There are constant changes, moves and shifts to theatrical productions all over the world, however many of these changes have been taking place in London's West End recently, with two significant instances.
Billy Elliot - The Musical announced late last year that it will play its final performance at the Victoria Palace Theatre on 9 April 2016 ahead of embarking on its first UK and Ireland tour, which will open in Plymouth in February. The award-winning musical will move from its home in London's Victoria due to theatre refurbishment, to the disappointment of many fans. However, the tour will give regional audiences the chance to experience its magic, currently booking until May 2017. Billy Elliot opened in the West End in May 2004 and will have played over 4,600 performances in its eleven years by the time it closes.
In an addition to the capital's theatre scene, a West End transfer has been announced for Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber's adaptation of new show School of Rock - The Musical, which opened at the Winter Garden Theatre on Broadway in 2015. In a new treat for London audiences, School of Rock - The Musical is set to open at the London Palladium near Oxford Circus in autumn 2016. The new musical is based on the film of the same name which saw Jack Black star as a failed rock star posing as a substitute teacher. The world premiere on Broadway received critical acclaim, next stop London!
Sir Lloyd Webber also announced - in addition to its transfer news - that the production of School of Rock will also embark on a tour, across the United States in the autumn of 2017, extending the musical's reach further. The show is directed by Laurence Connor, features music by Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Glenn Slater and has a book by Julian Fellowes.
West End news
There are constant changes, moves and shifts to theatrical productions all over the world, however many of these changes have been taking place in London's West End recently, with two significant instances.
Billy Elliot - The Musical announced late last year that it will play its final performance at the Victoria Palace Theatre on 9 April 2016 ahead of embarking on its first UK and Ireland tour, which will open in Plymouth in February. The award-winning musical will move from its home in London's Victoria due to theatre refurbishment, to the disappointment of many fans. However, the tour will give regional audiences the chance to experience its magic, currently booking until May 2017. Billy Elliot opened in the West End in May 2004 and will have played over 4,600 performances in its eleven years by the time it closes.
In an addition to the capital's theatre scene, a West End transfer has been announced for Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber's adaptation of new show School of Rock - The Musical, which opened at the Winter Garden Theatre on Broadway in 2015. In a new treat for London audiences, School of Rock - The Musical is set to open at the London Palladium near Oxford Circus in autumn 2016. The new musical is based on the film of the same name which saw Jack Black star as a failed rock star posing as a substitute teacher. The world premiere on Broadway received critical acclaim, next stop London!
Sir Lloyd Webber also announced - in addition to its transfer news - that the production of School of Rock will also embark on a tour, across the United States in the autumn of 2017, extending the musical's reach further. The show is directed by Laurence Connor, features music by Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Glenn Slater and has a book by Julian Fellowes.