Dateline 1st April, 2001
Female Odd Couple for the West End
Neil Simon's The Odd Couple, rewritten by him for two women, is to come to the West End, so it is rumoured, at the end of this month. However no venue has yet been announced. The production will star Jenny Seagrove as Olive (Oscar in the original play and film) and Paula Wilcox (Florence - originally Felix).
And another Simon on the way?
It is rumoured that another Neil Simon play is also to arrive in the West End this year. The Dinner Party opened on Broadway last year with Henry Winkler ("The Fonz"). No details are yet known, although it is said to be a new production.
Philadelphia Story at the Shaftesbury
After many rumours, it has been confirmed that Philadelphia Story, starring Calista Flockhart, will have a ten week run at the Shaftesbury from 7th June (previews from the end of May).
Amy's View on tour
David Hare's Amy's View starts a ten venue UK tour at the King's, Edinburgh, on 3rd April. It will star Susanna York, Rebecca Lacey, Michael Jayston and Marcus D'Amico. The production is directed by Robin Lefevre.
Bath's world premiere moves to London
Rodney Clark's The External, which premiered at Bath's Theatre Royal, is to open at the Greenwich Theatre on 3rd April, before a national tour. It stars Timothy West and Prunella Scales.
Nineteenth Art cast
George Segal is to play Serge in Yasmina Reza's Art, when the nineteenth cast takes over on 17th April. Joining him will be Paul Freeman (Marc) and Richard Griffiths (Yvan), both of whom have played in the hit comedy before. The new cast will play for fifteen weeks to 29th July.
Henshall to be Peggy Sue
It is expected that Ruthie Henshall will star in a new production of Peggy Sue Got Married, which will open in Plymouth on 7th July and move to the Shaftesbury in the West End on 29th August. A spokesperson for the producers (Paul Elliott and Triumph Entertainment Ltd) said that the terms of the contract had been agreed and they are just awaiting the final signatures.
Bouncers to close
The revival of John Godber's Bouncers at the Whitehall has posted closing notices for 7th April after a nine week run, although it had been booking until May. There are, however, rumours that it may return to the West End later in the year. Following it into the theatre will be the revival of The Blues Brothers (from 24th April).
Blood Brothers extends
Willy Russell's Blood Brothers has announced a new booking period to 30th April, 2002.
Coming to the Rose and Crown
The Rose and Crown Theatre in Hampton Wick has announced three new productions for the next month.
Fallen Angels closes
Noel Coward's Fallen Angels (Apollo) will close on 14th April, the end of its current booking period. The play stars Felicity Kendall and Frances de la Tour.