Gossip

Harvey Weinstein planning ‘slate’ of shows after Finding Neverland?

| London's West End |

19 September 2012

Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein – the man behind films such as Pulp Fiction, the Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Iron Lady and countless others – is thought to be planning a raft of theatre projects in the coming years.

Weinstein has recently thrown his considerable producing weight behind the new stage musical version of Finding Neverland, which begins previews at the Leicester Curve on Friday (21 September 2012 – see trailer, right). And, according to several sources, it could be the first of many screen-to-stage projects.

In a recent interview with the Sunday Times, the Hollywood big shot revealed that Finding Neverland – which is adapted from the 2004 film starring Johnny Depp – is the first of a “slate” of theatre productions.

“Making the musical – win, lose or draw – is becoming the most fun, most engaged, certainly the best theatrical experience I’ve ever had,” he said. “And you have to remember that I was one of the producers of The Producers.”

Speaking to the Daily Mirror recently, Weinstein revealed that musicals brought out his little-seen softer side, adding: “It’s the first theatre project I’ve taken on and I doubt it will be my last.”

Exactly what those projects will be remains to be seen, but titles already known to be in the pipeline for development as musicals include Chocolat and Cinema Paradiso. Looks like Weinstein may have to make some space in his bulging trophy cabinet for some Tonys, Oliviers, and, of course, Whatsonstage.com Awards…