London Theatre News

Emma Thompson joins 'Matilda' musical film in latest casting update

UPDATE: Matilda will be released in cinemas in the UK and Ireland on 2 Dec. 2022. The Matilda film will also be available to stream worldwide on Netflix. Last year, it was announced that a new film adaptation of Matilda was in the works. Further casting has been confirmed today, with casting for Matilda, Miss Trunchbull and Miss Honey announced.In a tweet from Daily Mail entertainment reporter Baz Bamigboye, 11 year old Alisha Weir will play the title role. Born in Ireland, her theatre credits...

The Showstoppers to livestream new improvised musical event

At the moment, the Showstoppers limited run at the Garrick Theatre is currently postponed. But, to continue performing and share some theatre joy, the Showstoppers will present another improvised musical, available to watch via new livestreams on 26 - 27 March.During the production, ideas will be taken from people watching and then curated into a show. Once given song titles and character suggestions, the cast will present a 60-minute musical including a live band and choreography.Since...

‘Blithe Spirit’ starring Judi Dench premieres on Sky Cinema

A new film adaptation of Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit is available to watch today. Previously scheduled to be released in May 2020, the film was postponed due to the pandemic, but is now airing on Sky Cinema.Based on Noel Coward's 1940s play, the film follows Madame Arcati, a clairvoyant hired by Charles Condomine, a writer to search for creative inspiration. While conducting a seance, Arcati conjures up the spirit of Charles' ex-wife, and a love triangle ensues.Judi Dench plays Madame Arcati,...

Casting announced for ‘Monday Night at the Apollo’ concert series

Hosted by Greg Barnett, Monday Night at the Apollo will see performers share memories of their West End careers, as well as singing stand-out songs from their favourite genres. Originally, performances were set to take place in January 2021, but were postponed as a result of extended theatre closures. Now, they'll take place on 24 May, 14 June and 5 July respectively. All concerts will be available to watch both in person and on livestream.Producers Greg Barnett and Hugh Summers said: "We're so...

‘West End Musical Celebration’ concerts coming to Palace Theatre

During Christmas 2020, West End theatregoers were looking forward to West End Musical Christmas. However, the production will now go ahead in May, instead called West End Musical Celebration. Six performances will take place at the Palace Theatre, staged from 6 - 9 May.Hailed as "the perfect way for musical fans to celebrate the return of live theatre together in 2021", West End stars will perform iconic songs from musicals over the years. During performances, audience members will be invited to...

Guide to the 'Staged' stars on BBC One

When the first lockdown began in England, creatives found a new space to perform — online. Rehearsals, meetings and even productions now often take place virtually, with television quickly catching up. One of 2020's stand-out TV shows is Staged, following two bickering actors working on their latest play.If you're a Staged fan or not, the cast list really is something to behold. Here's all the acting stars that have taken part in both series.Staged will also be a part of the 2021 Comic Relief...

‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ extends closure dates

With theatres remaining closed in London for the foreseeable future, West End productions have had to prolong their closure dates. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the latest show to extend its run of suspended performances, with no shows at the Palace Theatre until 21 July at the earliest.In a tweet from the production, they have said: "As we navigate the impact of closure has had on the production schedule of our large scale show and await further guidance from the Government on re-opening...

‘Shook’ to be released via online stream in February 2021

UPDATE: Shook will now be available to watch on Sky Arts on 24 June, ahead of an encore stream from 25 June - 31 July.Sadly, Coronavirus impacted the West End transfer of Shook, with performances cancelled at Trafalgar Studios. However, Samuel Bailey's play will be available to watch onlineInspired by true stories, Shook follows three young offenders who will become fathers while in prison. Taking parenting classes, the trio look back at their pasts, reflecting on how they have been shut away...

‘Potted Panto’ back this Easter at the Garrick Theatre

Following suspended performances of Potted Panto at the end of 2020, the production will return this Easter. The Olivier Award-nominated family show will be performed at the Garrick Theatre, with performances from 1 - 18 April.Combining seven pantomimes in 70 minutes, the entertainment show is an amalgamation of classic stories, including Cinderella, Dick Whittington and Sleeping Beauty. Potted Panto is the brainchild of Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner, who have previously staged the Harry...

West End shows to watch on Blue Monday 2021

The third Monday of January is often known as Blue Monday, which falls on 18 January 2021. Typically considered to be the saddest day of the year and with theatres closed for the foreseeable future, Blue Monday could feel even more miserable than usual.Just because you're staying indoors, you can fight all the Blue Monday sadness with a "trip" to the West End from the comfort of your own home. With theatre streams taking place on the day and throughout January, as well as looking hopefully to...