NEWS ROUNDUP: 2 - 8 June
- James Tradgett
- Jun 9
- 5 min read
The volume of news this past week has been perhaps less than others, but that doesn't mean there hasn't been plenty to keep the excitement levels up, and the anticipation strong. Here are the latest stories that have been making waves in the past week.
STARTER FOR TEN
Full cast announced for return of new musical
Fingers on buzzers, here’s your full cast for the return of the musical adaptation “Starter For Ten”, the musical that first made its world premiere at Bristol Old Vic in February 2024. Reprising the role of Irene is Mel Giedroyc (Company), with Adam Bregman (Sing Street) as Brian, Miracle Chance (Fangirls) as Lucy, and Will Jennings (Les Miserables) also returning from the show’s initial run last year.
They will be joined by Stephen Ashfield (Book of Mormon) as Bamber Gascoigne/Dave Jackson, Asha Parker-Wallace (Burlesque) as Rebecca, Rachel John (Hamilton) as Dr Bowman, Christian Maynard (Midnight Cowboy) as Spencer, and Imogen Craig (pro debut) as Alice. The cast is completed by Michelle Bishop, Luke Johnson, Kwamé Kandekore and Laura Dawn Pyatt. Starter For Ten plays at the Bristol Old Vic from the 10th of September until the 11th of October, followed by a run at Birmingham Rep from the 22nd of October until the 1st of November. More information, as well as how to book tickets, can be found on the production's official website.
101 DALMATIANS
Lead casting announced for musical's return
It has been revealed that, ahead of its London return this summer, Britain’s Got Talent winner Sydnie Christmas is set to take on the role of Cruella De Vil in the Eventim Apollo production of “101 Dalmatians: The Musical”. After having returned to the stage in panto during the festive period last year, this is Christmas’ professional return to musical theatre for the first time since appearing in “Lazarus” in 2017.
Based on the classic 1956 children’s novel by Dodie Smith, the musical adaptation of 101 Dalmatians has music and lyrics by Douglas Hodge, and a book by Johnny McKnight from a stage adaptation by Zinnie Harris. It premiered at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, and in spite of a mixed critical reception, had a successful subsequent UK tour. It will run at the Eventim Apollo from the 18th of July, and close on the 30th of August in a strictly limited six-week run. You can find more information and book tickets on the Eventim Apollo website.
BRIGADOON
Full cast announced for Regent's Park production
The full cast for the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production of Lerner & Loewe’s “Brigadoon” has been revealed; previously announced were Danielle Fiamanya as Fiona, Louis Gaunt as Tommy, and Gilli Jones as Charlie Dalrymple. They’ll be joined by Jasmine Jules Andrews (Jesus Christ Superstar) as Jean MacLaren, Edward Baruwa (Book of Mormon) as Andrew MacLaren, Norman Bowman (Lady Be Good) as Archie Beaton, Cavan Clarke (Small Island) as Jeff Douglas, Anne Lacey (Bondagers) as Lundie, Nic Meyers (Cruel Intentions) as Megan Brockie, and Danny Nattress (Grease) as Harry Beaton.
Completing the cast are Elizabeth Armstrong, Taylor Bradshaw, Tanisha-Mae Brown, David Colvin, Adam Davidson, Tim Hodges, Shoko Ito, Christian Knight (Dance Co-Captain), Robin Mackenzie, Bethany Tennick, and Liam Wrate; and the Swings are Owen McHugh (Onstage Swing), Jessie Odeleye (Offstage Swing), Eve Parsons (Onstage Swing), and Dale White. Brigadoon will run at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre from the 2nd of August until the 20th of September, in a strictly limited seven-week run, and tickets are now on sale from their website. You can book tickets now from the venue's website.
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST
West end transfer and lead casting announced
It has been announced that, following a hugely successful run at the National Theatre, the Max Webster-directed production of Oscar Wilde’s comedy play “The Importance of Being Earnest” is set to open in the west end this autumn, with actor and musician Olly Alexander (White Rabbit, Red Rabbit) to play the role of Algernon Moncrieff.
The positively pink production starring Doctor Who and Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa played to sold out houses at Lyttelton at the National Theatre during autumn-winter of 2024/25, and is set to transfer to the Noël Coward Theatre, where it will run from the 18th of September until the 10th of January, with booking opening on the 16th of June 2026. Further details, including full casting, will be revealed at a later date, and further information and updates can be found on the Delfont Mackintosh website.
BACK TO THE FUTURE
Brian Conley to join west end cast as Doc Brown
As we approach the stage production's fourth anniversary, it has been revealed that actor, comedian and singer Brian Conley is set to join the company of "Back To The Future: The Musical" as the iconic Doctor Emmett Brown, taking over from Corey English, who has been with the show since 2023, for a limited run of 12 weeks this autumn, with English returning to the cast thereafter. It is a return to the west end stage for the first time since 2020, when he played Ebeneezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol at the Dominion Theatre. Other stage performances for Conley have included 9 to 5, Hairsprai, The Music Man and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Conley will join the cast on the 13th of August, and will remain in the role until the 3rd of November. Back To The Future first premiered at the Manchester Opera House on the 20th of February 2020, starring Roger Bart and Olly Dobson as Doc Brown and Marty McFly respectively; the show closed early due to COVID-19, having initially been slated to run until May 2020, later transferring to the west end in September 2021 at the Adelphi Theatre, where it has been performing ever since. Tickets for all dates, including those featuring Conley, can be found on the LW Theatres website.
WICKED: FOR GOOD
Full trailer released for part two of Stephen Schwartz film
Ahead of its cinematic release in November this year, producers of "Wicked: For Good", the second half of the two-part film adaptation of the 2003 broadway musical, was released to stream this week, including on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok. The first part was released on the 22nd of November 2024, and went on to gross over $750m at the box office, making it the highest grossing movie adaptation of a stage musical of all time, as well as the 5th highest grossing film of 2024.
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande will reprise their respective roles of Elphaba and Glinda, performances that earned both women Academy Award nominations for the first film, with Jonathan Bailey (Fyero), Marissa Bode (Nessarose) Jeff Goldblum (The Wizard), Bronwyn James (ShenShen), Ethan Slater (Boq), Bowen Yang (Pfannee) and Michelle Yeoh (Madame Morrible) all also set to return, as well as Sharon D Clarke as the voice of Dulcibear. Wicked: For Good will premiere on the 21st of November 2025, and you can watch the trailer in full on YouTube.
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