[kenneth]

Apparantly a workshop of Billy has taken place this week, directed by Paul Kerryson and with Lee Mead in the title role - with a possibility of a West End run next year. Does anyone have any more info or know anyone else who was in it this week?

[wickedgrin]

I'd love a Billy revival. I am old enough unfortunately to have seen the original production at Drury Lane with Michael Crawford and a young Elaine Paige before her Evita triumph. It's a great show and I think Lee Mead would be excellent in the role. After doing Joseph for what seems like forever he must be gagging to do something else!

[Orchestrator]

Denise Welch and Tim Healey were the parents
Stephen Matthews was Stamp
Stephan Tate was Shadrack
Sarah Lark was Rita
Georgina Rich was Liz
& Kathryn Rooney was Barbara

Sounds a fab line up for a workshop. Don Black and the script writers were there too.

I wonder if they'll reinstate It Were All Green Hills, the number for the old man originally played by Lockwood West. Michael Crawford made them cut it once West had left the show.

[Misplaced]

Apparently a workshop of Billy has taken place this week, directed by Paul Kerryson and with Lee Mead in the title role - with a possibility of a West End run next year. Does anyone have any more info or know anyone else who was in it this week?

Am I just so wrong for hoping this ends up back on a West End stage, even (or not "even"!) with Lee Mead as Billy? Can I beg and plead? Puh-leeeeezzz?

[Marius Pontmercy]

I would absolutely love to see a revival of this, but I just can't imagine it surviving in the West End at the moment, even if they do have Lee Mead starring. I do agree that he would be excellent, though - but it will be interesting to see whether his popularity with non-regular theatregoers extends beyond Any Dream Will Do and Joseph.

[Owen]

Ironically enough seeem to recall Jason Donovan's name was also put forward when he was at the height of his popularity after JOSEPH but this never came to being. Would it work as a revival with Lee Mead - possibly? Will the public buy into it who knows? Crawford when he opened in the show had millions tuning into see his antics in SOME MOTHERS.... and these elements at the time made it a smash at Drury Lane. When he left the show and Roy Castle took over the show closed within weeks. It was certaonly an enjoyable evening thanks to Michael Crawford but not one that I feel will work 30+ years later.

[seanaydon]

im doing an am-dram Billy atm, playing Billy, its good fun! Crawfords voice gets VERY annoying on the CD though.