This week we spoke to Thomas Walton, who is making his West End debut as Pepper in Mamma Mia!.

1. My route into theatre was…

As a child I always watched my local panto in Halifax each Christmas – that’s where I found a love for theatre. Around the age of 11 I started doing acting classes at my local theatre school, Whitley’s Academy. The principal, Miss Sandy, introduced me to different styles of dance and supported my journey into theatre.

2. My West End idol is…

Drew McOnie – a creative genius.

3. My colleagues would describe me as…

A milk-drinking, proud Northerner!

4. My favourite show is…

Standing At The Sky’s Edge.

5. The career moment I’m most proud of is…

Playing Uggie in The Artist. It was my puppetry debut (guided by the wonderful Maia Kirkman-Richards), and it proved to me I can be a bit “odd” or “strange” and channel that into telling a story. I also got to work with one of my idols, Robbie Fairchild. I played his dog companion which, as a dog lover myself, I took great pride in!

6. The hardest part about my job is…

Controlling the nerves and making them useful, rather than detrimental to the performance.

7. If I wasn’t an actor, I would be…

A politician – I’d love to make some positive change in West Yorkshire, where I’m from.

8. Something people don’t know about me is…

At school I was hit by a class mate and instead of fighting back I did an Irish Dance kick in front of him. I was a Lord Of The Dance fan when I was younger and my inner Michael Flatley was unleashed! Many thought it was embarrassing – but he never hit me again after that. I guess I’m a dancer not a fighter.

9. The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…

When you’re in the dark, sometimes you feel you’ve been buried – but actually you’ve just been planted.

10. The one thing I wish I could tell my younger self is… 

Stop worrying about being so short, it’s who you are – so embrace all 5’ 6” of yourself.

You can see Thomas in Mamma Mia, now playing at the Novello Theatre! Tickets start from just £35 – book via Official London Theatre.

Join the fun at Mamma Mia!, the world’s sunniest, most exhilarating smash-hit musical! Since premiering in London’s West End over 23 years ago, ‘the ultimate feel-good show’ (Classic FM) has thrilled over 65 million people around the world.

Set in sun-soaked Greece, the story centres on Sophie, who is about to be married to Sky. While her mother Donna prepares her guest house for the wedding, Sophie is focussing on things other than her husband-to-be. She’s on a mission to find the identity of her real father. Behind her mother’s back she has invited three possible suspects from Donna’s free-loving past life to the wedding.

To Sophie’s shock – and her mother’s surprise – they all turn up. But which one will take her down the aisle and will any of them rekindle relations with Donna?

The 2008 film of the same name was written, directed and produced by the same creative team, and went on to become the highest grossing live action musical film ever.

The musical features some of ABBA’s most famous songs, including Does Your Mother Know, Dancing Queen, Money Money Money, Take A Chance On Me, Super Trouper, The Winner Takes It All and, of course, the title song Mamma Mia!.

Whatever age you are, you can’t help but have the time of your life at Mamma Mia! Don’t forget, we have a Mamma Mia eGift that can be used to buy tickets for this show, or for any other show at more than 260 theatres nationwide.

Book now at these Theatre Tokens venues:

Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield

25 October – 5 November 2022

New Theatre, Oxford

6 December – 31 December 2022

Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

17 January – 28 January 2023

Opera House, Manchester

31 January – 11 February 2023

New Theatre, Cardiff

14 February – 4 March 2023

Leeds Grand Theatre

4 April – 15 April 2023

The hit musical, which premiered in the West End more than two decades ago, continues to offer audiences all the feel-good vibes as it follows the hilarious and heartwarming story of a young woman named Sophie and her mother who find themselves re-living past events on the eve of the daughter’s wedding. Packed with iconic numbers from ABBA including Dancing Queen, Money Money Money and Take A Chance On Me, the all-singing, all-dancing show promises laughter, tears, love and romance!

Grab a cuppa and settle down as we find out more about Nathan’s role in putting together Mamma Mia! every night, and why this is the perfect show to see with the families this half-term…

1. My job is…

Deputy Stage Manager at Mamma Mia!

I sit up on a perch (mezzanine) in the stage right wing with a copy of the score and script, with all the technical cues written into the ‘book’, whether they be lighting cues, truck cues (we call the two main set pieces in the show ‘trucks’), fly cues (the front cloth and various pieces of scenery that move in and out), or cues for the actors to go on stage, or for the Stage Management team and crew to open ‘sliders’ and cue cast members on. During the performance, I follow the score, and call all these cues at the right time so that everything (hopefully) happens exactly when it’s meant to! This is known as ‘calling the show’.

I have a bank of video monitors in front me so that I can see various angles on stage, and I call all the scene change sequences and watch to make sure they run smoothly. I wear a headset so I can talk to the Stage Management team down in the wings, the crew on stage (they all wear earpieces during the show so they can hear me) the Musical Director in the pit, the lighting and sound operators in the auditorium, and the follow-spot operators up in the balcony! I also do Front of House tannoy announcements asking audience members to take their seats, so you might hear my voice before the performance or during the interval!

We’re a Stage Management team of four at Mamma Mia! and we all learn each others roles. At some performances I’ll be calling the show, and at others I’ll be in the wings making sure the cast get on stage at the right time with the right props, and ensuring scene changes happen as they should.

Ultimately, it’s our job to look after the day-to-day running of the show, and make sure it runs as smoothly as it did on opening night!

2. My favourite thing about my job is…

I work with an amazing bunch of people at the very top of their game, and together we get to provide pure escapism to over 1000 people every night. And I get paid for it!

I’ve been working on Mamma Mia! for quite a long time now (over 13 years!) and I still get goosebumps when I nip out front to watch bits of the performance and see audience members of all ages captivated by what’s happening on stage.

I also love all the extra, unusual things we get to do when we’re not performing at the Novello Theatre. We’ve appeared on This Morning a few times over the years, and I once got to sit on the sofa with Holly & Phil! When Mamma Mia! performed at the Royal Opera House for the Olivier Awards in 2014, I was charged with looking after Benny Andersson’s accordion and Björn Ulvaeus’ guitar – that was nerve-wracking! And at BBC Radio 2’s Thank You For The Music concert in Hyde Park in 2009, I stood on the side of the stage with Kylie Minogue and watched thousands sing along to Dancing Queen!

3. My least favourite thing about my role is…

The working hours can be a bit anti-social at times, especially during rehearsal periods, so catching up with friends can sometimes be tricky!

I also hate saying goodbye to people when they leave the show. We usually have a cast change once a year, and I’m always a blubbering mess during the curtain call on the last night! Thankfully the audience don’t have to see my face! We have a saying at Mamma Mia! – “You never really leave the island!” – and it’s true!

4. If I wasn’t a Stage Manager, I would be…

Something to do with animals. Or events. Or radio. Or Eurovision. Or food. Radio coverage of Crufts… live from the food tent. With a bit of ABBA. Bingo.

5. The show is perfect for families because…

Foreign holidays have been in short supply recently. You may not be able to get to a Greek island, but we’ve got the next best thing!

At its core, Mamma Mia! is a story about family and friendship, set against the backdrop of an idyllic island paradise. It’s got comedy. It’s got choreography. It’s got lycra. And its got a lot of ABBA! What’s not to love?!

6. My earliest memories of theatre are…

My mum used to take me to the Half Moon Theatre in Mile End (sadly now a pub) most Saturdays to watch their kids shows. I think I can remember seeing Annette Badland playing a cook in the stage adaptation of Allan Ahlberg’s Happy Families, but I might be wrong!

I used to go to Theatre Royal Stratford East and the Hackney Empire every Christmas and watch their brilliant pantomimes! I can also vividly remember seeing The Wind in the Willows at the National Theatre in 1990 and I loved every second of it! The late, great Richard Briers played Ratty, with David Bamber as Mole and Griff Rhys Jones painted head-to-toe in green as Mr Toad.

I remember meeting Henry Goodman and Imelda Staunton after seeing Guys & Dolls at the National in 1996 and they managed to convince me that I was named after Nathan Detroit. It wasn’t true, but I believed them!

7. I always knew/didn’t know I wanted to work in theatre…

The first West End musical I saw was Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the London Palladium in 1991 starring Jason Donovan and Linzi Hateley and I knew I’d found my happy place. I’ve since worked with both of them (Jason in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and Linzi in Mamma Mia!) and they’re absolute legends. So I guess I owe it all to them! And my mum, obvs, for taking me to the theatre as a kid!

8. The one thing I wish I could tell my younger self is…

Care less about what you think other people think of you. Follow your own path. Sun In hair lightener won’t work.

9. In my spare time I like to…

10. If I could have a superpower for a day, I would choose…

I haven’t travelled as much as I’d like to, so I guess if I could fly faster than the speed of light, I’d be able to visit more exotic destinations!

I wish I could speak other languages. Not exactly a superpower, but the French, German and Latin I learnt at school has faded from my little grey cells. Learning a new language now would be quite a feat!

If this interview has got you feeling inspired to book yourself a trip to the sun-soaked islands of Greece (in Theatreland!), book your tickets to see Mamma Mia! now. It’s a great way to dust away those Autumn/Winter cobwebs and will have you and your family dancing and singing all the way home.

Want to know more about the cast of the show? Check out our Tell Us In 10 with Emma Mullen who plays the role of Sophie Sheridan.

The hit musical, which premiered in the West End more than two decades ago, continues to offer audiences all the feel-good vibes as it follows the hilarious and heartwarming story of a young woman named Sophie and her mother who find themselves re-living past events on the eve of the daughter’s wedding. Packed with iconic numbers from ABBA including Dancing Queen, Money Money Money and Take A Chance On Me, the all-singing, all-dancing show promises laughter, tears, love and romance!

If you’re looking to beat the summer holiday-blues, read on to find out why this show is perfect for families…

1. My role is…

Sophie Sheridan

2. My favourite thing about my role is…

Being able to sing ABBA songs every night and call it my job. It’s just such an amazing job, and I feel so fortunate every day.

3. My least favourite thing about my role is…

It’s really hard to think of my least favourite thing, there really isn’t anything that I dislike about my job. If I were to say anything, it would probably just be the anxiety that has come along with this past year and what we’re all going through as an industry. I’m looking forward to a time when daily testing and rehearsing in masks and gloves is a thing of the past!

4. The show is perfect for families because…

It’s feel good, the whole family can enjoy it and it feels like a little get away to Greece for 2 and a half hours!

5. Something people don’t know about me is…

I was born on the 29th of February, making me a leap year baby. So I’m actually only 6 and a quarter years old.

6. My earliest memories of theatre are…

Seeing Cats at what was then the New London Theatre, and then watching the video at home non stop afterwards. I was a bit obsessed with the magic of it all.

7. I always knew/didn’t know I wanted to work in theatre…

I knew probably from about around age 12/13, which is quite young to be so set on something. But I was determined and here I am doing what I always wanted to do!

8. The one thing I wish I could tell my younger self is…

Don’t take yourself too seriously.

9. In my spare time I like to…

Go on holiday, preferably somewhere very sunny.

10. If I could have a superpower for a day, I would choose…

I’d love to be able to time travel, I just think that’d be the coolest thing.

Whether you’re children are into musical theatre or you’ve seen the movie and want to see all the action brought to life on stage, book your tickets to see this iconic West End show below.

The iconic jukebox musical has been welcoming audiences to the West End for over twenty years and is showing no signs of stopping. Packed with iconic songs from the much-loved ABBA alongside a beautiful story of romance and discovery and countless moments of hilarity, it was no surprise to see several standing ovations throughout the performance.

The curtain call certainly had us up on our feet, dancing along and soaking in the incredible atmosphere from the audience and the unmatched talent on stage. Check it out…

Set in Greece, the story follows a young girl named Sophie who, as she preps for her wedding, is on a mission to track down her father. She snoops into her mother Donna’s diary and invites three potential suspects from her past to the wedding. When all three show up on the eve of the wedding, she is shocked (as is her Mother) but goes on a journey to discover which one could be her father. Who will walk her down the aisle and will her mother rekindle romance with any of them? You’ll just have to book tickets to find out 🙂

While Ruth and I have seen the film countless times, it was our first time seeing the show and we loved every second of it. From Dancing Queen and Money Money Money to the legendary party-starter, Mamma Mia! the show is filled with so many famous songs that ooze feel-good vibes, as do the spectacular, glittery costumes. The set really transports you to a sun-soaked Greece and the party vibes really do wonders for anyone looking for some escapism.

We left the theatre on hump day feeling happy and re-energised. Mamma Mia! is a real confirmation of how much goodness live theatre brings to our life and we can’t wait to return with our loved ones and experience it all over again.

Find out more about our experience below and book your tickets to see this must-see show now.

And, honey honey’s you’re in for a treat as we have a super stagey competition waiting for you! To be in with a chance of winning two tickets to see Mamma Mia! at the Novello Theatre and a meal for two at Kalamaki Street Greek in Covent Garden, simply enter your details here!

New images from Constellations released ahead of opening night

Ahead of the first preview of Nick Payne’s beautiful and heartbreaking romance Constellations tonight, the production has released images of the 4 companies who play across the run at the Vaudeville Theatre; Sheila Atim and Ivanno Jeremiah (18 June – 1 August), Peter Capaldi and Zoë Wanamaker (23 June – 24 July), Omari Douglas and Russell Tovey (30 July – 11 September), and Anna Maxwell Martin and Chris O’Dowd (6 August – 12 September) will take turns to journey through the multiverse exploring the infinite possibilities of a relationship; each refracting the play afresh.

This star-studded play is sure to be a hit! Grab your tickets to see this revival below!

Full cast announced for Mamma Mia!’s return to the West End

The global smash hit musical MAMMA MIA! will return to London’s West End at the Novello Theatre on 25 August 2021.  Now in its 23^rd year in London, producer Judy Craymer is delighted to be welcoming people back to once again dance, jive and have the time of their lives!

Returning to the cast will be Mazz Murray as Donna, Richard Trinder as Sam, Neil Moors as Harry, Stephen Beckett as Bill, and Sophie Matthew as Lisa.  Find out more about the full cast, returning and new in our full story below!

An interview with leading stars of Lady Chatterley’s Lover

In our profile series, Tell Us In 10, we ask cast members and creatives of top London shows to tell us all about themselves in just 10 questions.

This week, we’re talking to Georgia Lennon (One Enchanted Evening, Glastonbury Abbey; Beauty and the Beast, Grand Opera House, Belfast) and Michael Pickering (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, London Palladium) who will be starring in Lady Chatterley’s Lover playing at the Shaftesbury Theatre from tonight for 2 nights only!

Check it out below!

Judy Craymer said, “We cannot wait to get the full theatrical experience of MAMMA MIA! back into the West End and what better way to leave lockdown than to be transported to our sunny Greek idyll. MAMMA MIA! has to be the perfect staycation destination.”

Returning to the cast will be Mazz Murray as Donna, Richard Trinder as Sam, Neil Moors as Harry, Stephen Beckett as Bill, and Sophie Matthew as Lisa.  They will be joined by Josie Benson (Camila Rosario in original London cast of In The Heights) as Tanya, Gemma Goggin (Doctor Faustus and Don Quixote for the RSC) as Rosie, Emma Mullen (Sophie in the UK & International Tour of MAMMA MIA! and lead role of Rosie in series 5 of Shetland on BBC1) as Sophie, Jack Danson (2020 graduate) as Sky, Tegan Bannister (Eponine in the UK Tour of Les Misérables) as Ali, Michael Nelson (Eddie in the UK & International Tour of MAMMA MIA!) as Eddie and Alexandros Beshonges (2020 graduate) as Pepper, with Natalie Langston (Alternate Eva Peron in Evita at Phoenix Theatre) playing the role of Donna at certain performances.

Also new to the cast will be Gemma Atkins, Chloe-Jo Byrnes, Nicole Carlisle, Angus Good, Natalie Jayne Hall, James Humpleman, Morgan Jackson, George Olney, Kyle Turner and Alex Woodward, who will be joining Natasha Agnew, Chloe Ames, Frankie Jones, Lauren Hampton, Grace Moorhouse, Jodie Nolan, Dan O’Brien, Michael Storrs, Michael Tyler and Simon Willmont.

Since premiering in London in 1999, the irresistible feelgood musical has captured the hearts of millions around the globe.  The sunny, funny tale of a mother, a daughter and three possible dads on a Greek island idyll, all unfolding to the magic of ABBA’s timeless pop masterpieces, has now been seen live on stage by 65 million people across the world and turned into two record-breaking movies – MAMMA MIA! The Movie and MAMMA MIA! Here We Go Again.

To date, MAMMA MIA! has been seen in 50 productions in 16 different languages grossing more than $4 billion at the box office.  In 2011, it became the first Western musical ever to be staged in Mandarin in the People’s Republic of China.   

MAMMA MIA! originally opened in London at the Prince Edward Theatre on 6 April 1999, before transferring to the Prince of Wales Theatre in 2004, and then to the Novello Theatre in 2012.  The London production of MAMMA MIA! has been seen by over 9 million people, played over 8,500 performances and has broken box office records in all three of its London homes.  

Produced by Judy Craymer, MAMMA MIA! The Movie became the highest grossing live action musical film of all time upon its release in 2008.  A second film, MAMMA MIA! HERE WE GO AGAIN, opened in July 2018 and is the most successful live musical movie sequel of all time.

Grab your tickets to see this all-dancing, all singing musical, the perfect way to celebrate theatre returning #BackOnStage

Whether you’re a fan of the iconic musical The Phantom Of The Opera or Les Misérables, or want to learn about some of the new musicals in London including Six or Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, the celebration is packed with showstoppers from the very best of West End musical theatre alongside the BBC Orchestra Concert. There is also a number of performances from special guests Elaine Paige, Michael Ball, Amanda Holden, Nicole Scherzinger, Josh Groban and Lea Solanga – what a treat!

Feeling SO overwhelmed by all your beautiful messages. My phones popping off. Thanks so much and big love to you all! 💙💙💙#MusicalsTheGreatestShow 🎭 https://t.co/FY5yoPx0QY pic.twitter.com/771dH3hBYo

— Layton Williams (@LaytonWilliams) February 7, 2021

And because we are still buzzing from the incredible performances and all the razzle-dazzle, we’re recapping all the wonderful musicals in London that were featured so that you can be reminded of all the exciting theatre you can enjoy once venues can reopen. It’ll be just the tonic we need!

Six

If you’ve not already heard, Six is a fresh British musical that everyone (we mean literally, everyone) is losing their heads over.

Think: Beyonce and Ariana Grande meets Tudor Queens. Yes, that’s right – this pop-tastic musical is all about the six wives of Henry VIII, who in true 21st century girl power-mode, take to the mics to tell their tales. In this pop-fuelled concert, the Pop Princesses remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an 80-minute celebration of true female empowerment! With an incredibly strong and powerful message, this homegrown musical is not one to be missed.

If you’d like to know more about the musical, click the video above for an exclusive performance alongside a Q&A with some of the cast members. And if you’re still wondering whether to grab your tickets, check out our roundup of Six ways Six stunned us here.

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

Layton Williams’ performance of Over The Wall gave us major goosebumps last night and was a big reminder of why show this is one of the most wonderful musicals in London. If you need a dose of inspiration or something that’s going to get you up on your feet and clicking your fingers with sass, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at the Apollo Theatre is a winner! Inspired by a documentary about a real boy named Jamie Campbell, the musical follows the tale of 16-year-old with a secret to tell – and dreams to make true.

We don’t want to give away too much, but when Jamie New found himself the target of bullies, he decides to tell his truth and share his story with the world. In an act of bravery, adversary and fabulousness, and with the help of his Mum and friends, he steps out of the darkness and owns the spotlight, becoming the school sensation and making his dreams come true.

Want to learn more about the true story that inspired the musical? Click here to learn all about the real-life Jamie New, or get your red heels ready and hit play to the trailer above! We’ve even got an Instagram takeover from the cast of the musical so if you want to have a nosey as to what goes on behind-the-scenes, be sure to check it out.

Tina – The Tina Turner Musical

As corny as it sounds, Aisha Jawando’s powerful performance on Musicals: The Greatest Show was a big reminder that theatre simply is the best! Would you agree? The iconic number is just one of many featured in the new biographical musical, Tina – The Tina Turner Musical.

Nominated for Best New Musical at the Olivier Awards 2019 with Mastercard, the musical reveals the untold story of global icon, Tina Turner, who dared to challenge the bounds of her age, gender and race.

From humble beginnings in Tennessee to rising up as the global Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Tina – The Tina Turner Musical features all your favourite showstopping songs. From River Deep – Mountain High to A Fool In Love, this stunning musical is well worth a watch at the Aldwych Theatre.

For exclusive performances and the inside scoop, check out our episode of Behind The Curtain with Tina – The Tina Turner Musical or boogie along to more of her iconic tracks over on our YouTube channel here.

Mamma Mia!

Enjoyed the movie and want to see the action live on stage? Or are you big ABBA fan and want to bop along to some of their iconic songs? Check out the trailer above – it’s one of the best feel-good musicals in London and we’re certain it’ll tick all the boxes!

More than two decades after it first premiered at the Prince of Wales Theatre, Mamma Mia! continues to offer theatre fans a bucket load of the feel-good factor at the Novello Theatre.

Set in stunning Greece, the hilarious and heartwarming story follows a young woman named Sophie who is planning her wedding. While her mother assists, the brides focus soon changes to tracking down her real father. Unbeknownst to her mother, Sophie ends up inviting three possible suspects to the wedding and they all turn up! Question is; which one will take her down the aisle and will any of them rekindle relations with her mother?

Featuring a number of ABBA’s most famous songs, Mamma Mia! is one of those musicals that you can keep returning to again and again because it simply never gets old! Like to see more? Head to Official London Theatre’s YouTube channel to watch exclusive performances and a Q&A with cast members here.

Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Jac Yarrow had us dreaming of being at musicals in London again in last night’s incredible performance of Any Dream Will Do from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Over fifty years on from its release as a concept album, Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat has well and truly taken its place as one of the world’s most loved family musicals. It’s hard to imagine that the multi-award-winning show began life as a small scale school concert, having since been performed in over 80 countries as far afield as Zimbabwe and Peru!

Lucky for us, the show is to be re-imagined in a spectacular new production to tell the story of Jacob’s favourite son, Joseph, and his eleven brothers. Sold into slavery out of the jealousy of his kin, Joseph finds himself in Egypt, where his reputation burgeons under Potiphar. But when he rejects the advances of Potiphar’s wife, Joseph is thrown into jail, where he discovers a unique ability to interpret dreams. Can he use this to resolve Egypt’s family and reunite with his family once more?

Starring Jason Donovan (as Pharaoh) and Jac Yarrow (as Joseph) and back by popular demand, the legendary musical promises to feature an epic score including renowned pop and musical theatre songs Any Dream Will Do, Close Every Door To Me, Jacob And Sons, There’s One More Angel In Heaven, and Go Go Go Joseph.

What are you waiting for? Check out the showstopping performance above and grab your tickets now so that you have something exciting to look forward to when musicals in London reopen.

If you’re uncertain which show to book but would like to support the industry and have something to look forward to, Theatre Tokens are a great alternative. They have no expiry date and can be used at more than 260 venues nationwide. Click here to find out more!

We hope this roundup has got you feeling super excited for all the incredible theatre that we have to look forward to but in the meantime, we’ve got plenty of things to keep you entertained. From our online calendar showcasing virtual theatre fixes to theatre quiz rounds and West End theatre spot the differences, there’s so much fun to be had. If what you’re looking for is more along the lines of interviews, performances and behind-the-scenes exclusives, don’t forget to check out our Official London Theatre YouTube channel here.

When you’re ready, scroll down to find out the answers, along with 5 fun facts about each place!

1. Baltimore – Hairspray

• Baltimore is a harbour town, famous for its delicious seafood – hence the title of Miss Baltimore Crabs!
• Famous gritty noughties series The Wire is set in Baltimore, with each series set in a different institution around the city.
• Snow cones – the precursor to slushies – were invented in Baltimore during the industrial revolution.
• The first successful balloon flight in the United States set off from Baltimore in 1784, manned by a 13-year-old boy named Edward Warren.
• The Corny Collins Show in Hairspray was based on a real teen dance show in Baltimore called the Buddy Deane Show, which was protested against in the 60s for not allowing racial integration in their broadcasts.

2. Buenos Aires – Evita

• Evita is based on the life of pioneering Argentinian actress, campaigner and politician Eva Perón, who campaigned for women rights and the rights of trade unions.
• The President’s Mansion in Buenos Aires is called the Casa Rosada – the pink house!
• The Presidents’ Mansion in Buenos Aires is called Casa Rosada, or Pink House. It is exactly what it sounds like, a massive pink mansion with gorgeous architecture.
• Buenos Aires holds a Tango Festival every summer, which attracts over 600,000 visitors each year from all around the world.
• The capital city is famous for its publishing and literary history too. Buenos Aires has more bookstores per capita than London and New York combined!

3. Gander – Come From Away

• Even before the true story of Come From Away took place, Gander is a town with a rich history of aviation and aerospace technologies, and a crater on Mars is named after Gander in recognition.
• Nearly all of Gander’s streets are named after famous aviators, including the Wright brothers, John Alcock and Athur Brown, Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart, and Canadian astronauts Marc Garneau, Roberta Bondar and Chris Hadfield.
• The island of Newfoundland was one of the last to join the Canadian Confederation and was still an independent country right up until 1949.
• Because of its position, Gander used to be an incredibly important refueling stop for America-Europe air travel. For a while it was the world’s busiest airport and on it’s completion in 1938, was the world’s biggest airport too!
• Enthusiastic work dog Pal used to work at Gander airport towing fuel to aircraft. He was adopted by the Royal Rifles of Canada in World War Two and they renamed him Gander. When he died saving soldiers from a grenade, he became the only Canadian dog to be awarded the Dickin Medal, the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross. He was, of course, a Newfoundland!

4. Sheffield – Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

• Jamie’s hometown Sheffield is the only city in the UK to have part of a National Park inside its boundaries. About a third of the city is actually inside the Peak District!
• The city is one of the greenest in Europe – about 60% of it is green space and it has over two million trees; four trees to every person!
• Sheffield’s famous Crucible Theatre hosts the World Snooker Championship, and is supposedly cursed: no player has ever successfully defended their first title win there.
• Sheffield has its very own Walk Of Fame outside the Town Hall, full of famous people from the city. Plaques include Sean Bean, Sebastian Coe, Grace Clough, Jessica Ennis and Michael Palin.
• The Guinness World Record for most people tossing pancakes at the same time was made in Sheffield in 2012 – 890 people flipped pancakes non-stop for 30 seconds to achieve the record!

5. Greek Islands – Mamma Mia

• Mamma Mia is set on Kalokairi, which is a fictional island, but the beautiful scenes you see in the film are actually Greek island Skopelos!
• Greece has over 5,000 islands, but only about 200 are populated.
• If you’ve ever wondered why so many houses on Greek islands have the same blue and white look, it’s because according to old beliefs, that particular shade of blue – called kyanos – wards off evil.
• Mykonos, one of the many Greek Islands, has an official mascot – a pelican called Petros.
• The Greek capital of Athens actually has the most theatrical stages of any city in the world. With nearly 150 stages, it has even more than Broadway or the West End!

6. Anatevka – Fiddler On The Roof

• Anatevka is a typical shtetl – a small town with a large Jewish population – in the Pale of Settlement in the Imperial Russian Empire, a region where permanent residency of Jews was allowed.
• The 1971 film was mostly filmed in Buckinghamshire. The exterior shots were taken in Yugoslavia, in areas which are now Croatia. As it wasn’t snowy at time of filming, they had to ship in marble dust to use as snow!
• In Fiddler On The Roof, when forced to leave the village, the characters have plans to emigrate all over the world – Jerusalem, Chicago, Krakow, New York – the end of the play symbolises how they will remain connected to their community through tradition, even though they are physically scattered.
• Real-world Anatevka is less than 20 miles outside of the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv. It was founded in 2014 as a refuge for Jewish families – it didn’t exist when the musical was written!
• Referencing the story-telling nature and the sense of place that runs throughout the musical, other titles Sheldon Harnick and Jerry Bock considered calling the show ‘Where Papa Came From’ and ‘The Old Country’ before settling on Fiddler On The Roof.

7. Pi-Ramesses – The Prince Of Egypt

• We can assume that The Prince Of Egypt is set in Pi-Ramesses, the capital city that Pharoah Rameses II built, about 70 miles north-west of Cairo.
• Pi-Ramesses was one of the largest cities in ancient Egypt, with a population of over 300,000, which flourished for over a century after Rameses II’s death.
• The newest archeological discovery of Pi-Ramesses was as recent as 2017, where a team found children’s footprints and parts of a painted wall, believed to be part of a temple.
• The Red Sea, which is parted by Moses, might have been called the Rea Sea because it contained a bacteria that turned the water a reddish-brown. Other historians think it might be a corruption of the ‘Reed Sea’, as in Hebrew it’s called the Sea of Reeds.
• King Rameses II’s mummy was found in 1881, and is currently on display in the Cairo museum. In 1974, he was flown to Paris to be treated to preserve it further, and Rameses II was issued an Egyptian passport, which listed his occupation as ‘King (deceased)’!

8. Kenya/ Tanzania – The Lion King

• While The Lion King isn’t set in a specific country in Africa, most of the kinds of animals in the story can be found in Kenya and Tanzania.
• You can visit Simba Rocks in Serengeti National Park in Tanzania – an ecosystem famous for its annual migration of over 1.5 million white-bearded wildebeest.
• According to the live-action Lion King’s production designer, James Chinlund, lots of the scenes and inspiration for the film were shot in Kenya, though the team also visited Tanzania, Namibia and Ethiopia.
• Kenya is home to the world’s largest tropical lake – Lake Victoria – and the world’s largest desert lake – Lake Turkana – which is known for its huge pink flamingo population.
• The earliest human skull ever discovered was found in Tanzania, dating back 2 million years.

9. Ho Chi Minh City – Miss Saigon

• Ho Chi Minh City – formally Saigon – was renamed in 1975 after the Vietnam war, and before it was called Saigon it was Prey Nokor, which means forest city!
• Even though it isn’t the capital, Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam. Even though it makes up 0.6% of the country’s land area, it makes up for nearly 30% of their industrial output!
• Ho Chi Minh City is famous for its coffee! Vietnamese coffee usually comes with sweetened condensed milk, but you can also get egg coffee – which contains beaten egg yolks in both the coffee and the milk, making it taste custardy!
• The train that runs from the capital Hanoi in the north of Vientam to Ho Chi Minh city in the south is often called the Reunification Express. The route spans over 1,700 kilometres and has 200 stations.
• Motorbikes are the favourite method of transportation in Ho Chi Minh City – there are about 25 motorbikes for every car in the city.

Whether you’re looking for something to keep you pumped during a dancing sesh or just some musical classics to keep you bopping while deep cleaning the house, we’ve got you covered. Now all you’ve gotta’ do is crank up the volume and get moving!

And You Don’t Even Know It – Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

If you’re feeling a little unmotivated, put on your best dancin’ shoes and hit play because as Jamie says… you might be a superstar and you don’t even know it! This inspiring, energetic and super sassy track is guaranteed to get you moovin’ and groovin’ and snapping your fingers with a whole lotta’ confidence!

Mamma Mia – Mamma Mia!

This jukebox classic has been getting audiences up on their feet since its opening in the West End over twenty years ago. Based on the songs of ABBA composed by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, former members of the band, this track will transport you to the glistening waters and sunshine of the Greek Islands. And if not, at the very least, it’ll get that heart rate pumping and happy energy flowing!

Six – Six The Musical

As any musical fan will know, this hit show features a pop-tastic soundtrack that’ll keep your energy high no matter how trying your workout is. Taking the UK pop charts by storm, the six wives of Henry VII take to the mic to rewrite their stories. You’ll definitely be losing your heads over this one!

Naughty – Matilda The Musical

If you’re feeling like things just ain’t right and want to let off some steam, join Matilda in this cheeky Olivier Awards performance. Written by Dennis Kelly with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, the song follows Matilda as she puts the world to rights and discovers that sometimes you have to be a little bit naughty! 

Alexander Hamilton – Hamilton

If rap and R&B is more your thing, this modern musical masterpiece from Hamilton will tick all your boxes. Besides giving you a dose of inspiration (and some amazing beats to move to!), this song sets up the main character of Alexander Hamilton and beautifully summarises the first two decades of his life. 

River Deep, Mountain High – Tina – The Tina Turner Musical

When it comes to West End shows about musical legends, you can rest assured that the tunes will be just as epic as the stars themselves. This jaw-dropping performance by the incredibly talented Adrienne Warren will certainly get you rollin’ off the couch and partaking in some healthy aerobics for the lungs!

Me & The Sky – Come From Away

Ladies! If you need a little somethin’ to boost your spirits, Rachel Tucker is here to save the day! Me & The Sky from Come From Away tells the story of Beverley Bass, a female pilot who was ordered to land in Gander, Newfoundland during the September 11 attacks. This belter is packed with emotion, passion and a healthy dose of girl power that’ll get you in the perfect mood to kill that workout.

Roar – & Juliet

This pop-fuelled show features a number of ionic noughties pop tracks from singer-songwriter Max Martin that we all know and love. If you’ve ever needed an anthem to give you a push before your workout, it doesn’t get any better than this song that was originally sung by Katy Perry. “Because I am a champion and you’re gonna hear me roar”… we’re just going to leave you with that (and the fact that this video has all the lyrics so you can celebrate with a post-workout sing-along!).

Defying Gravity – Wicked

Any fitness fanatic would know that gravity-defying fitness classes such as reformer pilates and ariel workouts have taken over the capital this year. And with that in mind, has there ever been a more fitting song than this classic track from the hugely popular musical, Wicked? The context may be different but we’d use any excuse to listen to one of our theatre faves!

Do You Love Me – Motown The Musical

There really isn’t anything better than some old Motown sound to set your soul on fire! Swing your hips, clap your hands and listen along to this West End LIVE medley including Do You Love Me (Now That I Can Dance), Stop! In The Name Of Love, Get Ready and Dancing In The Street.

If these tunes has got you feeling super stagey, why not continue the fun with our theatre quizzes? We’ve got everything from West End animals and anagrams to movie musicals and badly explained plot lines. Click here to check them out! Alternatively, you can head over to our online calendar to find out where you can watch theatre online!

What’s more, if you’re still struggling to get your mum the present she really deserves this Mother’s Day, why not treat her to some super cute Theatre Tokens? Theatre Tokens can be used at more than 260 venues across the country and have no expiry date. Support the theatre industry while bagging mum a great gift – it’s a win-win!

Donna Sheridan – Mamma Mia!

Liv – Communications Manager:

“For me, Donna is the ultimate fun mum. She’s impulsive, adventurous and has a great sense of humour – not to mention she really made the most of her youth! She’s also independent and entrepreneurial, making her an amazing role model for her daughter Sophie, who she brought up alone. Her long-lasting friendships with Tanya and Rosie prove she’s fiercely loyal, plus a supportive fellow girl band member (go, Donna and the Dynamos!). Finally, Donna is a doting mother to Sophie (who didn’t shed a tear at Slipping Through My Fingers?), who she teaches to be just as headstrong as her.”

Elizabeth Schuyler – Hamilton

Tony – Marketing Coordinator:

“Elizabeth Schuyler has to be the most impressive mum on the West End right now. Not only did she raise seven children of her own, often while her husband was away fighting wars and winning rap battles as we see in the show, she also adopted a daughter. Adopting inspired her to co-found New York’s first private orphanage, to help children without parents, which is still active today.”

Fantine – Les Misérables

Erin – Marketing & Communications Administrator:

“Fantine stands out to me as an outstanding theatre mum because of her resolute dedication to bettering the life of her daughter Cosette. By making the ultimate act of self-sacrifice for her child, she gifts Cosette the life she dreamed of for herself. She’s also very strong-willed and isn’t afraid to stand up for herself and what she believes in.”

Nurse – & Juliet

Jess – Social Media Manager:

“Nurse in & Juliet is more of a mum to Juliet than her actual mum ever is. She looks out for Juliet as a person rather than just her prospects or future, and treads the line carefully between encouraging her independence and keeping her safe. But, as we all know, mums and mum figures need a day off too, and Nurse isn’t afraid to have her own fun and pursue her own dreams too!” It’s your last chance to book before the show closes on 25 March.

Miss Honey – Matilda The Musical

Kitty – Content Coordinator:

“For me, Miss Honey is the West End’s best mum. She believes in Matilda to such an extent that she puts aside her own fears to stand up for her. She nurtures and encourages Matilda far more than her parents, assuring her that she is special and that her extraordinary intelligence is nothing to be ashamed of – the total opposite of what Matilda is used to hearing! Her love for Matilda, as well as her capability as a teacher, is even more admirable in the knowledge that she hasn’t experienced much love herself.”

Sarabi – Disney’s The Lion King

Yasmin – Content Administrator:

“Although Sarabi doesn’t feature too heavily in the show, she is still my favourite West End mum. Her resolve in the face of her husband’s death and son’s disappearance deserves far more credit than it gets! She is an amazing role model for the remainder of the pride, who she continues to lead with dignity and grace – despite the awful circumstances they must endure. She also stands up to the dictatorial Scar, insisting that the pride must leave their beloved Pride Rock (which of course she doesn’t want to) if they are to survive. All in all, a pretty gritty lioness!”

Rob’s Mum – My Son’s A Queer (But What Can You Do?)

Richard – Senior Commercial Manager:

“Rob’s Mum – along with their Dad and Grandparents – shows just what a supportive, encouraging mother can do for a child’s creativity. She embraced Rob’s Disney parades, puppet shows and recreations of Mary Poppins which in turn has led to this heart-warming, joyous play about the celebration of raising a queer child.”

Hermione Granger – Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Megan – Senior Marketing Manager:

“Hermione carries herself with a decisive, strong and kind manner. Her and Ron are the ideal parenting duo! She always manages to problem solve and keep the peace, given the weird and wonderful action that goes on in the Wizarding World. You’ve got to see the show yourself and experience the magic.”

Each year, West End behemoths go head to head to compete in a thespian-infused Eurovision. It’s full of glitter, joy and stagey stars. Today, the line-up has been announced and it’s as glitzy as one could wish for.

The shows taking part in this year’s competition are Come From Away, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Les Miserables, Mamma Mia!, Mary Poppins, The Phantom Of The Opera, The Prince Of Egypt, and Wicked.

Each show will perform an original Eurovision Song Contest entry of their choice. That’s right. They have 85 years and all of Europe’s entries to choose from. The winner will be chosen by text votes from the theatre audience and a panel of celebrity judges.

So far, Tom Allen (Bake Off Extra Slice) and Adam Garcia (Tap Dogs) have been announced as judges with more being announced closer to the date.

This year’s contest marks the variety show’s 10th anniversary and with new kids in town, Mary Poppins and The Prince Of Egypt, it’s anyone’s competition.

The show takes place at the Adelphi Theatre on Sunda 19 April at 7.15pm. To get tickets, click here.

Tickets for The Pillowman now on sale

On Friday, it was announced that Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Steve Pemberton will star in the upcoming production of the iconic and acclaimed play The Pillowman. The production brings together Oscar and Olivier Award-winning writer Martin McDonagh and director Matthew Dunster once again. The pair’s last West End production was the audience and critical favourite Hangmen, making this upcoming staging even more exciting.

Today, tickets to the run which opens in July have gone on sale so get yours while you can.

The winners of the WhatsOnStage Awards announced

Last night, London theatre’s A-list was out in full for the 20th annual WhatsOnStage Awards. The ceremony took place at the Prince Of Wales Theatre and was hosted by Jodie Prenger and Tom Read Wilson.

Leading the pack with the most wins – a whopping six from a grand total of 13 nominations – was &Juliet which included a win for Miriam-Teak Lee who took home the Best Actress In A Musical award.

However, it was Come From Away who took home the most coveted award of the night – Best New Musical – along with all the other awards it was nominated for which included the Best Supporting Actress In A Musical award which went to Rachel Tucker.

Other winners included Andrew Scott for Best Actor In A Play, Claire Foy for Best Actress In A Play, Sophie Thompson for Best Supporting Actress In A Play, Sam Tutty and Jack Loxton for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor In A Musical respectively for their roles in Dear Evan Hansen, and Six which won the inaugural BBC2 Radio Audience Award for Best Musical. Jamie Lloyd, Hammed Animashaun, Life Of Pi, Mary Poppins, The Colour Purple, and Falsettos all saw wins also.

The Equity Award for Services to Theatre was presented to ERA 50:50 – Equal Representation for Actresses. Maureen Beattie, President of Equity, presented the award to Denis Gough.

Congratulations to all that won! You can see them in the gallery below.

Jacqueline Wilson’s Hetty Feather to be screened in cinemas across the UK

Missing a production is always a kick in the teeth – especially when it’s earned mass critical acclaim. So it’s always music to our ears when a second opportunity arises thanks to cinema screenings.

Today it has been announced that a recording of Jacqueline Wilson’s Hetty Feather will be available for your viewing pleasure from 15 April.

Filmed live at Nuffield Southampton Theatres, and produced by BroadwayHD, the premiere streaming service for live theatre, the full cast includes Matt Costain (Jem/Matron Bottomly), Sarah Goddard (Peg/Ida), Mark Kane (Gideon), Isaac Stanmore (Saul), Phoebe Thomas (Hetty Feather) and Nikki Warwick (Madame Adeline). Having premièred at Rose Theatre in Kingston the production enjoyed a sell-out run at the Vaudeville Theatre in 2014, followed by a run at Duke of York’s Theatre and UK tour in 2015.

Soho Theatre will look to reschedule where they can. You can stay up to date by following their twitter account.  

Earl Carpenter and Daniel Boys were today announced as the final stars to be cast in a charity gala performance of Boublil And Schönberg’s The Pirate Queen. 

The special star-studded performance will take place at the London Coliseum on Sunday 23 February with all proceeds going to Leukaemia UK.

Earl (Les Misérables, The Phantom Of The Opera, The Witches Of Eastwick, Evita) will star in the role of Dubhdara, widowed father of Grace, while Daniel (Falsettos, The Boys In The Band, Avenue Q) will play Lord Bingham, confidante and advisor to Queen Elizabeth I.

They will be joining the previously announced Rachel Tucker (as Grace O’Malley), Hannah Waddingham (as Queen Elizabeth I), Steph Parry, Emma Norman, Britain’s Got Talent winner Jai McDowall and Matthew Pagan from Collabro as headliners.

The Pirate Queen is based on the real-life story of Grace O’Malley – an Irish Chieftain and notorious pirate – and follows the adventure of the inspiring heroine in 16th-century Ireland. In order to protect her people and to save her one true love, she must confront the one woman more powerful than her – the fierce Queen Elizabeth I of England.

From the writers of Les Misérables and Miss Saigon, this must-see show features classic storytelling and stunning Irish dance and song. To book tickets or find out more, visit the listing on London Coliseum’s website.

Shelagh Delaney’s A Taste Of Honey enters its final four weeks!

Directed by Bijan Sheibani (Barber Shop Chronicles) and playing at Trafalgar Studios, the ground-breaking British classic is back in the West End for the first time in 60 years! Written by Shelagh when she was just 19, the reimagined production explores the turbulent relationship between a single mum and her feisty teenager who falls pregnant with a mixed-raced baby before moving with her homosexual friend. Though this taboo-breaking play was written in the 1950s, its honest look at love and surviving in poverty still remains relevant today.

Sadly, A Taste Of Honey will be closing on 29 February, but with performances still available in our New Year Sale (ending 13 February) now is the perfect opportunity to snap up some tickets!

Kiln Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company today announced the full cast for the London run of A Museum In Baghdad. 

Opening at Kiln Theatre on 28 April and directed by Erica Whyman, the cast will include: David Birrell (as Professor Leonard Woolley), Houda Echouafni (as Layla Hassan), Emma Fielding (as Gertrude Bell), Ali Gadema (as Kidnapper, Prime Minister), Rendah Heywood (as Ghalia Hussein), Zed Josef (as Salim), Nadi Kemp-Sayfi (as Nasiya), Debbie Korley (as Sam York), Riad Richie (as Mohammed Abdullah), and Rasoul Saghir (as Abu Zaman).

Running until 23 May, the play begins in 1962 Iraq and follows British archaeologist Gertrude Bell who is founding a museum in Baghdad. Fast-forward to 2006, Ghalia Hussein is attempting to reopen the museum after looting during the war. Though decades apart, the two women share the same goals; to create a sense of unity and to make the world anew through the museum and its treasures. But in such unstable times, many questions remain. Who is the museum for? Whose culture are we preserving? And why does it matter when people are dying?

To purchase tickets or to find out more about the play, head to Kiln Theatre’s website.

Katherine Parkinson and Kayla Meikle cast in the world premiere of E.V Crowe’s Shoe Lady at the Royal Court. 

Directed by Vicky Featherstone and running from Wednesday 4 to 21 March, Shoe Lady tells the story of a lady name Viv who has lost a shoe. They’re her work shoes, her weekend shoes, her only pair of shoes, and she doesn’t know what to do. The curtains are falling, her foot is bleeding, and she’s starting to feel a little overwhelmed. But all will be well in the world once she finds that missing shoe.

Katherine Parkinson (Theatre: Dead Funny, Absent Friends, The Seagull; TV: The IT Crowd) will star in the role of Viv while Kayla Meikle (All My Sons, Midsummer Night’s Dream, Jack & the Beanstalk) will step into the role of Elaine.

Tickets are now on sale! Head to the Royal Court website to find out more about this exciting new production.

Musical fans, if you’re yet to see Mamma Mia! you’ll be pleased to know that we’ve still got tickets in our New Year Sale ending soon. 

Cosy up with a trip to the Novello Theatre where you will be transported to sun-soaked Greek for the hit ABBA Musical that’s been seen by over 65 million people around the world! Sky has been on a mission to find out who her father is and on the eve of her wedding she is surprised when 3 men from her mother’s past return to the island. Question is; which one will take her down the aisle and will any of them rekindle their love with her mum?

Packed with ABBA’s timeless songs, this feel-good show tells the tale of love, laughter and friendship. If you loved the movie, you’ll definitely want to see this. But be quick, as our New Year Sale offer ends on 13 February!

If you’ve already ticked Mamma Mia! off your musical bucketlist but fancy seeing what else is on offer, check out our roundup of the 10 must-see shows to see in our New Year Sale.

Mamma Mia!

Saturday 16 November 3pm

This classic musical is jam-packed full of energy. Featuring hit after hit from Abba’s back-catalogue, the show is full of impressive dance numbers and a heavy pinch of 1970s glamour. And of course, most importantly: flares.

Book online through the link below, or to book the best view of the captions call 0344 482 5137 or email access@delfontmackintosh.co.uk.

Groan Ups

Saturday 16 November 7.30pm

Following an unruly classroom of toddlers through their awkward teenage years all the way to a school reunion at 30, Groan Ups charts the life span of 5 characters. With the classic comedy we’ve come to expect from the Mischief Theatre Company, you’ll be laughing and cringing in equal measures.

Book online through the link below, or to book the best view of the captions call 0330 333 4815 or email access@nimaxtheatres.com.

The Mousetrap

Tuesday 19 November 7.30pm

68 years on, we’re still desperate to find out whodunnit. Agatha Christie’s famous murder mystery, The Mousetrap, follows a group of strangers stuck in a countryside hotel in the middle of a snowstorm. But when the local police call to tell them there’s a murderer on the loose, who can be trusted?

Book online through the link below, or to book the best view of the captions call 0330 333 4815 or email access@nimaxtheatres.com.

Stray Dogs

Thursday 21 November 7.45pm

Based on real-life events, Stray Dogs follows the story of Russian poet Anna Akhmatova in 1940s USSR. Even while she’s losing family all around her to Stalin’s purges, the Man of Steel himself wants a favour. But how far will she go to save a life?

Find out more through the link below, and to book call 020 7870 6876 or email boxoffice@parktheatre.co.uk.

The Comedy About A Bank Robbery

Friday 22 November 7.30pm

From the creators of The Play That Goes Wrong comes The Comedy About A Bank Robbery, the Olivier Award-nominated West End comedy about one enormous diamond, eight incompetent crooks and a snoozing security guard. If you’re up for an evening of raucous slapstick, look no further.

Book online through the link below, or to book the best view of the captions call 020 7839 8811 or email tickets@criterion-theatre.co.uk.

Matilda The Musical

Saturday 23 November 2.30pm

Based on the beloved Roald Dahl book, with music and lyrics from musical comedian Tim Minchin, Matilda The Musical is a delightful production of the well-known tale. If the 86 major international awards (including 7 Olivier Awards!) aren’t enough to persuade you then we don’t know what is!

Book online through the link below, or to book the best view of the captions call 020 7087 7966 or email access@lwtheatres.co.uk.

White Christmas

Thursday 28 November 2.30pm

No matter the weather outside, you can guarantee a White Christmas inside the Dominion Theatre this winter. With all the 1950s glam you could possibly ask for, the Tony Award-nominated show follows veterans Bob and Phil as they tour their song and dance act. After meeting the beautiful Haynes sisters, the pair fall hopelessly in love and follow the musical sisters to their Christmas show in Vermont.

Book online through the link below, or to book the best view of the captions call 020 7927 0929 or email dominion.access@nederlander.co.uk.

Paterson Joseph is to star as Ebenezer Scrooge. He will be joined by Melissa Allan, Kwêsi Edman, Hollie Edwin, Fred Haig, Nick Hart, Andrew Langtree, Myra McFadyen, Steven Miller, Maria Omakinwa, Gloria Onitiri, James Staddon, Samuel Townsend and Rebecca Trehearn. Rayhaan Kufuor-Gray, Lara Mehmet, Lenny Rush and Eleanor Stollery share the role of Tiny Tim.

Witchy West End sensation Wicked welcomed their 10 millionth visitor last night! (Try saying that ten times quickly!) I’m sure you’ll all go green with jealousy when you hear that the lucky theatregoer was invited to celebrate with the cast after the performance.

Not only that, but Geeta Ozdural (no we’re not making it up, she actually has Oz in her name) brought her theatregoing companion with her to meet Nikki Bentley, Helen Woolf and the rest of the cast – who just happened to be her cousin Lopa Shah, who was visiting from the USA in their first Reunion in a decade.

The casting was announced today for the world première of Bijan Sheibani’s debut play, The Arrival, at the Bush Theatre. Bijan is currently directing the National Theatre production of A Taste Of Honey, which has been touring the UK and transfers to Trafalgar Studios from 5 December. His previous credits include The Brothers Size at the Young Vic and Barber Shop Chronicles at the National Theatre.

Estranged brothers Tom and Samad meet for the first time and are shocked by how similar they are, despite Tom being adopted and the years they have spent apart. But they soon realise as things get tangled that their new bond comes at a price. Scott Karim (Oklahoma!, The Village) will play Tom and Irfan Shamji (Kenneth Branagh’s Hamlet, Dance Nation) will play Samad.

The cast and creative team have been announced for Message In A Bottle, the new Sadler’s Wells and Universal Music UK production based on the songs of Sting. Message In A Bottle will première at The Peacock from 6 February 2020.

The production features dancers from all over the world in ZooNation: The Kate Prince Company. The production will include winner of Sky 1’s Got to Dance 2013, Lukas McFarlane;  cast member of the 2019 film of Cats, Tommy Franzen; Stricly Come Dancing’s Natasha Gooden and So You Think You Can Dance finalist and judge on CBBC’s Alesha’s Street Dance Stars, Lizzie Gough.

Mazz Murray and Jérôme Pradon have completed the cast of Roger & Hammerstein’s Cinderella in Concert at Cadogan Hall on Sunday 20 October. Mazz is currently starring as Donna in Mamma Mia! at the Novello Theatre, having spent 9 years as Killer Queen in We Will Rock You. Jérôme Pradon has enjoyed success on stage both here and in his native France. His UK credits include Chris in the original production of Miss Saigon and Ivan in Woman On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown.

They join an already star-studded cast of Christine Allado (Prince of Egypt, Hamilton), Jodie Jacobs (Unexpected Joy, Bananaman), Dean John-Wilson (Cruel Intentions, The King & I), Cedric Neal (Back To The Future, The View UpStairsl), Dianne Pilkington (Only Fools and Horses, Wicked), Zoë Rainey (Kiss Me Kate, MAMMA MIA!) and Jac Yarrow (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat;Winner of the 2019 Joe Allen Best West End Debut Award).

When a journalist is sent a flash-drive containing critical evidence of illegal government activity, he is duty-bound to publish the story. But with the nation destabilised and divided, a sinister power is eroding the rule of law. What price will he pay for speaking out?

The cast comprises Jamie Cameron (Day Of The Living, A Christmas Carol), Peter Hamilton Dyer (A Midsummer Night’s Dream: A Play For The Nation), and Indra Ové (The Interrogation Of Sandra Bland).

The immersive production of The Great Gatsby released some gorgeous photos today ahead of their transfer to the West End. The show promises to take London back into the roaring twenties, with cocktails, dancing and a pinch of good old fashioned scandal.

The immersive theatre experience has been running around the UK since 2015, and enjoyed a run in London as part of VAULT festival in 2017, where it sold out before it even opened. It now moves to IMMERSIVE | LDN in Mayfair from November.

Mamma Mia! announced a collaboration with Target Ovarian Cancer this week to raise awareness for ovarian cancer. Mamma Mia! felt strong links to this charity as a story of female friendship, support and strength created by three women.

Couture designer Elizabeth Emmanuel has exclusively designed a t-shirt with a Mamma Mia! Dynamo etched in metallic on the front. The t-shirts come with a specially designed hangtag explaining the symptoms of ovarian cancer to raise awareness for the disease which kills 11 women every day in the UK alone.

The t-shirts are available online, at the Novello Theatre, at the Mamma Mia! International tour productions’ theatres. £9 of each sale goes directly to Target Ovarian Cancer.

To help you choose where to go, we’ve picked a few restaurants your kids will love that are close to Kids Week shows.

[related-article]

Caffe Concerto, Haymarket

Nearby shows: The Comedy About A Bank Robbery, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, Where Is Peter Rabbit? and The Phantom Of The Opera.

The Comedy About A Bank Robbery, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, Where Is Peter Rabbit? and The Phantom Of The Opera. Four shows that are worlds apart but the Criterion, Harold Pinter, Her Majesty’s and Haymarket theatres sure aren’t. If you’re planning to burn some extra calories laughing by watching The Comedy About A Bank Robbery, feel peckish after seeing Peter nibble carrots or feel like eating your emotions after seeing Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, why not consider visiting Caffe Concerto? They serve delicious Italian food so you can have a proper meal which doesn’t involve nuggets and your little one can have a yummy dish that they’ll love. Kids can choose a free meal from a set menu, plus a drink when an adult purchases a main course. Or, if you’d prefer, you can get 15% off your bill. Just be warned, there’s a lot of cake on display at Caffe Concerto so be ready to either say no or embrace the sugar rush.

If you’re looking for something a bit more casual, Planet Hollywood is also a great shout and offers 20% off food, soft drinks and merchandise when you show your theatre tickets. Or Riley’s Haymarket who also offers 20% off your food bill.

Maxwell’s, Covent Garden

Nearby shows: The Girl On The Train, Brainiac Live, The Night Of The Iguana and On Your Feet

If you’re a regular theatre-goer, you’ve probably visited St Martin’s Lane more times than you can count. And this Kids Week will just keep racking up those visits as there are loads of shows on offer on the famous theatre road. If you’re planning on seeing The Girl On The Train at the Duke Of York’s Theatre, Brainiac Live at the Garrick Theatre, The Night Of The Iguana at the Noël Coward Theatre, or On Your Feet at the London Coliseum, Maxwell’s could very well be your saving grace when you have a hungry child in tow.

Serving hearty, all-American grub, Maxwell’s will be an absolute hit with your kid. From creamy mac and cheese to finger-licking ribs, this diner-style restaurant will fast become their favourite – so be ready to visit time and again. Kids can enjoy a free main course when they accompany an adult who has a full price main.

If burgers aren’t quite your thing, Bella Italia is just on the corner of St Martin’s Lane and Garrick Street where you can get 20% off your food bill from Sunday to Friday. Or Palm Court, which offers authentic French cuisine, is a short walk away and offers 25% off your food bill when you order off the a la carte menu.

Talli Joe, Seven Dials

Nearby shows: The Secret Diary Of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ – The Musical, The Mousetrap and Matilda

A new musical and London’s longest-running play sit next to each other just off Seven Dials. And if you’re planning on seeing either The Secret Diary Of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ – The Musical or The Mousetrap – or managed to snap up tickets to Matilda – there’s a brilliant restaurant serving traditional flavours in a unique way.

Talli Joe sits on Shaftesbury Avenue, just moments away from West Street. It’s a casual eatery which has been featured on the Best Indian Restaurants in London by Evening Standard, Best Restaurants in London by Conde Nast Traveller, and Time Out’s Best 100 dishes lists. It serves small plates and half plates which showcase tastes from all over India and it’s a great way to introduce new foods to both your palette and your little one. You can either get 15% off your food bill when you order off the a la carte menu between 5pm and 7pm Monday to Saturday or enjoy a set menu for £15 between 5pm and 6.30pm and from 9.30pm.

If you don’t mind a wee walk, inamo Covent Garden is just five minutes away and your kids will LOVE it. It serves pan Asian food which you order on the interactive tables. The tables also have games, a kitchen cam and more to keep your youngun entertained. Kids can get a free dessert when they order a dish and a drink from the a la carte menu.

Shoryu, Soho

Nearby shows: Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain – Part Four, Thriller Live, The Gruffalo, and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

Just like St Martin’s Lane, Shaftsbury Avenue is a haven for theatre lovers. With Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain – Part Four, Thriller Live, The Gruffalo, and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, chances are you might be trotting down the glitzy street over the next few weeks. And while you’re there, you may as well visit Shoryu.

Serving up authentic ramen which has been simmered for 12 hours, you and your child can enjoy a comforting and filling meal which will curb any tummy rumbles during the show. And if you think it’s too hot for soup, Shoryu also serves fluffy, melt-in-the-mouth bao buns, sushi, rice dishes and more. You can save 20% off ramen dishes and the a la carte menu.

Bodean’s, Covent Garden

Nearby shows: Waitress, The Woman In Black, The Play That Goes Wrong, 9 To 5 The Musical, Disney’s The Lion King and Mamma Mia

Hailing to the east of Theatreland lies Waitress, The Woman In Black, The Play That Goes Wrong, 9 To 5 The Musical, Disney’s The Lion King and Mamma Mia!. If your kid is lucky enough to be seeing any of these giant shows, they’ll need a giant meal, too.

Offering Kansas City-style barbecue, Bodean’s is a meat-lovers dream. Discover the true flavour of an all-American grill with all the fixins. As well as ribs, chicken, burnt ends, pulled pork and more, there’s also a wide selection of salads, sides (include cornbread muffins), and even veggie options. With your theatre ticket, you can get 20% off both your food and drink bill.

If a full-on BBQ is just too much for a pre- or post-theatre meal, then why not try Farmstand, Savoy Grill, Boulevard Brasserie or Roka? All offer great offers and even better food.

There are plenty of other restaurants offering meal deals with your theatre tickets. Click here to find the whole list.

Still don’t have your Kids Week tickets? Don’t worry! There are still plenty available. There are even some activities left for your kids to take part in, too.

Please note that terms and conditions apply to each restaurant booking and offer and some of the Kids Week shows mentioned are now sold out.

The scheme, founded to encourage more young people and families to experience the magic of live theatre, offers a free ticket to every child aged 16 or under accompanied by a full paying adult. Half-price tickets can also be purchased for two additional children in the same group. There are no booking, postage or transaction fees.

Alongside the performances, children are given the chance to get involved in free workshops and activities, with participating shows offering everything from choreography and magic workshops to cast Q&As and backstage tours. Kids Week ticket holders can also take advantage of ‘Kids Go Free’ deals on dining and hotels.

Kids Week is one of the biggest, longest-running audience development initiatives in the world, engaging around 1.6 million children and families since it began in 1998.

List of shows taking part in Kids Week 2019:

• 9 To 5 The Musical
• Disney’s Aladdin
• Aliens Love Underpants
• Brainiac Live
• Come From Away
• The Comedy About A Bank Robbery
• Dinosaur World Live
• Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
• The Falcon’s Malteser
• Fiddler On The Roof
• The Girl On The Train
• The Gruffalo
• Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain – Part Four
• The Illusionists
• Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
• Legend Trippers
• Disney’s The Lion King
• Little Baby Bum Live
• Mamma Mia!
• Matilda The Musical
• Monstersaurus!
• The Mousetrap
• On Your Feet!
• Peter Pan
• The Phantom Of The Opera
• The Play That Goes Wrong
• School Of Rock – The Musical
• The Secret Diary Of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ The Musical
• Six
• Thriller Live
• Twirlywoos Live!
• The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show
• Waitress
• Where Is Peter Rabbit?
• Wicked
• Witness For The Prosecution
• The Woman In Black
• The Worst Witch
• Zog

To find out more about Kids Week activities and deals, check out our Kids Week section. Kids Week tickets go on sale at 10am on Tuesday 11 June. 

Check out this list of shows to see during May half-term week, including productions that are putting on extra matinee performances just to help keep the kids entertained for a few more hours!

Disney’s Aladdin

With the live-action remake of Aladdin hitting the cinemas, now has never been a better time to have the magic of this Disney classic come to life in front of your very eyes!

This production features breath-taking sets, over 350 incredible costumes and mind-blowing special effects, you’ll feel like you’re really in Agrabah! Plus it features the absolute tunes of Friend Like Me and A Whole New World to bop along to!

And you don’t need a magic genie, connections to the Princess or a flying carpet to be part of the action, simply book a ticket to see the show right here on Official London Theatre!

Come From Away

Winners of four Olivier Awards, including Mastercard Best New Musical, Come From Away is a show not to be missed this half-term.

The show tells the incredible story of the 7,000 passengers who were grounded in Gander, Newfoundland following the 9/11 attacks. The people of Gander opened their homes, churches, schools and community centres, and took care of the “plane people” until the airspace opened again.

Not only is this an amazing story, but it’s also a fairly short musical, running at 1hr40 with no interval, so you won’t have to worry about keeping the kids entertained and in their seats during the break.

You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll immediately book a second trip to see the show so you can become an honorary islander again.

The Comedy About A Bank Robbery

Ideals for family members who are fond of slapstick and silliness, witness the worst criminals ever in The Comedy About A Bank Robbery.

Created by the same team who brought you The Play That Goes Wrong (who we’ll go onto shortly…), this ridiculous, spectacular show has everything you’d need in a comedy; mistaken identities, love triangles, and of course, a seagull.

Full of twists on genre tropes, and packed with daring set-pieces, The Comedy About A Bank Robbery is a hilarious showcase of slick theatrical inventiveness and hilarious, quip-filled wordplay. It’d be criminal to miss it!

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

Going out of the darkness and into the spotlight, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is the uplifting story of teenager Jamie New, who wants to be a drag queen and wear a dress to his school prom.

Based on a true story (and inspired by the BBC documentary, Jamie: Drag Queen at 16), this show received five Olivier Award nominations last year, including Best Theatre Choreographer, Mastercard Best New Musical and Outstanding Achievement in Music.

Currently guest starring in the show is the winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Bianca Del Rio as Jamie’s mentor, Hugo/Loco Chanel, and singer Faye Tozer as his teacher, Miss Hedge.

Disney’s The Lion King

If your family are fans of Disney’s The Lion King, you don’t need to get on a plane to experience the Serengeti, just book to see the stage show!

Bringing the well-loved Disney classic to the stage using incredible performers and exquisite puppetry that will have your jaw drop in disbelief, it’s not hard to see why this award-winning musical is now in its 20th year in the West End.

Featuring Elton John’s classic score, as well as some brand-new songs that you’ll be downloading on the way home, the whole family will be singing The Circle Of Life for the rest of half-term, but it’s totally worth it!

Mamma Mia!

Your kids may not have been born when ABBA were at the height of their success, in fact they may not have even been born when this musical first came out in 1999 (or even the movie version in 2008!), but it doesn’t mean they won’t still enjoy the absolute bangers that are in this show.

No one can resist dancing to the show’s score, including the hits “Dancing Queen” “Waterloo” and “Money, Money Money”. And if the music doesn’t inspire them, the eye-catching costumes will!

Matilda The Musical

The well-loved Roald Dahl story of Matilda, the little girl who loved to read, has been a huge success since it first arrived in the West End back in 2011. It’s won seven Olivier Awards, four Tony Awards, 86 international awards and stolen the hearts of thousands of audience members. The show is an anarchic, hilarious, heart-warming and ingenious adaptation of the classic Dahl tale.

The show’s music and lyrics come from award-winning, mischief-loving Australian musician and comedian Tim Minchin, with beloved songs including Naughty, Quiet, Revolting Children and School Song.

And what’s even better is there’s an extra matinee performance during half-term week, so there will be 2pm shows on both Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 May 2019.

The Play That Goes Wrong

We told you that we’d be mentioning this show, didn’t we!

In this Olivier-award winning show, the Cornley Polytechnic Drama is trying to put on a production. But the director is having the worst night of his life as he struggles with actors who don’t know their lines, falling sets, misplaced props and more! Anything and everything could go wrong in this show, and it always does!

School Of Rock – The Musical

For the kids who like to rock out on instruments rather than practice what their music teacher has told them to do, School Of Rock – The Musical is perfect.

Based on the Jack Black comedy of the same name, the show is about Dewey Finn, a wannabe rock-star who’s desperate for cash. He decides to lie about who he is, and his qualifications, to land a teaching job at a prestigious school. But when Dewey finds out the kids he teaches are also talented musicians, he decides to enter them in a battle of the bands’ contest. The musical features all of the original songs from the movie, alongside 14 new songs and music written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Glenn Slater.

The show features an incredibly talented group of children, who all play their instruments live on stage like the true rock stars they are.

Wicked

Think you know everything about the wicked witch from the Wizard Of Oz? Think again!

Based on the best-selling book, Wicked will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about the story of Oz. You’ll witness an alternative backstory of Elphaba, Glinda The Good and the residents of Oz themselves, and not everything is as it seems!

A winner of two Olivier Awards, Wicked is the 9th longest running musical in West End history, and has been seen by over 55 million people in more than 130 cities. Famous for its principal casts, the current West End Wicked cast includes Alice Fearn (Elphaba), Sophie Evans (Glinda) and David Witts (Fiyero).

For more shows to take the family to this half-term check out our theatre tickets page!

From the classic pop and the traditional numbers to ballads Enya would envy, we’ll be hearing all sorts of songs from the 26 competing countries. Which has got us thinking, which West End songs would we enter into the contest? Here are our picks for musical numbers that should be entered into Eurovision – you know, should anyone ever need the suggestions.

Classic pop – Mamma Mia from Mamma Mia!

We thought we’d start with the obvious seeing as ABBA won Eurovision back in 1974 with Waterloo. Now, we’ve chosen Mamma Mia as our entry but really, any song from Mamma Mia! is a potential candidate as the songs written by Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus are the epitome of the contest.

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Rocking it out – When I Climb To The Top Of Rock Mountain from School Of Rock

If School Of Rock entered Eurovision, it won’t just be Rock Mountain they’ll be climbing – it’ll be the points table, too. Because really, how can a group dressed in school uniforms with an extremely energetic lead singer bouncing around the stage while a kid grinds his axe in the corner not be awarded 12 points?

The ballad – I Dreamed A Dream from Les Mis

It’s the ultimate musical ballad and it would send chills around the whole of Europe if it were performed in the competition. Grab your hankies and get ready to hear the universal story of lost love. Just imagine a dark stage with a smoke machine working overtime…

The get-on-your-feet number – Conga from On Your Feet!

Every Eurovision needs a party song that’ll make you and your friends get up off that sofa to dance around your living room after a few too many glasses of wine. And what better song than one that’s literally about dancing? The conga, no less! The classic 80s song has everything to make it a Eurovision winner and a fan favourite.

Sticking to tradition – Welcome To The Rock from Come From Away

Okay, so we may have to do away with a bit of the narration but Welcome To The Rock’s folksy style and traditional instruments makes it a shoo-in for the competition. And seeing as Come From Away has already won the Olivier Award for Best New Musical, we’re pretty confident this number will fair well.

The swing-those-hips number – Work Of Art from Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

A catchy number that you can start singing along to on first listen? How this hasn’t already been entered into the competition, we have no idea! And just imagine the costumes they’d use! There’d be sequins for days and it’d take years to get the glitter out of the floor.

The up-tempo comedy number – House Of Holbein from Six

What is Eurovision without a bit of German rave and some air horns? It would be the song that everyone would be talking about on Twitter and if it didn’t actually win, it would have the public vote for most memorable performance of the night.