Dateline 25th February, 2001
Kane revivals this Spring
The Royal Court is to revive three of Sarah Kane's plays later this year. Her first play, Blasted, will be performed in April. This was Kane's first play (1995), which brought an outcry of condemnation from most critics.
The second play to be revived will be Crave, premiered at the Traverse in Edinburgh during the Fringe. This was the play which made the critics decide that she was a real talent. It will open in May.
Also in May the theatre will revive her last play, 4.48 Psychosis. Named after the time when most suicides are said to occur, it was first performed after her suicide at the age of 28.
Record-breaking Mamma Mia!
Abba-based musical Mamma Mia! has become the fastest-grossing musical in the histoyr of the West End. It has taken £42m since it opened in April 1999 and actually recouped all iots production costs in just 27 weeks. It is playing at the Prince Edward Theatre.
It has just announced a new five and a half month booking period, until 16th March, 2002.
It is due to open on Broadway in March and an Australian production is planned for the summer. Both will be directed by the director of the London production, Phyllida Lloyd.
Honk! to tour
Honk!, the children's musical based on the Hans Anderson story The Ugly Duckling, is to tour. It opens at the Theatre Royal, Plymouth, on 29th March and will then visit Milton Keynes, Cardiff, Aberdeen, Billingham, Nottingham, Bradford, Woking, Bromley, Canterbury, Bath, Salford, Sheffield, Jersey and High Wycombe.
Lawrence to take over from Paige
Josie Lawrence is to take over from Elaine Paige as Anna in The King and I from May.
UK Full Monty?
According to "The Stage", the musical version of the film The Full Monty may be coming to the West End. Producer Sach Brooks has, the paper claims, been in negotiation with Fox Searchlight, the US producers, regarding a UK version.
An Argentinian version played in Buenos Aires last year.
Mangane to join Noises Off
Stephen Mangane, currently seen on BBC1 playing Adrian Mole in Adrian Mole: The Cappucino Years, is to join the cast of Noises Off. The play is currently touring before returning to London in May.
Petherbridge builds on Archer failure
Edward Petherbridge is to present a one-man show, Defending Jeffrey, based on the experience of playing in Jeffrey Archer's failed first play The Accused. The one-man show will play at the West Yorkshire Playhouse from 29th March to 21st April.
Beatles musical now booking
All You Need Is Love, described as an innovative musical magical mystery tour celebrating the genius of Lennon and McCartney, is to open at the Queen's on 29th May, with previews from 21st. Booking is now open.
Peggy Sue to transfer
The musical Peggy Sue Got Married is to transfer to the West End later this year. Auditions are currently taking place and casting and venue will be announced "soon".
RSC to revive children's musical
Following on the success of The Secret Garden, the Royal Shakespeare Company is to revive the musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Mouth extends
The Royal Court is to extend the run of Kevin Elyot's Mouth to Mouth by a week. It will now close on 17th March after a six week run.