It’s been an interesting week in theatre land this week, with some exciting cast announcements and interesting but not unexpected union campaigns launching. Check out our top picks of the news from this week below.
Equity Launch new ‘Stand Up for 17 Per Cent’ Campaign
Equity, the union which represents West End performers and stage management, have launched a new campaign for a 17 per cent pay rise. Following the release of new figures reflecting the financial circumstances of West End performers, reports state that two thirds of West End members have considered leaving the industry while 45% of West End members have a second job. The union have also stated that they are committed to being industrial action ready as a last resort.
Beyond the 17 per cent pay rise, Equity is also asking for a five-day rehearsal week (rather than the six-day norm) save for technical rehearsals, as well as an increase to holiday entitlement, based on the assumption of a six-day working week. There are also requests for increased fees for covers (such as those having to step into roles due to absences) to reflect the extra workload required in learning multiple roles.
Negotiations with the Society of London Theatre are set to commence next month, ahead of a final agreement ideally by April 2023. We’ll be keeping a close eye on this news story, and standing in solidarity with those taking action.
Oklahoma! unveils complete West End cast
The full cast of Oklahoma! Has been revealed. Daniel Fish’s Tony Award-winning production was first seen on UK shores at the Young Vic last summer, and is set to open at the Wyndham’s Theatre on 28 February 2023. Reprising their roles in the West End after appearing at the Young Vic are Raphael Bushay (Mike), Arthur Darvill (Curly McLain), James Patrick Davis (Will Parker), Stavros Demetraki (Ali Hakim), Greg Hicks (Andrew Carnes), Rebekah Hinds (Gertie Cummings), Anoushka Lucas (Laurey Williams), Marie-Astrid Mence (Lead Dancer), Liza Sadovy (Aunt Eller) and Patrick Vaill (Jud Fry).
Also joining the lead cast and announced today are Georgina Onuorah (Ado Annie) and Phillip Olagoke (Cord Elam), with Andrew Berlin, Arthur Boan, Shani Cantor, Anna-Maria de Freitas, George Maddison, Brianna Ogunbawo, Finlay Paul and Helen K Wint completing the company.
Tickets are on sale now: www.wyndhamstheatre.co.uk/
Rock of Ages confirms 2023 “Farewell Tour” cast
© The Other Richard
It really is the final countdown for Rock of Ages, with the casting of the farewell tour announced this week. The musical, which features a book by Chris D’Arienzo alongside classic 80s rock anthems (with arrangements and orchestrations by Ethan Pop), follows the trials and tribulations of employees and visiting rockstars at the Bourbon Room club on the Sunset Strip.
The cast of the final tour includes Kevin Kennedy as Dennis Dupree, alongside Sam Turrell as Drew Boley, Gabriella Williams as Sherrie Christian, Tim Oxbrow as Lonny Barnett, Cameron Sharp as Stacee Jaxx, Natalie Winsor as Justice Charlier, Vas Constanti as Hertz Klinemann, David Breeds as Franz Klinemann and Stephanie Chandos as Regina, with Erin Bell, Adam Strong, Scott Hayward, Darius James, Reece Duncan, Tianna Sealy-Jewiss, Janine Somcio, Rhys West and Phoebe Samuel-Gray.
The tour is scheduled to visit Peterborough (1 to 4 February), Bromley (7 to 11 February), Aberdeen (14 to 18 February), Blackpool (20 to 25 February), Truro (27 February to 4 March), Bradford (7 to 11 March), Manchester (14 to 18 March), Barnstaple (21 to 25 March).
Casting for the tour stops (from 2 May) in Llandudno, Crewe, Hull, Wolverhampton, Newcastle, and Swansea will be announced in due course.
Frozen extends run as it breaks Theatre Royal Drury Lane box office records
© Disney, photo by Johan Persson
After breaking Theatre Royal Drury Lane box office records, the Disney hit Frozen looks like it’s sticking around for that little bit longer. The production has this week announced that it is now booking until October 2023, with tickets for the extension on sale now. The show is said to have broken box office records for the venue across the months of November and December, as well as during the festive period.
Currently leading the London company are Samantha Barks (Elsa), Emily Lane (Anna), Djavan van de Fliert (Kristoff), Craig Gallivan (Olaf), Oliver Ormson (Hans), Richard Frame (Duke of Weselton); and alternating the role of Sven, Mikayla Jade and Ashley Birchall; with Rhianne Alleyne, Jeremy Batt, Marianne Bardgett, Rebecca Botterill, Char Burnett (Bulda), Collette Coleman, Laura Emmitt, Davide Fienauri, Jemal Felix, Jordan Fox, Ben Irish (Pabbie), Aoife Kenny, Jordan Livesey, Molly Francis, Matt Gillett, Isabella Glanznig Santos, Justin-Lee Jones, Joshua Robinson, Harriet Samuels, Jacqui Sanchez (Queen Iduna), Jak Skelly (Oaken/Bishop), Kerry Spark (King Agnarr), Caitlin Tipping, Rodney Vubya, Anna Woodside, and Luke Fraser Yates.
Shakespeare’s Globe unveils 2023 summer season
To mark the 400th anniversary of the First Folio this summer, Shakespeare’s Globe has unveiled exciting summer plans for 2023.
Opening the season will be a brand-new staging of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, directed by Elle While of Pentabus Theatre. Following this will be a new production of The Comedy of Errors, running from 12 May to 29 July. Directed by the theatre’s associate artistic director Sean Holmes, the piece is said to be a “full Elizabethan experience” told through a contemporary lens. Next up will be a new production of Macbeth from Abigail Graham, running from 21 July to 28 October, while the fourth major production over the summer will be a version of As You Like It from Ellen McDougall (Watch on the Rhine), running from 18 August to 29 October.
The venue has sadly announced that there will be a reduction in the number of £5 standing tickets that are available for shows this summer, but has instead announced a number of £10 tickets in replacement. They have also added: “A limited number of £5 tickets will also be released close to each performance, providing a last chance way to access the cheapest tickets. Further details will be announced in spring 2023.”.
Fundraiser launched for Adam Pearce after stage star has stroke backstage at the Young Vic
© Photo provided by campaign
A fundraising campaign has been launched for stage star Adam Pearce, who had been appearing in the world premiere production of Mandela the Musical at the Young Vic. However, after a performance in early December he suffered a stroke backstage at the venue and was rushed to hospital later that night.
As explained by Sunset Boulevard co-star Molly Lynch, who set up the campaign, Pearce “had a bleed to the brain causing a stroke.”
“This GoFundMe page is to help the Pearce’s with outgoings, including mortgage and bills, but to mainly help support them with Adam’s recovery, physically and cognitively. Adam’s goal is to get back up on stage so we want to be able to supplement any NHS care with special treatment for his voice/breathing/movement and to make sure he is stage ready.”
Pearce is currently in an intensive programme of physiotherapy and occupational therapy, and is hoping to be able to return home by mid-February if progress continues.
West End Live sets 2023 dates
To finish off our news round up this week, we leave you with some happy news – West End Live is set to return in 2023. Keep the weekend of 17 and 18 June 2023 free, for a jam-packed stagey weekend. Line-up, presenters and more are to be revealed for this exciting free, family friendly event!
