Photos: The Great British Musical, hosted by Stephen Fry, starring Alfie Boe and stars of the West End

A star-studded line-up of West End favourites came together yesterday, Sunday 10 April 2011, to support charity Perfect Pitch.

The Great British Musical in Concert, held at the Criterion Theatre, saw Stephen Fry host a night of songs from British musicals, with performances from Alfie Boe, soon to be starring in Les Miserables at the Queen’s Theatre, Love Story’s leading stars Michael Xavier and Emma Williams, current Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz Paul Keating, plus Peter Polycarpou, Julie Atherton, Emma Barton, Hadley Fraser, Stuart Matthew Price and many others.

The event was a fundraising concert for Perfect Pitch,  the charity that develops shows through workshops, readings, showcases and production opportunities in collaboration and in partnership with theatre and non-theatre organisations around the UK.

Love Story to Close at Duchess Theatre

The Chichester Festival Theatre production of Love Story will close as scheduled at the Duchess Theatre on 26 February 2011.

The new musical, based on Eric Segal’s best-selling book and the acclaimed film, is the first producing venture for musicals star Michael Ball, along with The Mousetrap producer Stephen Waley-Cohen, and Hairspray and Sister Act producer Adam Spiegel.

The show is set to go on a UK tour after it closes in the West End.

The West End cast features Emma Williams, Michael Xavier and Peter Polycarpou, with direction by Rachel Kavanaugh, music by Howard Goodall, book by Stephen Clark and lyrics by Stephen Clark and Howard Goodall.

Other cast in the show include Richard Cordery, Jan Hartley, Gary Milner, Paul Kemble, Julie Stark, Lillie Flynn, Christopher Killik, Jamie Muscato and Rebecca Trehearn.

LINKS

SPECIAL OFFER: Save £22.50 on tickets to Love Story at the Duchess Theatre in London

Interview with Love Story producer Michael Ball

Last Chance to see Love Story

The Chichester Festival Theatre production of Love Story which transferred to the West End will complete its run on 26 February 2011.

Producer Adam Spiegel said: “We are very proud to have brought Love Story to the West End and are looking forward to announcing a UK tour shortly as well as a number of further productions to be staged worldwide.”

The West End cast comprises Emma Williams as Jenny, Michael Xavier as Oliver Barratt IV and Peter Polycarpou who plays Jenny’s father, Phil, all of whom reprise their roles at the Duchess Theatre. They are joined by Richard Cordery, Jan Hartley, Gary Milner, Paul Kemble, Julie Stark and ensemble members Lillie Flynn, Christopher Killik, Jamie Muscato and Rebecca Trehearn. This new musical version of Love Story, inspired by Erich Segal’s novel, is directed by Rachel Kavanaugh, with music by Howard Goodall, book by Stephen Clark and lyrics by Stephen Clark and Howard Goodall. Love Story, which enjoyed an acclaimed run in the Minerva Theatre in Chichester earlier this year, is designed by Peter McKintosh, with lighting design by Howard Harrison, sound designer Matt McKenzie, musical direction by Stephen Ridley and musical staging is by Lizzi Gee.

Love Story, which is produced in the West End by Michael Ball, Adam Spiegel and Stephen Waley-Cohen.

Oliver Barrett IV went to Harvard and Jenny Cavilleri to Radcliffe. He was rich, she was poor. He was sporty, she played music. But they fell in love. This is their story.

Erich Segal’s best-selling novel, Love Story, became one of the most romantic films of all time, has sold over 21 million copies world-wide and has been published in 33 languages.

Release issued by: Premier PR

LINKS

SPECIAL OFFER: Save £22.50 on tickets to Love Story at the Duchess Theatre in London

Opening this week: Love Story, Potted Panto

This week’s West End openings include romantic new show Love Story, Christmas treats with Potted Panto, The Night Before Christmas and The Nutcracker, plus Derek Jacobi in King Lear.

Love Story
Love Story gets its official opening night at the Duchess starring Emma Williams and Michael Xavier on 6 December. Erich Segal’s best-selling novel Love Story, which was famously turned into a film starring Ali MacGraw and Ryan O’Neal, has been given the musicals treatment by Howard Goodall and Stephen Clark.

The show had its premiere earlier this year at the Chichester Festival Theatre and was well received by critics, with The Stage calling it a “gorgeous new chamber musical”. The producers of the show include West End star Michael Ball, Adam Spiegel and Stephen Waley-Cohen and it is directed by Rachel Kavanaugh, with design by Peter McKintosh and musical direction by Stephen Ridley. Read our interview with Michael Ball.  Book tickets to Love Story at the Duchess Theatre.

King Lear at the Donmar

Derek Jacobi gives his King Lear at the Donmar Warehouse, opening on 7 December in a new production by Michael Grandage. Also starring Gina McKee. Book tickets.

The Night Before Christmas

Magical family show The Night Before Christmas opens at the Ambassadors Theatre on 8 December. Meet Father Christmas and see a wonderful story come to life in this brand new show, full of songs, poems and stories. Book tickets.

Potted Panto
Those CBBC rascals Dan and Jeff bring Pantomime mayhem to the Vaudeville with Edinburgh family hit Potted Panto on 10 December. CBBC’s Dan and Jeff, the masterminds behind Potted Potter and Potted Pirates, turn their attentions to that much loved British institution, the pantomime. Potted Panto crams seven much-loved pantomimes into one show. Dan and Jeff career through Cinderella in 3D, dazzle with a Dick Whittington featuring Jeff as the Mayor of London and struggle to work out how two people can play seven dwarves and which of them will make the prettiest princess. From conventions and costume to heroes and villains, the dastardly double act explores all the elements of the art form we both love and loathe as a nation. Book tickets to Potted Panto at the Vaudeville Theatre.

English National Ballet’s The Nutcracker
On the same night English National Ballet open their seasonal production of The Nutcracker at the London Coliseum in a sumptuous new production by Artistic Director Wayne Eagling to celebrate the Company’s 60th birthday. Book tickets.

COMING SOON

And next week… A Flear in her Ear opens on 14 December at the Old Vic starring Tom Hollander, Lisa Dillon and Jonathan Cake.

Star Interview: Michael Ball

“Michael Ball, this is your two minute call…”  Westendtheatre.com catches up with king of West End musical theatre Michael Ball, who adds another string to his bow this month by co-producing new musical LOVE STORY at the Duchess Theatre in London. Here he talks about embarrassing auditions, favourite theatres and the ultimate West End show.

I played Judas and John the Baptist in a production of Godspell at the Aberystwyth Arts Centre in 1984. It was just after I’d left Guildford School of Acting.

Les Miserables – it doesn’t run for 25 years for nothing! It’s stuffed full of great characters, great songs and an epic story and it truly demonstrates why musical theatre is one of the most exciting story telling mediums known to man. There’s one play in the West End at the moment which is an absolute must and that’s War Horse – it’s the most astonishing production I’ve ever seen onstage, absolutely brilliant.

I have a soft spot for the Palace Theatre in London – it’s where I saw Jesus Christ Superstar when I was about 11 and decided then and there I wanted to be in musical theatre. Then, when I got my first West End role as Marius in Les Mis, I found myself stepping onto the Palace Theatre stage for the first time – it was an emotional moment I can tell you! I was back at the Palace in 2005 in Woman In White playing the fabulously revolting Count Fosco.

I’d be a chef – I love cooking for other people; it’s still about being creative and about entertaining people and, as a bonus, you get to eat as much as you like!

I once did an audition for the tour of ‘There’s A Girl In My Soup’ to play the hippy stoned layabout drummer. Unfortunately I turned up wearing a three piece pin striped suit and tie, was very keen and totally wrong for the part! It was the first audition I’d ever done and I thought you had to dress smartly, like you would for a business interview!

They are fabulous and awful in equal measure; the first day of rehearsals is exciting because you’re like the new boy at school, everyone’s getting together for the first time and there’s great expectation in the air because you don’t know what to expect. The first night is really exciting and supremely nerve wracking at the same time; then on the last night of a show you experience a mixture of emotions from elation to sadness.

Port doesn’t work for preserving the voice – honey and water is far better.

Just keep on trying, keep on learning and keep up to date – there’s lots of work out there and although there’s fierce competition, I truly believe that talent will rise to the surface. You’ve got to work extremely hard and be aware of what’s going on – keep a look out for auditions and make sure your CV’s up to date with a great photo.

* * * *

Michael Ball is currently producing new musical LOVE STORY at the Duchess Theatre in London, from 27 November. Based on Erich Segal’s best-selling novel, which was famously turned into a film, the show transfers to the West End from a sell-out season in Chichester starring Emma Williams and Michael Xavier, and is produced by Michael Ball, Adam Spiegel and Stephen Waley-Cohen.

Book tickets to Love Story at the Duchess Theatre

MICHAEL XAVIER in Love Story

Michael Xavier returns to Love Story

Michael Xavier  will join his fellow Into The Woods prince Simon Thomas on the West End stage this year when he stars alongside Emma Williams in Love Story at the Duchess Theatre.

Last seen as the Wolf and Cinderella’s Prince in Into The Woods at the Open Air Theatre in Regent’s Park, Michael has forged an accomplished musicals career since graduating from Manchester Metropolitan University.

He played jock Oliver Barrett in Love Story at the Chichester Festival Theatre earlier in the year and has also appeared as Curly in Oklahoma at the theatre. Other roles include Sir Galahad in Spamalot at the Palace Theatre, Raoul in Phantom of the Opera, Freddy in My Fair Lady at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane and Sky in Mamma Mia in the UK on tour.

Love Story is a passionate new musical based on Erich Segal’s best-selling novel – which became one of the most romantic films of all time starring Ali MacGraw and Ryan O’Neal. Created by Howard Goodall and Stephen Clark, the show stars Emma Williams as Jenny, Michael Xavier as Oliver Barratt IV and Peter Polycarpou as Jenny’s father, Phil.The producers of the show include West End star Michael Ball, Adam Spiegel and Stephen Waley-Cohen and the show is directed by Rachel Kavanaugh, with a book by Stephen Clark, design by Peter McKintosh and musical direction by Stephen Ridley.

Book tickets to LOVE STORY at the Duchess theatre in London

EMMA WILLIAMS in Love Story

The lovely Emma Williams in Love Story

Emma made her West End stage debut as Truly Scrumptious in the original production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the London Palladium, co-starring with Michael Ball – who is producing the West End transfer of Love Story.

She went on to star in Desperately Seeking Susan at the Novello Theatre, Zorro at the Garrick Theatre, and opposite Bryn Terfel as Johanna in Sweeney Todd at the Royal Festival Hall. Earlier this year she originated the role of Jenny in Love Story at the Chichester Festival Theatre. Emma’s film and TV work include Heartbeat, Where the Heart Is, Bleak House and Cosi.

Love Story is a passionate new musical based on Erich Segal’s best-selling novel – which became one of the most romantic films of all time starring Ali MacGraw and Ryan O’Neal. Created by Howard Goodall and Stephen Clark, the show stars Emma Williams as Jenny, Michael Xavier as Oliver Barratt IV and Peter Polycarpou as Jenny’s father, Phil.The producers of the show include West End star Michael Ball, Adam Spiegel and Stephen Waley-Cohen and the show is directed by Rachel Kavanaugh, with a book by Stephen Clark, design by Peter McKintosh and musical direction by Stephen Ridley.

Book tickets to LOVE STORY at the Duchess theatre in London

Love Story – Save £22.50 on tickets

Save £22.50 on tickets to see Love Story at the Duchess Theatre in London

Love Story is a passionate new musical based on Erich Segal’s best-selling novel – which became one of the most romantic films of all time starring Ali MacGraw and Ryan O’Neal.

Created by Howard Goodall and Stephen Clark, the show had its premiere earlier this year at the Chichester Festival Theatre and was well received by critics, with The Stage calling it a “gorgeous new chamber musical”.

As befits a chamber piece, it will transfer to the modestly-sized Duchess Theatre from 27 November starring Emma Williams as Jenny, Michael Xavier as Oliver Barratt IV and Peter Polycarpou as Jenny’s father, Phil.

The producers of the show include West End star Michael Ball, Adam Spiegel and Stephen Waley-Cohen and the show is directed by Rachel Kavanaugh, with a book by Stephen Clark, design by Peter McKintosh and musical direction by Stephen Ridley.

In the musical, rich jock Oliver Barrett meets poor arty Jenny Cavilleri and against the odds they fall in love.

Save £22.50 on tickets to see Love Story at the Duchess Theatre in London

Love Story set for West End

Erich Segal’s best-selling novel Love Story, which was famously turned into a film starring Ali MacGraw and Ryan O’Neal, will come to the West End this year.

The new musical by Howard Goodall and Stephen Clark, had its premiere earlier this year at the Chichester Festival Theatre and was well received by critics, with The Stage calling it a “gorgeous new chamber musical”. As befits a chamber piece, it will transfer to the modestly-sized Duchess Theatre from 27 November. The producers of the show include West End star Michael Ball, Adam Spiegel and Stephen Waley-Cohen.

The show is directed by Rachel Kavanaugh, with a book by Stephen Clark, design by Peter McKintosh and musical direction by Stephen Ridley.

Casting will be announced shortly. In Chichester the show starred Michael Xavier and Emma Williams.

In the musical, rich jock Oliver Barrett meets poor arty Jenny Cavilleri and against the odds they fall in love.

CREDITS:

Emmy, Brit and BAFTA award-winning Howard Goodall is one of the UK’s most versatile and distinguished composers having written choral music, stage musicals, film and TV scores. Goodall was appointed as England’s first ever National Ambassador for Singing, he is the Classical Brit Composer of the Year and Classic FM’s Composer-in-Residence and a highly respected broadcaster and an energetic campaigner for music education.  His extensive scores include Q.I., The Vicar of Dibley, The Gathering Storm, The Borrowers, The Catherine Tate Show, Mr Bean, Bean: The Ultimate Disaster Movie, Mr Bean’s Holiday and Blackadder.  Previously his musical theatre compositions include The Hired Man, Girlfriends, Days of Hope, Catwalk, The Kissing Dance and The Dreaming.

Stephen Clark’s work includes Mahabharata for Sadler’s Wells, The Far Pavilions at the Shaftesbury Theatre, the Laurence Olivier award-winning Martin Guerre at the Prince Edward Theatre, La Traviata for English National Opera and Zorro at the Garrick Theatre and Folies Bergère, Paris.

Love Story is directed by Rachel Kavanaugh, Artistic Director of Birmingham Repertory Theatre where her many credits include Hapgood, Peter Pan – A Musical Adventure and Uncle Vanya as well as David Hare’s Racing Demon, Murmuring Judges and The Absence Of War.  Her other credits include The Music Man starring Brian Conley and A Small Family Business for Chichester Festival Theatre, The Merry Wives of Windsor and Alice in Wonderland for the Royal Shakespeare Company, Hilda for Hampstead Theatre and The Rivals for Bristol Old Vic.

Michael Ball makes his producing debut with Love Story.  His many West End credits include originating the role of Edna Turnblad in Hairspray, produced by Adam Spiegel, and for which he won the Laurence Olivier and Whatsonstage Awards for Best Actor in a Musical.  He can currently be seen on tour in the UK reprising the role of Edna.  His other theatre roles include Marius in Les Misérables, Giorgio in Stephen Sondheim’s Passion, Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera, Alex  in Aspects of Love, Caractacus Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Count Fosco in The Woman in White in the West End and on Broadway.  His made his English National Opera debut as Hajj/Poet in Kismet and in 2005 he made his debut with the New York City Opera as Reginald Bunthrone in Gilbert and Sullivan’s Patience.  As well as his Sunday Brunch for BBC Radio, he will present a new series for ITV, The Michael Ball Show, starting next month.  His 15 solo albums have all achieved gold or platinum status and his discography includes: Michael Ball, Always, One Careful Owner, First Love, The Musicals, The Movies, Music, One Voice and the superb homage to Burt Bacharach, Michael Ball – Back To Bacharach.

OLIVIER AWARDS – Best Costume Winners

OLIVIER AWARDS – Best Costume Winners

Best Costume Design

2011 After the Dance designed by Hildegard Bechtler
2010 Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert – The Musical designed by Tim Chappel and Lizzy Gardiner
2009 The Histories designed by Tom Piper and Emma Williams
2008 Vicki Mortimer for The Man Of Mode at the National
2007 The Voysey Inheritance, designed by Alison Chitty at the National Lyttelton
2006 The Dog In The Manger designed by Es Devlin at the Playhouse
2005 All’s Well That Ends Well designed by Deirdre Clancey at the Gielgud
2004 Power designed by Christopher Oram
2003 Twelfth Night designed by Jenny Tirimani

Best Costume Designer

2002 Jenny Beavan for Private Lives
2001 Alison Chitty for Remembrance Of Things Past
2000 Julie Taymor for The Lion King
1999 William Dudley for Amadeus and The London Cuckolds
1998 Tim Goodchild for Three Hours After Marriage
1997 Tim Goodchild for The Relapse
1996 Anthony Ward for A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Way Of The World and La Grande Magia
1995 Deirdre Clancy for Love’s Labour’s Lost and A Month In The Country
1994 Gerald Scarfe for An Absolute Turkey
1993 William Dudley for Heartbreak House, Pygmalion and The Rise and Fall of Little Voice
1992 Mark Thompson for The Comedy Of Errors
1991 Jasper Conran for The Rehearsal

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