From Disney favourites to classic romantic comedies and contemporary satire, Chloe Cann profiles the new London theatre shows set to take centre stage in 2016.
First seen on Broadway, where it is now into its second record-breaking year, Disney classic Aladdin is now making its way to London’s West End.
Based on the Academy Award-winning animated film, the London production will feature Dean John-Wilson – who has previously appeared in the UK tour of Sister Act among other shows – as Aladdin; Jade Ewen – former Sugababe and UK representative in the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest – as Jasmine; and Broadway cast member Trevor Dion Nicholas will make his London stage debut as Genie.
The London production, which will premiere at the Prince Edward theatre on June 15 next year, features the much-loved songs from the 1992 film, as well as new music written by Tony, Olivier and eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken, who’s written scores for films including Beauty and the Beast and Little Shop of Horrors.
Tony and Olivier Award winner Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon), is directing and choreographing the show.
Tickets for Aladdin are on general sale for performances up to and including October 1, 2016. Aladdin will play Monday to Saturday at 7.30pm with matinee performances on Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm.
Also new for 2016 is the critically acclaimed fives times Tony Award-nominated play Hand to God, which has experienced a great run on Broadway.
A dark comedy that explores the concept of religion and morality, and involves a small Texas town, a widow and a satanic sock puppet.
The production will premiere at the Vaudeville Theatre on February 5, 2016, and will star an award-winning cast of actors who have worked across the realms of TV, theatre, film and radio.
Hand to God will play Monday to Saturday at 7.30pm, with matinee performances on Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm; tickets are on sale now.
Two other new productions will premiere in London next year: Motown – the story of Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown music, and the man who launched Diana Ross, Michael Jackson and Smokey Robinson – opens in February 2016 at the Shaftesbury Theatre; while Breakfast at Tiffany’s, starring pop starlet Pixie Lott, opens in June 2016 at The Theatre Royal Haymarket for a limited season.
Book it: Attraction World offers tickets to Aladdin from £37pp; Breakfast at Tiffany’s from £22pp; and Motown the Musical from £29pp. |