Oh how a talent show can change your life….and indirectly promote a musical.
I thought maybe it was time to jump in on the Susan Boyle frenzy, and highlight an interesting trend that may have been sparked by this latest flurry of pop culture.
Susan Boyle sings "I Dreamed a Dream"
I was perusing the most popular shows according to sales on Discount Theatre in the last month, and my mouth fell open when I saw the numbers for Les Miserables. This 24 year old musical is nearing the top of our list for ticket sales.
And after puzzling for a bit over this discovery, my mind then turned to Susan Boyle’s performance on Britain’s Got Talent. Boyle sang “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Mis, and managed to shock everyone with a rather moving rendition, contrasting the image of a frumpy middle aged woman. In an age of social networking and You Tube, it didn’t take long for her performance to become a worldwide phenomenon and make Boyle a highly sought after talk show guest.
Don’t get me wrong; Les Mis is a brilliant musical, one of my favourites and a must see for anyone who likes musical theatre. It takes the rather violent backdrop of the French Revolution, and blows the roof off of the Queen’s Theatre with beautiful and emotional songs, which results in one of the most breathtaking stage epics. If you see it, you will buy the soundtrack immediately. It has always been a strong presence in the world of musicals, quietly and diligently standing its ground in an age of pithy and hyped new offerings.
But for it to fend off almost every other heavily promoted show that has come on to the scene in the last couple of months? It can only be a testament to the longevity and quality of the show, and in my humble opinion, maybe a little incidental push from a woman who decided to sing “I Dreamed a Dream” on Britain’s Got Talent.
Les Miserables offers great discounts, with top price tickets reduced to £39.50 for weekday performances. Book your Les Miserables tickets at the Queen’s Theatre here.
I fear the audience may be full of highlighted hair, dogs in little bags and inappropriate shoes.
And don’t forget the colour pink, quite possibly the most annoying and nauseating colour in the world.
Yes, after months of speculation, rumours and innuendo, (gasp!) it has been revealed that the Broadway hit, Legally Blonde, will come to London and have its premiere at the Savoy Theatre on the 5th December.
Based on the film of the same name, Legally Blonde is a comedy revolving around Elle Woods (the Blonde) who gets dumped by her boyfriend for being ‘not serious enough’. But let’s be blunt; he means stupid.
But as Elle wants her man back, she somehow gets herself into Harvard law school???? (Ok, I’m up for fantastical storylines, but this is close to taking the piss), so she can become educated, and win her man back. It’s harmless, manufactured, endearing Hollywood comedy, and absolutely perfect for an escapist and funny evening of theatre.
It was announced that Sheridan Smith will star as Elle Woods, she was last seen in the West End in the superb Menier Chocolate Factory production of Little Shop of Horrors. The accompanying boyfriend will be played by Duncan James (from the boyband Blue and last seen in the West End production of Chicago).
Tickets for Legally Blonde go on sale for individuals on the 26th April. Bring on the hair dye and absurd Chihuahua outfits!
It’s a dull grey outside…..the type of dull sky that makes you feel as though you will bump your head if you stand up too tall. I’ve given up hope long ago of a prolonged period of Spring sunshine….there’s no point in hoping for something that has about a 2% chance of happening.
Luckily for me, I don’t need the sun to add a little brightness in my life…. currently I am blinded every time I walk past the Palace Theatre. I’ve even had to get a bigger pair of sunglasses and start wearing a large hat, as the glare from the sequins on the front of the building is so bright!
Priscilla Queen of the Desert, opened to rave reviews at the Palace, and if the outside of the building is producing such an alarming shimmer, wait until you see what is happening on stage.
The musical is based on the 1994 cult film about 3 drag queens who are crossing the Australian desert in their beloved bus, Priscilla. Starring Jason Donovan, Priscilla contains fantastic dance-floor classics including I Will Survive, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, Don’t Leave Me This Way and Finally, which combined with the numerous (and requisite) flamboyant costumes, constitutes a roaring and colourful good time.
Priscilla has also decided to “Celebrate Spring”, in style of course, by offering an exclusive offer for Discount Theatre customers. From the 4th May to the 30th June, top price tickets Monday to Wednesday evenings and Thursday matinees are only £39.75 each, saving £19.50 off of the face value.
Now’s your chance to grab a deal for the theatre opening of the year….get your Priscilla tickets here.
And don’t worry if you see a someone hurrying past the theatre in a large brimmed hat and sunglasses even when it’s dark outside….I am normal…..really.
Episode 1: The one with the Hemorrhoid gag! - Ashley and Charlie share their plans for the “Discount Theatre News” Podcast, plus they get to grips with all the latest theatre gossip and a theory on why certain shows received such long standing ovations 
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Show Notes
The News
- Spring Awakening - A hot, sexy, and scintillating new musical that just hit the Novello Theatre
- Priscilla Queen Of The Desert - Opened at the Palace Theatre on 23rd March, starring Jason Donovan, Oliver Thornton, and Tony Sheldon
- Avenue Q - Moving to the Gielgud Theatre this June
- Waiting for Godot - Starring Sir Patrick Stewart, and Sir Ian McKellan, the show will open at the Haymarket Theatre on the 6th of May for a limited season
Spotlight Show
- La Clique - 2009 Olivier Award Winner for Best Entertainment
Theatre Gossip
- Ghost The Musical will premiere in the West End in 2010, and Matthew Warchus (Lord Of the Rings) is to direct
- Legally Blonde - Coming to this West End at the End of year
Offer of the Month
- Billy Elliot - from the 27th of April to the 19th of June for only £39.50 per ticket! That’s a savings of over £20 per ticket
Discount Theatre News will be broadcasting on a monthly basis, so you can get your monthly Theatre fix every 30 days on the blog or delivered directly into iTunes.
Meet the Podfather and Mother (Ashley and Charlie)
