Theatre
What’s up Wilma? Edinburgh Fringe, Kinky Boots and more West End news
Hello dears and hola from sunny Spain where I’m currently sunning myself by the pool while I write to you!
August was a hectic month with the Edinburgh Fringe Festival going on. I went up there for a few days myself and saw some great (and some not so great) shows. Take a look at my reviews here to see what I got up to!
BIG NEWS! Voting is now open for this year’s West End Wilma Awards (in association with the Hippodrome Casino). You can vote in eleven categories including Best West End Show, Best Off-West End Show, Best Touring Production and Best Vocal Performance (plus many more). So if you’re a fan of theatre, take a look at the amazing nominees who have been shortlisted and vote for your favourites now!! The winners will be announced at a special ceremony on Friday 30 October at the Hippodrome Casino.
Last night was the Press Night for the new hottest ticket in town, Kinky Boots! Based on the film it tells the story of a man who inherits his father’s shoe factory and after a random encounter with a Drag Queen, decides to start making high heels for transvestites in an attempt to save the factory from going bust. With music by Cindi Lauper and starring Killian Donnelly, this is one shoe you don’t want to miss! Book your tickets now.
A few weeks ago I met up with X Factor winner Sam Bailey to chat about her upcoming West End concert on 12 October where she will be performing musical theatre classics for one night only! You can watch the video here and then book tickets to see the show here!
The 39 Steps has closed in London’s West End after nine years and been replaced with Close To You featuring Burt Bacharach’s songbook. The show will open at the Criterion Theatre on 4 October 2015.
Other exciting news includes Wicked the Musical extending its booking period until November 2016 and Cassidy Janson set to replace Olivier Award winner Katy Brayben playing the role of Carole King in Beautiful the Musical from 30 November.
Beverley Knight, Matt Cardle and their co-stars frrom the West End musical Memphis are to raise funds for the Terrence Higgins trust with a special late night concert at the Hippodrome Casino at 11.00pm on Thursday 24 September. This up close and personal evening will feature a live band and a variety of material including crowd pleasers, as well as a few surprises! There will also be a silent auction on the night.
Right, it’s about time I put the laptop down and reapplied some sun tan lotion before I turn into even more of a lobster than I already have! Speak to you next week when I return from Spain!
Wilms xxx
West End Wilma
