Theatre: Last News

Get ready to dance, jive, and have the time of your life because Mamma Mia! is making its grand return in 2026.The smash-hit West End musical is planning a UK tour that will hit cities including Bristol, Oxford, Edinburgh, Swansea and Manchester, and fans can snag tickets starting at £19.50 Celebrating its 26th year since debuting in 1999, Mamma Mia! has charmed audiences far and wide, especially after becoming a silver screen sensation with stars Amanda Seyfried and Meryl Streep. READ MORE: Coldplay 2025 UK tour: Tickets now available for less than £100 after huge demand The cast of the 2026 tour remains hush-hush at the moment, but the previous tour in 2024-25 featured talents such as Izi Maxell, Mazz Murray, Ben Irish, Stephen Beckett, Christopher Dickins, and Luke Jasztal.

Gracie Abrams is hitting the road!

Marc Malkin Senior Editor, Culture and Events Will Smith and Martin Lawrence arrived at the Los Angeles premiere of “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” on Thursday night atop a double decker bus, where they were greeted by cheering fans lining Hollywood Boulevard. “It’s not just here,” Smith told Variety about the fans who continued to support him, even when his reputation faltered in the wake of the Oscars slap. “It’s all over the world.

Instagram monicker is “life juggler”.For someone who says she frightens easily, Giovanna’s clearly a sucker for punishment.The star, who was crowned Queen of the Castle in I’m A Celebrity....Get Me Out Of Here! in 2020, recently finished a spell in the West End run of the spine-tingling 2:22 A Ghost Story.From next month she is touring in the stage adaptation of Peter James thriller Wish You Were Dead, also starring Clive Mantle and George Rainsford.“I must say, I did enjoy making the audience jump, which is exactly what I hope will happen this time round.”Giovanna’s three little lads – Buzz is eight, Buddy will be seven in February and Max is five – will have to stay at home. “Not that they’re old enough to see a play like this,” she says.The boys have clearly been an inspiration to their mother for her successful podcast, Happy Mum, Happy Baby, which, famously, featured the Princess of Wales in 2020 when Kate discussed her work with Early Years, the organisation dedicated to young children.It was quite a coup, encouraged throughout by Prince William.Kate spoke of her much-loved grandmother who devoted a lot of time playing with her grandchildren, doing arts and crafts, cooking and gardening.“I try and incorporate a lot of the experiences that she gave us at the time,” she revealed, “into the experiences that I give my children now”.Kate also talked about the importance of creating happy, safe environments where children can learn, grow and explore the outdoors.It was at Sylvia Young that Giovanna met a young Tom Fletcher.So how does she explain the longevity of their relationship?“We’ve laughed a lot throughout the years of knowing each other.

The message reads: “To Cathy, for keeping the engine running!”Michael explained: “It’s an expression we’ve had all the time we’ve been together.“Before I go on stage, I always say to her, ‘Keep the engine running… we may need to make a quick getaway!’”Michael and Cathy have been together for 30 years, with the music star moving in in 1992.Ready Steady Go! Presenter Cathy had ­interviewed him when he was starring in Aspects of Love in 1989.Earlier this year, Michael sparked health fears after he was forced to cancel a show with Alfie Boe, 49.He issued a statement on Instagram explaining he was “absolutely devastated” as he had been struck down with Covid and would not be able to make the show.The statement read: “Sadly, due to Michael contracting Covid-19, we regret to inform you that the Michael Ball & Alfie Boe show at Chewton Glen will not be taking place tomorrow evening (Tuesday 12th July). “We are working hard to reschedule the show and hope to announce a new date very soon.“We will keep you informed of any further developments as soon as possible. “Michael sends his apologies and is absolutely devastated that he’s unable to perform with Alfie tomorrow evening, but he hopes to see you all soon.”Michael’s fans flocked to share their well wishes on the post. Wildnwindblown wrote: “I sympathise dear Michael. “Ive just been isolating for 10 days and was so looking forward to seeing you and Alfie tomorrow night. Hope you aren't ill with it.

Now the veteran actress is gearing up for a real life battle after she was ousted as president of a leading actors’ charity.Dame Penelope, 82, and fellow stars Dame Sian Phillips and James Bolam, are expected to clash with trustees of the Actors’ Benevolent Fund at an emergency meeting on Friday.The actress, best known for The Good Life and To The Manor Born, was ABF president for 32 years until she was ousted in February along with other trustees.Since then, a long-running row between the old and new trustees has led to accusations over the governance of the ABF whose patron is the king.It is understood the charity has been warned it is in breach of its rules by not having a president or honorary treasurer.Dame Penelope said: “A public argument is the last thing we wanted. It is an unnecessary distraction from the essential work the fund undertakes and a waste of charity resources.

Despite suspecting acting might be in the DNA, the Silent Witness star's daughter Rose, 11, has other ideas. And she has her mum's backing in following a very different career path.Emilia, whose mother is actress Joanna David and father is Bafta-winner Edward Fox, made her on-screen debut in Roman Polanski's The Pianist in 2001.

London’s Globe Theatre later in August.The lead actor taking on the role, Isobel Thom, is non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, and necessary alterations have been made to the script.‘For centuries, Joan has been a cultural icon portrayed in countless plays, books, films,’ said Michelle Terry, artistic director of The Globe.She continued: ‘History has provided countless and wonderful examples of Joan portrayed as a woman. This production is simply offering the possibility of another point of view.’The announcement has come during a period of change for the industry with regards to the gender identity of some of its biggest names.Emma D’Arcy and Emily Carey, two of the leading names in HBO’s upcoming Game of Thrones prequel series House of the Dragon, use they/them pronouns.

JLS star Aston Merrygold, 34, on starring in the theatre version of 1980s dance film Footloose, why he hasn’t kept any JLS-branded condoms and how he got over the disappointment of being voted off Strictly.I was four when it came out and around 11 when I first saw it. I loved dancing as a kid and I remember being fascinated. It’s a really clever story – Ren moves to an American Midwest town where they’ve made dancing and rock music illegal.It’s definitely one of my favourite stories and I based the music video for my song Show Me on it.I’m Willard – he’s a lovable comedy part and he gets the one-liners.

Jodie Comer has been photographed being mobbed by adoring fans after performing in Prima Facie on Thursday evening. The Killing Eve actress, 29, plays slick working-class criminal defence lawyer, Tessa, with a skill for successfully defending those accused of sexual assault in a 100-minute monologue. The performance appeared to go down very well with fans, who mobbed the actress outside London’s Harold Pinter Theatre on Thursday night. Jodie was seen wearing a black face mask, black coat and baker boy hat as she signed autographs for fans waiting outside. Many had photos of the actress in their hands and their phone cameras out to capture the moment as she smiled and waved at the crowds. Assistants were also seen loading up the boot of her waiting car with several large bouquets, including a bunch of orange tulips. Jodie appeared to be smiling beneath her mask as she gamely interacted with her fans who had watched her perform. She plays the young barrister in Prima Facie, who vilifies the victims of the rape suspects she defends until she is sexually assaulted and forced to go up against the system.The play is written by Australian-British former lawyer Suzie Miller and is directed by Justin Martin.Jodie’s interaction with fans comes days after she was whisked from the theatre following a security incident, with reports she would no longer be meeting people outside after the show. The actress was ‘whisked’ through a separate exit to normal last week after The Sun reported one man outside was exhibiting ‘worrying’ behaviour by trying to get underneath a shutter.The man had arrived dressed in a black suit and carrying a bunch of flowers before attempting to meet Jodie, to the concern of security staff.One fan told The Sun

Gander, Newfoundland, is a small town in the easternmost part of Canada that became the setting for the musical Come From Away, focused on the heroic welcome the town’s citizens gave to international passengers stranded as a result of 9/11.It’s always inspiring to visit that town by way of this show, and fortunately, the theater gods are blessing us with another opportunity to do just that. The show is returning to Washington next week (it was last here in Dec.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream for Shakespeare’s 456th birthday?”In case you’re like, “…wait, what?,” during Covid, theater actors gathered on Zoom to read plays. Patrons could order a ticket from a theater website, receive a private link, and then tune in from the comfort of their quarantine.“Nobody will be watching this,” our friend wrote. “It won’t be recorded.

Lily Allen hit the red carpet at the Olivier Awards with her husband David Harbour in timeless style for a good night out on Sunday.The singer was nominated for best actress in her theatrical debut for 2:22 – A Ghost Story, a stint she began last August.Rocking up in a simple strapless black gown with a subtle textured print, the star stunned with her black hair in a classic updo, matching her statement earrings exactly to her dress.She kept the rest of her jewellery subtle and carried a small handbag.David dressed for the occasion too in a sharp charcoal grey suit, crisp white shirt, and matching tie. They joined stars including Kit Harrington, former Strictly Come Dancing professional Oti Mabuse and Cabaret leads Eddie Redmayne and Jessie Buckley.Fellow best actress nominee Emma Corrin also stole attention in their high camp balloon dress as they continued living up to their reputation for edgy red carpet looks.The big winners of the night included the new production of the classic 1966 Kander and Ebb musical, which scooped seven of the 11 awards it was nominated for, as well as Life Of Pi.After success at the WhatsOnStage theatre awards in February, unfortunately Lily missed out on the award in her category this time around, with Shelia Atim winning for her turn in Constellations.However, that didn’t seem to put a dampener on her evening at all, with the couple snapped leaving the ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall in good spirits.An animated conversation in their car had the 36-year-old chart-topper in stitches while her 47-year-old husband beamed broadly beside her.The Olivier Awards 2022: Oti Mabuse, Lily Allen and Kit Harington lead red carpet starsThe Marvel star, who proudly supported his wife throughout her

West End show Cock which he was starring in alongside Bridgerton actor Jonathan Bailey.The actor's exit from the play was announced in a statement made by the show's official Twitter account, which said the star, 32, had left the show for "personal reasons".The Rocketman actor had previously fainted on stage during the opening night of the play and was replaced by his understudy after contracting Covid.In view of their 1,400 followers, the show made the announcement confirming Taron's exit.It read: "Joel Harper-Jackson will take over the role of M in Mike Bartlett's razor sharp, hilarious play Cock until the end of the run."The part was originally played in this production by Taron Egerton, who has had to withdraw from the production due to personal reasons."Joel understudied the role and has been playing the part of M for the past ten days while Taron was absent from the production having tested positive for Covid," it added.The show's director Marianne Elliott branded Joel an "absolute hero" and a "gifted actor", adding that audiences have been "cheering" for him.Meanwhile, the show's star, Bridgerton actor Jonathan, called him an "immense talent", saying that he is "proud" to appear on stage with him.Express.co.uk has contacted Taron's representatives for comment.The play follows John (Jonathan) who falls in love with a woman (Jade Anouka) after going on a break from his long-term boyfriend (Taron).The announcement comes after Taron fainted on stage during the first run of the play.Following the concerning incident, a statement read: "During this evening's first preview of Mike Bartlett's play 'Cock' at the Ambassadors Theatre, Taron Egerton fainted towards the end of the performance."A doctor who was in the audience

The star confirmed that he would be back on stage by this evening. He took to his Instagram stories in view of his 2.5 million followers to explain that he will be back shortly. He said that he has decided to put a “positive spin” on the incident and not let it hold him back.The actor then joked that “you’re supposed to do the full show and not just three-quarters of it".Taron said: "I've decided to put a positive spin on it and I would appreciate it if anyone who was in the theatre last night just said that I gave such a committed, electrifying performance that my body couldn't handle it and check out."That being said, apparently you're meant to actually do the full show and not just three quarters of it. “So I'll be back with a vengeance tomorrow night.”He then went on to thank his team and co-stars for “being so lovely".He specifically thanked Joel Harper-Jackson for doing the job of replacing him. He commended him as an actor and as a person. Taron added: "Thank you to the amazing team at the theatre and my wonderful cast mates for being so lovely."But mainly I wanted to say thanks to Joel Harper Jackson who stepped in to do the last bit of the play."Joel is an amazing actor and a lovely person.Thank you, Joel.”The stage play’s production team released a statement on Saturday night following the actor’s collapse. "During this evening’s first preview of Mike Bartlett’s play Cock at the Ambassadors Theatre, Taron Egerton fainted towards the end of the performance."A doctor who was in the audience attended to Taron immediately after the incident.“Whilst he felt fine, it was decided that Taron’s understudy, Joel Harper-Jackson, would continue in the role to complete the performance."

Michael Jackson’s children, Prince, Paris and Blanket attended the opening night of new Broadway show MJ: The Musical in New York City on Tuesday, in support of their late father’s legacy.Although Blanket, 19, opted to skip the red carpet during his rare public appearance at the Neil Simon Theatre, older siblings Prince, 24, and Paris, 23, happily posed for pictures at the event.Paris rocked a deep red paisley print Alice + Olivia coat with tie waist, accessorising with black ankle boots, beaded bracelets and necklaces and a pair of large gold hoop earrings.Wearing her blonde hair loose and tousled, the model and musician perfectly matched her lipstick to her coat and completed the look with bronzed eye make-up.Brother Prince looked dapper in the classic choice of black suit, white shirt and black tie, with a statement watch and chunky rings adding a little edge as he smiled for photographers.Paris and Prince are the children Michael, who died in 2009 from a propofol overdose, shared with second wife Debbie Rowe.Blanket was born in 2002 via a surrogate whose identity is unknown.The new bio-musical show, directed and choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon, includes over 25 of the singer’s biggest hits, and follows Jackson as he prepared to embark on his Dangerous world tour of 1992 and 1993.Newcomer Myles Frost steps into Jackson’s shoes for the show, with the actor wearing a black knee-length jacket with silver beaded embellishment and black leather trousers, finishing off his outfit with a pair of small, frameless mirrored shades.He is making his Broadway debut in MJ: The Musical, after Tony nominee Ephraim Sykes left the show due to a scheduling conflict.Director Spike Lee also turned up for the show’s opening night,

The Ed Sullivan Show. “So I had a peg leg made for me,” he says, “and I just started to tap dance again.”Ruggiero posted a video online showing him tap dancing with his peg leg, which led to invitations to perform on stages and festivals across the country, including a segment on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.