Madness musical Our House to close 16 Aug 03

Madness musical Our House to close 16 Aug 03

The Madness musical Our House, has posted closing notices at the Cambridge Theatre, after a run of only 10 months!. The last performance will be on 16 Aug 03. (The show was booking to 27 Sep 03)

This brand new musical written by Tim Firth and featuring the greatest hits of 80's pop band, MADNESS opened to reasonable notices from the popular press in October last year: THE DAILY MAIL says, "There is something fresh and original here......incisive and imaginative production." THE TIMES says, "Our House comes as a welcome relief from the camp idolatry behind Mamma Mia! and We Will Rock You." THE GUARDIAN did not like it much saying, "In the course of a long evening, the law of diminishing returns inevitably applies" And going on to say, "The musical groans under the burden of too much plot; and after a time the raucous sameness of the numbers begins to pall. " THE DAILY TELEGRAPH gives a like-warm notice saying, "Somehow the show adds up to less than the sum of its promising parts." THE EVENING STANDARD says, "A compelling, knife-sharp affair."

The show went on to win the Olivier Award for Best New Musical.

The move was announced today by Tiger Aspect Chairman and Our House producer Peter Bennett-Jones, saying: "The decision was taken with a heavy heart. It is a terrific show, which well deserved its prestigious Olivier award. It continues to generate a great response from audiences, who love this entertaining and engaging show, but these are difficult times, politically and economically, and we are among the casualties. But we hope those who have not yet marvelled at seeing Our House will grab the opportunity to do so during the coming weeks."

From Madness, the message was: "We'd like to express our immense respect and gratitude to everyone who took part in the creation and production of the show. It has been an amazing experience working alongside so many talented and passionate people. The belief and commitment from all at Tiger Aspect, the creative team, the exceptional cast right through to the staff at the Cambridge has been total. We thank you all and wish you well in the future."

As well as featuring two all new songs written by Madness, the show is full of the band's greatest musical numbers, including "Baggy Trousers", "It Must Be Love", "Driving In My Car","House Of Fun" and "Night Boat to Cairo".

The musical is directed by Matthew Warchus with choreography by Peter Darling, lighting by Mark Henderson and set & costumes by Rob Howell.

Billed as a London love story, "Our House" centres on two teenagers living in North London to the backdrop of Madness' hit songs.

Our House is the story of Joe and his girlfriend Sarah who live in modern-day London, and follows two different courses his life could have taken following a petty crime.