Old Vic: Minchin’s Groundhog Day musical to help fund future?

As Kevin Spacey’s imminent retirement as Artistic Director of the Old Vic was honoured with a Gala this week, he spoke passionately about the need to endow the theatre to ensure the continued viability of the building and of the company’s ability to be an elite production house. Incoming Artistic Director Matthew Warchus unveiled his first season’s offering as well – and there was a hint at a new approach which may help the Old Vic on its planned road to financial security for the next generation. Continue reading

Review: Sweeney Todd – English National Opera

Sweeney Todd sits awkwardly between genres: it is certainly not a populist jukebox easy-watching affair but is generally seen as a musical, nonetheless. Logically, however, it really should be an opera. Its plot is so melodramatic that it makes Tosca seem positively gritty and realistic and is musically highly complex and symphonic. Continue reading

Review: The Producers (UK Tour)

I had the pleasure of seeing the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane UK premiere production of The Producers a decade ago – with the star power of Nathan Lane and Lee Evans. 10 years on and a new production has just started touring. How does this production measure up to the blockbuster original? Continue reading

Kooza – Cirque Du Soleil’s thrilling show – returns to London

Cirque Du Soleil’s show Kooza returned to London today – two years after its last five-week residency at the Royal Albert Hall. This time it’s back until 8 February. It won’t be back again as it is being retired after its next stop in Switzerland.

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Grizabellis…. Kerry Ellis to replace Nicole Scherzinger?

Following good reviews for the revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats at the London Palladium, rumours are circulating that producers are planning to extend the run beyond its current booking period which ends on 7 February. Continue reading

Fantasy Panto Cast 2015

As a bit of fun, we’ve been figuring out our fantasy cast for a pantomime -working with Simon Sladen, one of the country’s leading Panto experts (@simonsladen).

The brief… to sell out the Palladium for the 2015/6 Panto season.

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West End highlights of 2014 – Top 5

As 2014 draws to a close, we reflect on our favourite moments in the West End this year…

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Sweating your assets, Rockettes-style

As a fan of live entertainment as well as a businessperson, I have long been conflicted by the economics of show business. Take asset utilisation, for example. How can we be surprised at the lack of profitability in an industry where hugely expensive assets like stadiums and theatres lie idle most of the time – in some instances, more than 98% of the time?

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Open House: Richmond Theatre opens its doors

As part of Open House London’s catalogue of buildings this year, Richmond Theatre opened its doors to the public. Showbusinessinsights was there to find out more about one of London’s finest Frank Matcham theatres.

The tour was given by excellent guides, Rob, Colin and Steve, aided by Adam, representing the Frank Matcham Society.

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