NEWS ROUNDUP: 14 - 20 April

It's been a hugely quiet week in the world of theatre, my own show attendance, as well as major news announcements, have been minimal, however that doesn't mean we've had total silence across the board. Here are the biggest stories from the past week in the world of theatre.

42 BALLOONS IN CHICAGO

Principal cast announcement

Charlie McCullagh and Evelyn Hoskins in "42 Balloons" at the Vaudeville Theatre

Following the reveal that Jack Godfrey musical "42 Balloons" will make its North American premiere in May, the producers have announced that its two stars from its world premiere at the Lowry in Salford will return to the show, with Charlie McCullagh and Evelyn Hoskins reprising their roles of Larry Walters and Carol Van Deusen respectively. The principal cast is completed by Daniel Assetta as air traffic controller, Minju Michelle Lee as the Kid, Austin Nelson Jr. as David Letterman, Lucia Spina as Margaret Van Deusen, and Akron Watson as Ron Richland.

With music and lyrics by Godfrey, 42 Balloons premiered at the Lowry in Salford to huge critical acclaim, and will play at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater from the 24th of May until the 29th of June; booking information and complete cast list can be found on the venue's website.

COME FALL IN LOVE

Full cast announced for UK premiere in Manchester

The full cast of "Come Fall In Love"

Following the announcement of Jena Pandya (Mamma Mia) as Simran and Ashley Day (An American in Paris) as Rog, the full cast for the UK premiere of "Come Fall In Love" at the Manchester Opera House has been revealed. They will be joined by Irvine Iqbal (The Father and the Assassin) as Baldev, Kara Lane (Rebecca) as Minky, Harveen Mann-Neary (Bend It Like Beckham) as Lajjo, Amonik Melaco (Austenland) as Ben, Millie O'Connell (SIX) as Cookie, Ankur Sabharwal (Snakes and Ladders) as Ajit, Kinshuk Sen (Monsoon Wedding) as Kuljit, and Russell Wilcox (Exit The King) as Rog Sr.

Completing the cast are ensemble members Erica-Jayne Alden, Tash Bacarese-Hamilton, Scarlett Behl, Sophie Camble, Gabrielle Cocca, Rohan Dhupar, Joe Django, Alexander Emery, Kuldeep Goswami, Ella Grant, Yasmin Harrison, Mohit Mathur, Tom Mussell, Purvi Parmar, Saaj Raja, Manu Sarswat, Garrett Tennant, and Sonya Venugopal, as well as swings Emily Goodenough, Marina Lawrence-Mahrra, and Jordan Maisuria-Wake.

"Come Fall In Love" will open at the Manchester Opera House on the 29th of May, and run until the 24th of June, with tickets now on sale through the ATG website.

TINA: THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL

Fleur East set to join the London cast

Fleur East at the Aldwych Theatre

It has been announced that X Factor runner-up Fleur East is set to make her west end debut in the London production of "Tina: The Tina Turner Musical" at the Aldwych Theatre this summer. East first rose to prominence in 2014, and her acting credits have included American comedy "Ted Lasso," as well as BBC Three series "Phoenix Rise", and this is her first professional theatrical engagement.

East will star as Tina Turner from the 24th of June to the 13th of September, in a strictly limited run at the Aldwych Theatre. The full 2025/26 cast for the show is to be revealed at a later date, and tickets for all performances up to and including the 10th of January 2026, including those featuring Fleur East, can be purchased through the official Tina website.

FAWLTY TOWERS

Production to return to London

"Fawlty Towers" at the Apollo Theatre

Basil is back! Following a hugely successful initial run, and due to phenomenal demand, the hit west end play “Fawlty Towers” is set to return to London's Apollo Theatre this summer. The run will immediately precede the show’s UK and Ireland tour in the autumn, playing at the Apollo from the 24th of June until the 13th of September, before heading out on tour on the 30th of September.

Full tour dates, cast and creative team, as well as information on how to book for both the west end and touring venues, can be found on the official Fawlty Towers site.

NOUGHTS AND CROSSES

Full cast announced for Regent's Park production

The full cast of "Noughts and Crosses"

The complete cast for the new stage adaptation of Mallorie Blackman's novel "Noughts and Crosses" has been revealed, with the line being led by Corinna Brown (Coppelia) as Sephy and Noah Valentine (pro stage debut) as Callum, who will be joined by Alec Boaden as Jude, Amanda Bright as Jasmine, Halle Brown as Lola/Juno, Michael Cusick as Mr Stanhope/Peter, Elle Davies as Shania/Leila, Eddie Elliott as Mr Corsa/Collins/ Jack, Emma Jane Goodwin as Sarah Pike, Kate Kordel as Meggie, Jessica Layde as Minerva, Wela Mbusi as Mr Pingule/Governor, Habib Nasib Nader as Kamal, Yolanda Ovide as Dionne/Clerk, Helena Pipe as Reporter/Kelanie/Joannie, Richard Riddell as Ryan, Ben Skym as Colin/Morgan, and Chanel Waddock as Lynette.

"Noughts and Crosses" will premiere at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre on the 28th of June, and run until the 26th of July, with tickets now on sale. More info on the show, as well as how to book, can be found on the Regent's Park website.