Theatre News

Cast: Arden & Kingsley in Nunn Aspects, Delfont

Broadway’s Michael Arden will make his London stage debut opposite Katherine Kingsley in Trevor Nunn’s Menier Chocolate Factory production of Aspects of Love. The first major London revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Don Black and Charles Hart’s 1989 musical – originally seen at the West End’s Prince of Wales Theatre, where it was also directed by Nunn – will run at the Menier’s 150-seat home in Southwark south London from 15 July to 11 September 2010 (previews from 3 July).

Based on David Garnett’s novel of the same name, Aspects of Love tells the story of passion, love and loss across three generations of a family and their companions set against the background of 1940s France and Italy.

Alex Dillingham (originally played by Michael Ball), a young student travelling through France, falls in love with the alluring actress Rose Vibert. As the pair embark on a passionate affair, the unexpected arrival of Alex’s uncle changes their lives forever.

Michael Arden, who plays Alex, made his Broadway debut as Tom Sawyer in Big River in 2003 and was more recently seen in Bob Dylan compilation musical The Times They Are A-Changing. His Off-Broadway credits include Swimming in the Shallows, Bare, Ace, God of Vengeance, As You Like It, The Winter’s Tale and The Secret Garden. His TV and film credits include Bones, Numbers, Grey’s Anatomy, Bride Wars and The Good Shepherd.

Katherine Kingsley, who plays Rose, was nominated for an Olivier for Piaf at the Donmar Warehouse and West End’s Vaudeville Theatre. Her many other theatre credits include High Society and The Truth Will Out in the West End, The Black and White Ball, Hobson’s Choice, The Canterbury Tales and, currently on tour The 39 Steps. Her TV and film credits include The Bill, Hollyoaks, Casualty, Weekend, Days of the Siren and 100 Second Marriage.

Aspects of Love is designed by David Farley and choreographed by Lynne Page, with lighting by Paul Pyant, musical supervision by Caroline Humphris, orchestrations by David Cullen and sound by Gareth Owen.

Tickets go on sale tomorrow 18 May 2010.


In other musical casting news, an all-star line-up has been revealed for the next offering in this summer’s season of LIVE IN THE DELFONT ROOM late-night cabarets, presented in association with Whatsonstage.com at the West End’s Prince of Wales Theatre, home of our annual Whatsonstage.com Awards Concert in February.

On Saturday 29 May 2010, Hair musical director Richard Beadle will use his slot to offer a sneak-peek premiere showcase for his original new musical Today Is My Day, which will be performed by a company of West End favourites including Hannah Waddingham (A Little Night Music, Spamalot), Oliver Tompsett (Wicked), Rachael Wooding (Hairspray), Louise Dearman (Wicked) and Jon Boydon (We Will Rock You) as well as Stuart Matthew Price, Ashleigh Gray, Ashley Lilley, Charlie Green, Gemma Atkins, Ross Hunter, Kayleigh Stevenson, Richard Woodford, Jacob Chapman and Hannah Levanne.

Today Is My Day centres on Daniel, a strong-willed character, happy in his life and with his forthcoming marriage to the lovely Emily. He has his reservations and doubts but these don’t rise to the surface until the surprise arrival of his mother. They lock horns and the ensuing tension makes Daniel and Emily rethink their once-solid relationship.

For all LIVE IN THE DELFONT ROOM events, doors open at 10.30pm with performances commencing at 11pm.

TO BOOK TICKETS, VISIT THE PRINCE OF WALES WEBSITE.

As part of the Whatsonstage.com media partnership, members of the Whatsonstage.com Theatre Club can take advantage of a special value-added package for all concerts: a signed poster of the evening’s star plus two free drinks to enjoy before or during the performance!! For more info on all four performers & Club booking, click here!