Theatre expert Claudia Coelho has picked her favourite productions on tour in the UK. Call us to book tickets to any of the below, or for a full list of what’s on at your nearest theatres.
Dirty Dancing
Nationwide tour
When it opened at London’s Aldwych Theatre in 2006, this became the fastest selling West End show of all time. The iconic coming of age drama, set against the backdrop of 1960s rock ’n’ roll America, follows Baby Houseman on her journey into womanhood after she meets smooth-talking, hip-shaking Johnny Castle while on a family holiday.
‘After five years in London, this is the first time this hit show has gone on tour,’ says Claudia. ‘The steamy scenes immortalised in the 1987 blockbuster are recreated on stage with slick performances that will leave you hot under the collar – even the famous log balancing scene is not missed out.’
Oliver!
Nationwide tour
With an entourage of rapscallions and pickpockets in tow, Oliver Twist, Bill Sykes and Fagin hit the road following a two-year sell-out run in London’s West End. Dickens’ tale of an orphan who finds himself in the hands of a conniving criminal has become the UK’s most talked about musical. Neil Morrissey and Brian Conley share the role of Fagin, while former Wicked star Kerry Ellis is hanging up her broomstick to replace Jodie Prenger as Nancy – all set to Lionel Bart’s well-loved music.
‘With choreography by Matthew Bourne, Rupert Goold as director and an orchestra of more than 100, this touring show has high credentials – but it’s a show that is always going to delight young audiences, regardless.’
South Pacific
Nationwide tour
Love blossoms early in Bartlett Sher’s revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific, which has already taken Broadway – and more recently London’s Barbican Theatre – by storm. Set on a tropical island during the Second World War, this is the romantic tale of two couples whose love is threatened by the harsh realities of war. International opera star Paulo Szot is back in his Tony Award-winning role as Emile de Becque and the 40-strong cast is supported by a full orchestra.
‘Samantha Womack, who gave engaging performances as Nellie at the Barbican, will continue in the role for this UK tour. The set design is particularly beautiful and there’s an excellent 25-piece orchestra, but it’s Szot whose performance really stands out,’ comments Claudia.
Chicago
Nationwide tour
This tale of fame, fortune and all that jazz is stepping away from its 12-year run on the West End and taking to major theatres across Britain. The high-paced drama is set during the height of the US Prohibition, when chorus girl Roxie Hart murders her lover and ends up in jail with her arch-rival, Velma Kelly. The women fight for the spotlight and both hire lawyer Billy Flynn to keep them off death row and get their names in lights.
‘The cast has yet to be confirmed for this touring production, but with the score by John Kander and Fred Ebb, plus choreography inspired by Bob Fosse, it promises to be as slick and dazzling as the ongoing London hit. Its plot has all the elements to grip an audience – murder, showbiz and an adulterous love triangle,’ says Claudia.
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