London Theatre Weekly Round-up: Fra Fee to star in Breakfast on Pluto, Terry Gilliam to direct Into the Woods and more!

Fra Fee will star in the new Irish musical Breakfast on Pluto. Written by Bob Kelly with music by Duke Special, the production will also feature Niamh Perry, David Ganly, Kate Gilmore and Rickie O’Neill, with full casting to be announced soon. Directed by Des Kenney, Breakfast on Pluto will play a seven-week run at the Donmar Warehouse from 2 October to 21 November.

Terry Gilliam will direct Into the Woods at the Old Vic. The screenwriter, director, actor, and former Monty Python member will helm a new production of Sondheim’s musical this winter, with more details to come.

Lucie Jones and David Hunter will return to Waitress. From 23 March, Jones and Hunter will reprise their roles as Jenna and Dr. Pomatter, respectively. They replace Sara Bareilles and Gavin Creel, performing in the roles until 21 March. Waitress is currently running at the Adelphi Theatre until 4 July 2020.

David Hunter and Lucie Jones in Waitress

Elton John and Jake Shears will hold a workshop for their musical about Tammy Faye Bakker. Directed by Rupert Goold with a book by James Graham, Tammy Faye: The Musical looks at the life of infamous TV evangelist Tammy Faye Bakker. With a workshop set for April, the musical aims to premiere at the Almeida Theatre in 2021.

The National Theatre announces full casting for Jack Absolute Flies Again. Directed by Thea Sharrock, this new comedy based on Sheridan’s The Rivals will star Laurie Davidson, Natalie Simpson, Caroline Quentin and Richard Fleeshman. Joining them will be James Fleet, Lisa McGrillis, Helena Wilson, Jordan Metcalfe, James Corrigan, Akshay Sharan, Tim Steed, Theo Cowan and Azan Ahmed. Written by Richard Bean and Oliver Chris, Jack Absolute Flies Again runs in the National Theatre’s Olivier from 15 April until 25 July.

Southwark Playhouse announces casting for The Beast of Blue Yonder. The play’s ensemble cast will star Jade Ewen, Mirren Mack, Rachel Bright, Unique Spencer, Steve Furst, Charlie Quirke, Lucy Gape and Tyler Conti. They will be joined by Joseph Drake, Mike Evans, Nat Johnson, Joseph Potter and Kyle Rowe. Directed by Wiebke Green, Philip Ridley’s dark comedy runs at Southwark Playhouse from 2 April to 9 May.