What’s the buzz? Ready for all this week’s London theatre news? Find out who the 2018 Olivier nominees are, which popular Broadway musical is definitely heading to London, and what recently opened show is getting slammed all over the place.
Nominations for the 2018 Olivier Awards are here! And it looks like Hamilton has stolen the spotlight: with a record-breaking number of nominations across the board. Find out everything you need to know in our Olivier nominations breakdown.
Speaking of Broadway musicals coming to London…. Rejoice, Dear Evan Hansen fans! According to an article by the Daily Mail, producer Stacey Mindich is bringing the Tony Award-winning musical to London, and she’s looking for a British actor to play Evan. She says she wants audiences to feel as close to Evan as possible, which is why she doesn’t want to cast an American in the role. Mindich also says she’s fine with colour-blind casting. Right now, that’s about all we know – but stay tuned.
Philip Ridley’s Vincent River gets its stars: Louise Jameson (of Doctor Who and East Enders) and Thomas Mahy, making his London stage debut. The production runs 20 March through 14 April at the Park Theatre.
In other casting news, “X Factor” semi-finalist Diana Vickers takes on the role of Eurydice in the new rock musical Myth: The Rise and Fall of Orpheus. She’s taking over from Jessamy Stoddart, who had to withdraw. The workshop production plays The Other Palace from 10 to 17 March.
Barricade those doors! The Queen’s Theatre, home to Les Miserables London, is apparently ramping up its security. The theatre applied to update its front doors to protect against a possible blast and ballast attack after an inspection revealed that the doors weren’t secure enough.
By the pricking of my thumbs… yikes. The National Theatre production of Macbeth starring Rory Kinnear is getting slammed by critics all over the place. Matt Trueman of Variety calls it “a mess.” Other reviews note that the production is brutal, chopped up, and ignores the poetry of Shakespeare’s script. Star ratings average around two or three stars (but mostly two), and more than one critic likens the production to Mad Max. Take that how you will.
