We asked lifestyle manager and theatre specialist Emma Brand for her picks of what to see in 2012 in London and further afield. If you would like more details, suggestions or to buy tickets, just contact us.
One Man, Two Guvnors
Theatre Royal Haymarket, London
2 March – 15 September 2012
This slapstick satire has enthralled critics since opening last May, starring James Corden as a gluttonous former skiffle musician who’s juggling two jobs as a minder. The farcical play, set in 1960s Brighton, transfers to the Theatre Royal on 2 March, with understudy Owain Arthur replacing Corden as the TV actor takes the show to Broadway. ‘This really is the hottest ticket in town – theatregoers lap up the audience participation, outrageous ad-libs and relentless jokes. Arthur, who starred in The History Boys and Birdsong, will shine in the lead,’ says Emma.
Sweeney Todd
Adelphi Theatre, London
10 March – 22 September 2012
Michael Ball and Imelda Staunton star as the morose demon barber and pie shop owner Mrs Lovett in this witty horror set in the backstreets of 18th-century London. Macabre comedy prevails as the murderous pair create vile meat pie fillings while exacting revenge on their clients. ‘I saw this production at the Chichester Festival Theatre – it’s deliciously dark, much seedier and closer to the original musical than Tim Burton’s film,’ Emma comments. ‘Ball, barely recognisable under the make-up, is excellent, but Staunton steals the show with a perfect mix of humour and villainy.’
Singin’ in the Rain
Palace Theatre, London
4 February – 29 September 2012
Another doyen of the Chichester Festival Theatre, Jonathan Church’s take on this musical comedy – set in the 1920s – stars Adam Cooper as silent film star Don Lockwood, who must embrace the transition to sound in the first-ever Hollywood movie musical. ‘The age of silent film is beautifully captured with some humorous black and white footage, and there’s great chemistry between the protagonist and his love interest,’ says Emma. ‘If you’re sitting in the front row, prepare to get wet when the famous title song is performed under rainfall. Also, watch out for Michael Brandon, from 1980s TV drama Dempsey and Makepeace, making an appearance.’
Dirty Dancing
Manchester, Dublin, Aberdeen, Southampton, Milton Keynes, Leeds, Birmingham, Norwich, Sunderland, Liverpool, Cardiff and Edinburgh
Until 13 January 2013
The first national tour of this hit West End musical began in September 2011 and will traverse the UK throughout 2012. Set against the backdrop of 1960s rock ’n’ roll America, it follows Baby Houseman on her journey into womanhood after she meets hip-shaking Johnny Castle while on a family holiday. ‘This really is one for groups of girls who loved the film,’ says Emma. ‘While it trades heavily on this familiarity, its staging is superb, with some great lighting and projection work. The choreography is impressively intricate and Charlotte Gooch wows audiences as Penny.’
Calendar Girls
Birmingham, Bath, Canterbury, Leicester, Dublin, Southampton, Grimsby, Manchester, Leeds, Norwich, Woking, Edinburgh, Dartford, Bristol
31 January – 12 May 2012
This is the last chance to see Tim Firth’s production as it embarks on its final tour, with a new cast of TV stars including Lynda Bellingham, Jan Harvey, Lisa Riley, Ruth Madoc and Joe McGann. Based on the true story of a group of Women’s Institute members in Yorkshire who raise funds for charity by being photographed nude, this version remains welcomingly true to the original. ‘What’s On Stage named this Best Comedy in 2010, and it’s been hugely popular around the country,’ adds Emma. ‘Memorably, it is played out on a precariously sloped stage surface. It’s a sincere tale which audiences really relate to – whether crying at the depiction of terminal illness or laughing at the comic portrayal of ageing women.’
Predictions and rumours
From the writers of South Park, Broadway spoof The Book of Mormon is on its way to the West End in 2012, while Bridget Jones the Musical is also expected – with dates and venues to be confirmed for both.
We also predict that Ladykillers, which opened in December at the Gielgud, will be a big West End success; Spice Girls the Musical will be postponed until 2013; and Million Dollar Quartet will tour the UK.
Let us know if you would like to be updated on any of the above.
Connect with Ten Lifestyle