Theatre News

Landor stages UK premiere of Meet Me in St. Louis

The Clapham venue’s Christmas show will be the stage adaptation of the 1944 film, which was first seen on Broadway

The Landor Theatre will host the UK premiere of Broadway musical Meet Me in St. Louis this Christmas, running from 16 December 2013 to 18 January 2014 (previews from 11 December).

The show is based on the 1944 MGM film starring Judy Garland and features songs including "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas", "The Boy Next Door" and "The Trolley Song". It tells the story of the Smiths, a well-to-do suburban family living in St. Louis, who are preparing for the arrival of the World's Fair when the offer of a promotion threatens the disruption of the family.

The film was directed by Vincente Minnelli, who was first introduced to Judy Garland on set and later married her. The film was later adapted for the stage and premiered on Broadway in 1989 where it played 252 performances at the George Gershwin Theatre.

Meet Me in St. Louis has music and lyrics by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane, and a book by Hugh Wheeler. It is directed by Robert McWhir with choreography by Robbie O'Reilly, design by Francisco Rodriguez-Weil and lighting design by Richard Lambert.

Currently running at the Landor Theatre is Polly Stenham's That Face, which runs until 1 December.