Friday 17th June 2011 by Will Langdale
A quick pick of what’s hot in the TicketTree.com office
Fun for free this weekend
We’re extremely excited for tomorrow’s West End LIVE 2011, and looking at what’s on, how could we possibly not be? There’s performances billed from all of our favourite shows, including Mamma Mia!, Wicked, The Lion King, Jersey Boys, War Horse, and far, far more. And the best part? It’s all completely FREE!
Despite the theatrical flavour you’re in for more than just a taste of West End shows. The Science Museum, London Film Museum, National Gallery and plenty more bastions of art and culture will be present. Take a look at West End LIVE’s website for the full smorgasbord of events, acts and exhibitors, or keep an eye on their Twitter.
This year’s event is being held in Trafalgar Square (rather than Leicester Square), so wander down from 11am tomorrow. Continues on Sunday from 12 noon.
A real cool hand
After the Cambridge theatre snapped up Matilda the Musical a few weeks ago, we’ve been wondering what the Aldwych was going to replace Dirty Dancing with, and at last we know. Popularised by the 1967 film which itself was adapted from a novel, Cool Hand Luke is the story of Luke Jackson, an incarcerated man with an indomitable spirit in the face of a cruel and sadistic prison warden. The role will be played by Mark Warren, whose previous credits include the BBC’s Hustle, and HBO’s Band of Brothers. The production officially opens on October 3rd, with previews from September 23rd.
Going green
After just over a month of previews, Shrek the Musical had its opening night on Tuesday. Originally a Broadway musical, the London cast includes Nigel Lindsay as Shrek, Richard Blackwood as Donkey, and Amanda Holden as Princess Fiona. The plot is that of the original animated film, and follows the plight of lonely ogre Shrek as he attempts to oust squatting fairytale characters from his swamp by rescuing a princess for the evil Lord Farquaad.
The production has opened to warm reviews, with particular praise for Nigel Harman as the diminutive, manipulative Lord Farquaad, who spends the entire show on his knees, and that’s not a metaphor. The Telegraph’s Charles Spencer calls Harman’s performance “genuinely touching”, and the Evening Standard’s Henry Hitchings, in a word, agrees: “glorious”.
Transatlantic victory
Finally, our congratulations go to the American production of War Horse, which scooped 6 titles at this year’s Tony awards in New York. It’s a fantastic achievement for a powerful piece of British drama, and in our opinion the show firmly deserves the accolades.
Deal of the week
Although we’ve had discounted Gold tickets for The Wizard of Oz since the end of May, it’s only been for performances Monday through Thursday. Today, however, we’re pleased to announce the addition of Friday discounts! Why not spend two nights in a hotel with discount top-priced seats for Friday’s The Wizard of Oz, and have an entire weekend in London?