Put the coffee on and lay out the table. Breakfast is about to become the main meal of the day for Anna Friel.

The excellent TV show Pushing Daisies may have been cancelled by the American networks after only two very brief series, but when one door closes….well, you know.

It was confirmed last week, that Friel will star as Holly Golightly in the stage adaptation of Truman Capote’s novella, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, which will open at the Theatre Royal Haymarket on the 9th September.

Set in New York in 1943, Holly Golightly is living the high life as a socialite with big ambition. Who will she marry? And more importantly what will she wear? The character of Holly Golightly was immortalised by Audrey Hepburn in the film version of Breakfast at Tiffany’s, highlighting the classic look of little black dress, pearls and huge sunglasses.

While the production has been classed as a play, it was confirmed that the iconic song “Moon River” (from the film version of Breakfast at Tiffany’s) will be performed in the production, delighting hard core film enthusiasts but also operating as a good lovey-dovey song for couples – men, take note if you want to impress.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s is booking until the 9th January 2010. Buy your Breakfast at Tiffany’s tickets here.

Any theatre fan will have watched the BBC program I’d Do Anything, which featured a search for the role of Nancy in the British classic Oliver! One year on, Oliver! Is a sell out show, which stars Jody Prenger as Nancy and Rowan Atkinson as Fagin. We sat down for a quick chat with Jodie, to find out how she is enjoying West End stardom.

As mentioned, there’s still some tickets left for Oliver, make sure you get your hands on one so you don’t have to pick a pocket or two!

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The smash hit musical Wicked performed for its 2 millionth customer this week celebrating its West End longevity. Lucky patron Louisa Robb and her partner Craig Robinson from Newark were given special treatment as the guests of honour, and were able to pose with both of the witches after the show, resulting in the lovely photo below.

If it were me, I would ask Alexia Khadime (who plays Elphaba) just how long it takes to get that green makeup on and off every night. I wonder if she has to scrub with industrial strength soap?

Wicked was already a Broadway hit when it arrived at the Apollo Victoria Theatre in September 2006 and quickly became a sought after show on the London scene as well. In this interpretation of Oz the munchkins and Dorothy take a back seat while the story of the witches is explored.

Celebrating its 1000th performance earlier this year and heading for a birthday cake with 3 candles in September, Wicked tickets are still in high demand. Check out the superb Wicked Meal Deal on www.discounttheatre.com or buy tickets for Wicked here.

Another original musical bites the dust.

Despite being a multiple Tony award winner, and receiving 5 star reviews from the London critics, Spring Awakening is to close at the Novello Theatre on the 30th May.

Reminds me of another Broadway hit at the Novello that just didn’t fly over here…anyone remember The Drowsy Chaperone?

Teenage angst is at the forefront of Spring Awakening, but it also highlights some very serious issues, stressing that adolescence isn’t always about school dances and football games. However, it seems the groundbreaking production, even with its awards and critical acclaim, does not have the ticket sales to keep going. It’s a shame, as it’s one of the most diverse and exciting things I’ve seen in the West End for a long time.

If you fancy rocking out with the tormented teens, there’s still time. Tickets are available at a discount until the end of the month. Buy your Spring Awakening tickets here.

This month, we managed to snag an interview with the cast of Spring Awakening, the story of teen angst and burgeoning sexual desires that has become the latest West End sensation and had all of the critics raving with 5 star reviews.

We also have a personalised account of the long awaited opening of Calendar Girls at the Noel Coward theatre. Our podfather Ashley was at the opening night and gives his review of the show.

And of course we bring you the West End news, to keep you informed of happenings in theatreland.

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Show Notes

The News

• Sister Act - Sister Acts starts previewing from 7th May. Check out Discount Theatre for a fantastic Sister Act meal deal: buy a top price ticket and get a 2 course meal for free!
• La Clique Announces Closing Date - You still have time to catch the show, before it’s forcibly removed. General admission seats are reduced to £22.50 for most performances so take a look at Discount Theatre for more info.
• Shout - Shout contains fantastic 1960’s anthems including DOWNTOWN, SON OF A PREACHER MAN, I ONLY WANNA BE WITH YOU, THESE BOOTS ARE MADE FOR WALKIN’, YOU DON’T HAVE TO SAY YOU LOVE ME, celebrating an era that baby boomers are proud of, and everyone else wishes they could have been part of. Tickets are available from only £15, so it’s a bargain you definitely don’t want to miss!

Spotlight Show

• Calendar Girls - Ashley talks the premiere of Calendar Girls.

Spring Awakening Interview

• As featured in last month’s news, we highlighted the teenage angst filled musical Spring Awakening, which is proving to be a groundbreaking force as it transferred to the Novello Theatre last month. The reviewers raved, giving it glowing reviews and boosting its status as one of the most original, dynamic musicals being performed today. We went to talk to the cast. Spring Awakening Tickets

Spring Awakening in full swing!

Some thought the Americans wouldn’t understand. Turns out they did.

There was much debate about the opening of West End hit Billy Elliot to Broadway last year, mostly about the characters’ thick Northern dialect and the historical references in the musical. The question was asked: would a predominantly American audience get it? And would they find it relevant?

With rave reviews posted in New York and now a massive 15 Tony award nominations, Billy Elliot has proved it can transcend the Atlantic Ocean and confirms that at its heart, it is a universal story of love, acceptance and the human condition.

Billy Elliot opened 4 years ago in London and immediately became a sell out hit. Directed by Stephen Daldry and composed by Elton John, the story centres around Billy and his quest to be a ballet dancer despite disapproval from his hard working class father and brother. With the backdrop of the 1980’s mining strikes contributing to the intensity of Billy’s family life, the story embodies a critical historical time in British life.

Billy Elliot claimed many major awards in Britain 4 years ago and with the amount of Tony nominations this week, it may sweep the board in New York as well. Fortunately, you don’t have to go to New York to see the show as Billy Elliot is still playing at the Victoria Palace Theatre in London. From now until 19th June (excludes 25th to 29th May) top price Billy Elliot tickets are reduced from £60 to £39.50 Monday to Friday. Buy your Billy Elliot tickets here.