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Off-West End Announcements – 18 September 2009

Putting The Hall Back Into Wilton’s
Edward Hall is to direct a new comedy revue, Two Birds and a Bloke, at Wilton’s Music Hall next month (5-9 October). The Propeller director, son of Sir Peter Hall, has joined forces with Tony-Award winning performer Sarah Travis for a show that promises sharp satirical observation, original music and laugh-out loud jokes. The cast also features Issy Van Randwyck, formerly of Fascinating Aida, and Mamma Mia’s Simon Slater.

Lion and Unicorn Turns Supernatural
A major new show is to premiere at the Lion and Unicorn Theatre in November. Supernatural: A Journey Into Unbridled Terror is a dark horror story inspired by the nightmare tales of Henry James, WW Jacobs and WG Ross and follows seven people stranded in a word beyond reality, only one of which knows why. Written by Aline Waites and Jago Turner, it’s the latest show from Giant Olive Theatre Company and runs from 24-29 November and 5 December -10 January.

First Ladies Gather At Union
Casting has been announced for the upcoming London production of John Michael LaChiusa’s First Lady Suite, transferring from Edinburgh to the Union Theatre (29 September – 17 October). An experienced West End company will play the current and former First Ladies of the Unites States, including Abi Finley, finalist in BBC’s Maria show, Claire Machin and Poppy Tierney of Mary Poppins fame and Robine Landi of the Finborough’s recent State Fair.

Take That Back To Wimbledon
Despite drawing mixed reviews for its West End run, Take That musical Never Forget returns to New Wimbledon Theatre where it first played, this time with Brookside’s Philip Olivier playing the band’s manager. A story of a Take That tribute band from Manchester seeking fame, fortune and a way out of their dead-end lives, the show is jam-packed with all the band’s hits, including ‘It Only Takes A Minute Girl, ‘Relight My Fire’ and of course, ‘Never Forget’.

And Finally, This Weekend...
Hackney Empire returns to its roots on Sunday afternoon (20 September) for some traditional Edwardian Music Hall entertainment. The annual showcase of sketches and songs from the theatre’s own music hall company will be led by ‘Mr Broadway’ Jos Vantyle and pearly queen Lola McDowell. Also appearing are saucy songstress Helen Watson, Ukelele king Mark Walsh and the naughty but nice Caroline Bernstein.

- by Nancy Groves - Theatregoer Reporter

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