By: Erin J Kahn
News & Features

London Theatre Weekly Round-up: World premiere of Benjamin Button musical, Sheridan Smith to star in Joseph, and more!

A world premiere is always exciting! We’ve got that, casting news, and more for you this week. Happy Friday!

The world premiere of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button announces casting. A new musical based on the short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the production will star James Marlowe (The Play That Goes Wrong) as Benjamin Button, with an ensemble cast comprised of Matthew Burns, Rosalind Ford, Joey Hickman and Philippa Hogg. Written by Jethro Compton (who also directs) and Darren Clark, the production features Celtic-inspired music. Benjamin Button opens at the Southwark Playhouse 17 May, with previews beginning the 15th.

Sheridan Smith will star in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Smith, who recently starred in Funny Girl, will play the Narrator in the West End production opening this summer at the London Palladium. Previews begin 27 June, with further casting to be announced soon.

Fiddler on the Roof announces full casting. Joining Andy Nyman and Judy Kuhn will be Nicola Brown (Chava), Harriet Bunton (Hodel), Dermot Canavan (Lazar Wolf), Stewart Clarke (Perchik), Joshua Gannon (Motel), Matthew Hawksley (Fyedka), Louise Gold (Yente) and Molly Osborne (Tzeitel).

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Iris Theatre will perform Hamlet and TheHunchback of Notre Dame for its 10th anniversary season. The production of Hamlet, set in modern London, will run 19 June to 27 July. The Hunchback of Notre Dame, adapted from Victor Hugo’s novel by Benjamin Polya, will run 1 August to 1 September. Both productions take place at St. Paul’s Church in Covent Garden. No casting details yet.

The Young Vic extends Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train. Directed by Kate Hewitt, this critically-acclaimed production now runs until 6 April. The Young Vic has also announced a relaxed performance on 3 April.

Off-Broadway hit Afterglow will get its UK premiere. By S. Asher Gelman, the play is about a married gay couple whose relationship is rocked when they invite another man to share their bed one night. Afterglow will run at Southwark Playhouse from 5 June to 20 July.

The Show in Which Hopefully Nothing Happens announces its UK premiere. A highly acclaimed hit in the Netherlands, this absurdist, family-friendly show will play at the Unicorn Theatre from 21 March. Nigel Barrett and Riad L. Richie star, with writer Jetse Batelaan directing.

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Hackney Empire’s next pantomime will be Dick Whittington and His Cat. Written and directed by Susie McKenna, with music composed by Steven Edis, the pantomime will run 23 November to 5 January.
Stuart Fox and Matthew Spencer join The Woman In Black. Now in its 30th year in London, Susan Hill’s The Woman In Black will welcome two new cast members from 19 March. Stuart Fox will play Arthur Kipps, a role he has played both at the Fortune Theatre and on tour, with Matthew Spencer as The Actor, a role he has played both at the Fortune and on tour.
Jeremy Jordan is bringing his solo concert to Cadogan Hall. The Broadway and TV star will return to London on 26 and 27 October. You can preregister for tickets now.