My latest load of London theatre news is more musical than an old fashioned jewellery box.
Hot off the press is the missive that the much rumoured Made In Dagenham musical, based on the hit British film, is driving into the West End with acclaimed director Rupert Goold at the steering wheel and British big screen star Gemma Arterton in the passenger seat as his leading lady. It will open at the Adelphi Theatre, currently playing host to The Bodyguard, this autumn.
Current star of The Bodyguard, UK soul sensation Beverley Knight, has got a taste for the London stage having made her debut in the Whitney Houston musical. She’ll lead the cast of the Tony Award-winning Memphis when it opens at the Shaftesbury Theatre in October.
Another Tony Award-winning tuner, In The Heights, receives its London debut at the Southwark Playhouse this May.
Musical theatre superstar Ruthie Henshall, who’s previously stunned audiences in shows including Les Misérables, Miss Saigon and Chicago, is heading back to the stage to play dance teacher Mrs Wilkinson in Billy Elliot The Musical from 12 May.
Arthur Darvill, who may not be a musical theatre superstar just yet – give it time – but is certainly well known to anyone with a passing interest in sci-fi or family television having played Rory in Doctor Who, is taking to the London stage in Once. The actor and musician will play Guy, a role he previously played on Broadway, from 17 March.
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Stephen Ward, which explores the story of the Profumo Affair, has announced the curtain will come down on its tale of scandal and scapegoats in late March.
In non-musical news, the National Theatre of Scotland’s production of vampire tale Let The Right One In will bring its story of unlikely friendship and brutal attacks to the Apollo Shaftesbury from 26 March.
Oooh, almost forgot, tune into the Olivier Awards website or Official London Theatre on 10 March from 11:30 (GMT) to discover who’s been nominated for this year’s Olivier Awards with MasterCard.