Sunday 21st July 2013 by Will Langdale
The Commitments
We’ve extremely high hopes for the musical adaptation of The Commitments, based on a 1987 novel and 1991 film of the same name. Set in 60s Dublin, the show’s about a ragtag gang of white working class musicians who decide to form a soul band, and the ensuing clash of egos. We’re expecting this to transfer to stage really, really well – it’s a story with comedy, drama, and an absolutely excellent soundtrack. Roddy Doyle, the book’s author, is writing the adaptation, and with Jamie Lloyd directing, this is going to be a musical to keep an eye on. Doyle was keen to resurrect an old West End tradition of charging half price for preview performances, and it’s proved popular enough that if you want to take advantage you’ll need to book soon!
A Midsummer Night’s Dream / Henry V
We know, we know, we banged on about the Michael Grandage Season back in January, but this is one of the biggest and best theatrical events of 2013! With the recent roaring, sold-out success of Peter and Alice, and the incredible reviews of The Cripple of Inishmaan, it looks like the season simply can’t put a foot wrong. Jude Law’s Henry V should be a terse, stern affair, but we’re particularly excited for David Walliams and Sheridan Smith as the unlikely partnership of bumbling craftsman Bottom and fairy queen Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Both are excellent comedy actors, and Smith in particular promises to really accentuate the comedy of a proud royal falling desperately in love with an idiot.
From Here to Eternity
Tim Rice’s name rightfully carries a lot of weight in the world of musical theatre. The lyricist is a long-time collaborator with Andrew Lloyd Webber, and was part of the creative driving force on such musicals as Jesus Christ Superstar, which catapulted Webber and Rice to fame, and the original film of The Lion King. Rice’s latest musical, From Here to Eternity, is adapted from the 1953 drama starring Frank Sinatra, and tells the tale of illicit desire on an army base in Pearl Harbour, 1941. Darius Campbell, Rebecca Thornhill, Siubhan Harrison and Robert Lonsdale take the lead parts, where passion and betrayal run rife in the face of oncoming war. Definitely one to look forward to!
Jeeves & Wooster
We can't help but recommend this one: Matthew Macfadyen is awesome and Stephen Mangan is hilarious. This is definitely going to be a play worth seeing – P G Wodehouse’s well-loved Jeeves & Wooster novels are a fantastic send-up of the airheaded bright young things of the 1930s. Most famously portrayed on screen by Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie, undoubtedly Macfadyen and Mangan will bring something different to the parts, and we can’t wait!
The Light Princess
Finally, this one has been a long time in the works. Tori Amos’ musical was originally slated for 2012, and was regrettably heavily delayed, but it’s finally arriving at the National Theatre this September! It follows the story of a magical princess who is cursed to never have gravity, and a heavy-hearted warrior prince. Naturally, having Tori Amos working on a musical is a huge draw in itself, but add in direction from Marianne Elliott, who directed the multi-award-winning Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time, and you’ve got some seriously great theatre on your hands.
If you’re interested in seeing these or any other shows in London this autumn, be sure to give us a call. We’ve got some excellent prices and cracking hotels, and would love to make sure you have a fantastic time!