Over a year on from the launch of its new brand, LW Theatres has gone from strength to strength. Read on to see the top 10 moments in 2019.
Opening Up
Waitress opened the diner on the West End in February and we got to know the life of pie with Jenna and the girls.
It would be later that year when the news hit that Sara Bareilles (who wrote the music and lyrics) would be making her West End debut at the Adelphi Theatre, reuniting with Olivier and Tony Award-winning actor Gavin Creel.
Prepare to Let it Go
Disney Theatrical Productions announced that a new production of Frozen the Musical was on its way to Theatre Royal Drury Lane in 2020. Samantha Barks (Les Misérables) is set to star in the forthcoming production.
The update follows the news that Theatre Royal Drury Lane would undergo a landmark £60 million refurbishment and restoration programme.
Setting up Shop at The London Palladium
It was announced for 2020 that the incomparable Madonna brings her Madame X show for 15 dates in January and February, the legendary Van Morrison would play 5 shows in March, the Queen of Burlesque Dita Von Teese would return for 5 nights in April and comedy juggernaut, Ricky Gervais would arrive in October for 12 shows.
The news came hot off the heels of Hozier’s sold out run and Boyzone’s final farewell this year.
Go, Go, Go, Joseph!
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat made its triumphunt return to The London Palladium back in June and the rave reviews soon followed. The show made a star turn out of ArtsEd graduate, Jac Yarrow, whilst Joseph alumnus Jason Donovan was back but this time as Pharaoh.
The show is taking over once again in summer 2020 with Yarrow and Donovan set to reprise their roles.
Ah, Freak Out!
As part of the Live at The Other Palace series, Andrew Lloyd Webber was joined in conversation by none other than Nile Rodgers. A multiple Grammy-winning composer, producer, arranger and guitarist, the talk gave people a chance to put their questions to some of the biggest names in the industry.
You can watch the live stream of the talk here.
The New Musical Sensation
Following a four-month stint of the critically acclaimed, Toast and a current popular run of Amélie, what was to follow was dubbed “an unprecedented international phenomenon.” Be More Chill was unveiled as the next resident production at The Other Palace and fans rejoiced as the show was to make its UK debut.
Be More Chill opens at The Other Palace on Wed 12 February 2020.
Standing Out
2019 marked the very first standing season at The London Palladium, which saw the theatre clearing the seats in the stalls to make way for a whole host of gigs. In October, we saw the likes of Hozier, Beverley Knight, Levellers, Todrick Hall, Midge Ure and Cradle of Filth take to the stage.
You Had Me At Hello
In November, the news dropped that Hello, Dolly! was to make its way to the Adelphi Theatre. With the multi Olivier and BAFTA Award-winning Imelda Staunton stepping into the iconic role and reuniting with director, Dominic Cooke, one of the most successful musicals in Broadway history will open in August 2020.
The Stars in Our Eyes
In December, Julian Clary became the latest addition to The London Palladium Wall of Fame. He joins the likes of Bruce Forsyth, Shirley Bassey, Bing Crosby and more.
The unveiling saw Clary’s castmates from Goldilocks and the Three Bears in attendance as they kicked off the panto season in style.
An Extraordinary Christmas
For the festive season, LW Theatres partnered with Liberty London to bring their fantastical designs to our theatres. The partnership consisted of Tree of Liberty inspired decorations filled with apple blossoms, proud peacocks and curious chameleons.
The Liberty London Christmas designs will be on display until January 2020.
