Production photos, tours, and sing-alongs, oh my! This week (as always), we’ve got an exciting round-up of news from the London theatre world. Grab your broom and start your vocal warm-ups!
Get ready to sing along! No, really: Bat Out of Hell just announced sing-along performances! On August 28, September 25, October 31, November 27, and December 31, you can sing along to the songs of Meat Loaf with the cast of Bat Out of Hell. If you go on Halloween or New Year’s Eve, be sure to dress up! The best-dressed audience member will receive a show poster signed by none other than Meat Loaf. You can book tickets to this thrilling extravaganza with no fees right here.
Calling all Wicked fans! The popular musical about the witches of Oz played its 5000th performance Thursday night. Next month, Wicked celebrates its 12th birthday on the West End, and it’s currently the 14th longest running West End show in history. In honor of the landmark occasion, Wicked released a brand new photograph of Sophie Evans as Glinda and Alice Fearn as Elphaba.
Former X Factor star Alexandra Burke has certainly got a lot on her plate these days. Fresh from starring alongside Michael Ball in Chess at the London Coliseum, she’s now joining the West End cast of Chicago before heading out on tour with The Bodyguard. On The Bodyguard‘s UK tour, Burke returns as Rachel Marron, a role she’s already played with great success in both the West End and during the production’s 2015/2016 sold-out tour.
Hugh Whitemore’s play Pack of Lies, inspired by a true story about Soviet spies, will play the Menier Chocolate Factory this fall, and starring in the role her mother originated back in 1983 will be Finty Williams — daughter of Judi Dench. Starring alongside Williams will be Jasper Britton, with further casting to be announced. Hannah Chiswick directs.
And in case you haven’t heard, Bryan Cranston is Broadway-bound. He’ll be starring in the National Theatre’s production of Network when it makes its Broadway transfer this November. That means U.S. audiences will get the chance to see the performance that won Cranston an Olivier.
