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Spamalot headed for Manchester???

August 12, 2008

With many shows rumoured to tour the country, with everything from We Will Rock You, Mamma Mia! and Never Forget in the running, the next big budget musical rumoured to reach this city is Monty Python’s huge hit Spamalot.

Sanjeev Bhaskar is currently playing King Arthur in the West End production following in the footsteps of Tim Curry, Simon Russell Beale, Peter Davison and, Alan Dale. As Bhaskar is best known as from TV’s The Kumars at No. 42 and Goodness Gracious Me, his Arthur would go down well in the regions as he will no doubt get bums on seats.

“Lovingly ripped off” from the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, it tells the tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table in their quest to find the religious relic – and features a chorus line of dancing divas (with serfs), flatulent Frenchmen, killer rabbits and a legless knight.

Spamalot has a book and lyrics by original Python Eric Idle, who has also co-written the music with John Du Prez. The London production reunites the Broadway creative team including director Mike Nichols and set and costume designer Tim Hatley. Read more

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WWRY to open tour in Manchester???

August 11, 2008

There is currently talk of the hit Queen musical, We Will Rock You finally touring the UK. But the rumours are that the West End production will continue running.

The gossip though currently suggests that the tour may open in Manchester, following in the footsteps of Miss Saigon, The Producers and Mamma Mia!

Despite poor reviews, when the show orginally opened, it continues to pack ‘em in at the Dominion in London.

What about the cast? Will it be reality TV contestants or big names?

Well, more news is expected in mid September, so we will keep you posted!

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Will ‘Into The Hoods’ tour???

August 5, 2008

With George Sampson currently the bright young thing in the world of dance, and his huge teen following, West End show Into The Hoods is certainly benefitting from his name.

So, if the box office is big enough at the Novello, will it not be too long until we in the regions see Into The Hoods, guest starring the Britain’s Got Talent winner?

Well, considering that he busked in Manchester town centre, opposite the Arndale, it’s only fair that his fans get to see his talent soar, following his overnight success.

Let’s hope so, eh!

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IDA’s Francesca in ‘Can’t Smile???’

August 1, 2008

There does not seem to a day goes by now, without hearing about a ‘Nancy’ from I’d Do Anything being cast in a West End or touring production. Following in the footsteps of Niamh, Rachael & Sam comes news that Francesca has allegedly been cast in the Barry Manilow jukebox musical, Can’t Smile Without You, alongside Chesney Hawkes and Siobahn Dillon. The show opens in Manchester in September.

Can’t Smile is produced by Bill Kenwright and he certainly seems fond of casting these runners up from the TV reality shows, having signed Craig Chalmers, Keith Jack, as well as Tara Bethon in his touring version of Joseph.

We at WOS Manchester can still see Rachael being better suited to the role of Sally Bowles, than Sam (see our blog) but there’s no doubting that these lads and lasses equal bums on seats as they keep casting ‘em, which proves that the old adage: “It’s not the winning that matters, it’s the taking part” definitely rings true!

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Mamma Mia! This Winner Takes It All!

July 29, 2008

Further to the last piece of goss, box office figures for Mamma Mia! the movie continue to go through the roof. At the moment the film has made $62 million in the States, but even better is the UK tally of £24 million making it the highest total gross in the top ten this week. Cinemas are reporting that the film has a repeat business factor with many Abba fans, coming back for me. The great news is that Hollywood will produce more musicals on the back of this huge success. With Nine already in production and Wicked rumoured, what other musicals can we expect? With horror films constantly being remade, I do hope that we do not see an influx of musical remakes.

If you need the success of Mamma Mia! put into context, it’s UK gross so far has beaten the individual total gross of Moulin Rouge, Hairspray and Sweeney Todd. The way that it’s going, it looks set beat their combined box office totals!

This winner has taken it all. But has it got much steam left? We’ll keep you posted.

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