Grab your magic umbrella, because you’re going to want to fly to the Prince Edward Theatre when you hear the news for this week! It’s all here in your regular London theatre round-up.
Mary Poppins is coming home! After her UK tour with the musical, Zizi Strallen will step into the practically perfect role once again in fall of 2019, with Charlie Stemp of Broadway’s Hello, Dolly! as Bert.
The two actors gushed about their excitement on Twitter:
So excited!!!! …… can’t wait to be this wonderful, magical woman again. #marypoppins https://t.co/ys9VOnhdQ1
— Zizi Strallen (@ZiziStrallen)
I used to put mops and brooms up the chimney pretending to be Bert when I was a kid, safe to say I’m one happy chappy. https://t.co/G8OWD4SVol
— Charlie Stemp (@Charlie_Stemp)
Aladdin, currently playing the Prince Edward Theatre, is set to close 31 August 2019, after a run of more than three years.
The upcoming production of Arthur Miller’s All My Sons at the Old Vic will star Sally Field, Bill Pullman, Colin Morgan, and Jenna Coleman. We are not ready for this cast.
Amber Davies of Love Island will make her West End debut in the Dolly Parton musical 9 to 5. Based on the 1980 film, the musical will also star Louise Redknapp, Brian Conley, and Natalie McQueen. The production opens at the Savoy Theatre this January. Watch the trailer below!
Last week we announced that long-time Chicago star Denise Van Outen will return to the West End to play Velma Kelly. Don’t worry, she’s still coming! …Just later than expected. Apparently, Van Outen sustained a heel fracture while training for her upcoming role. She appears to be fine, and even tweeted about her injury, saying it was “typical,” but she won’t be able to join the production at the scheduled time. Her replacement will be announced soon, as will Van Outen’s new performance dates.
Mamma Mia! extends! Again! The ABBA smash hit is now booking until 14 September 2019–which means the show will celebrate its 20th birthday next April.
Nathan Amzi joins the cast of Heathers the Musical! He’ll be playing Big Bud Dean and Coach Ripper until 24 November. Amzi recently appeared in Prom Queen, Aladdin, and In the Heights. You might also remember him from The Voice back in 2014.
Lara Pulver (Sherlock, Spooks) and Stephen Mangan join the cast of Guys and Dolls in concert at the Royal Albert Hall. Pulver, who won an Olivier Award for her performance in Gypsy, will play the leading role of Sarah Brown. Mangan, who recently performed in Harold Pinter’s The Birthday Party, will play the narrator. Also joining the cast is Sharon D. Clarke (Caroline, or Change) and Paul Nicholas.
The Play That Goes Wrong celebrates its fourth birthday on the West End–and announces a new booking period! Tickets are now on sale until 27 October 2019.
Anyone ready for Christmas yet? Simon Callow will return this year to perform his one-man version of A Christmas Carol at the Arts Theatre in December.
Meanwhile, Danny Dyer and Jo Brand will take the lead in Nativity! the Musical at the Eventim Apollo this holiday season. The show will also star Simon Lipkin and Ashleigh Gray.
Casual reminder that you can now order the original West End cast recording of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie on BroadwayRecords.com. You’re welcome.
Finally, we’d be remiss if we didn’t note the passing of Broadway and West End performer Marin Mazzie this week. Mazzie was a three-time Tony Award nominee who originated roles in Ragtime and Passion and starred in shows like Kiss Me, Kate, Next to Normal, and The King and I. She will be missed.
