock, Harry is executed for cowardice. The spotlight is then shone on his sister, Georgina, who is determined to keep her head held high.