One Hollywood star leaves and another moves in.
Kim Catrall, was recently occupying the Vaudeville Theatre while she was starring in Private Lives. Now Jeff Goldblum is moving into the theatre, when Neil Simon’s The Prisoner of Second Avenue previews on the 30th June.
Goldblum was last seen in the West End when he starred with Kevin Spacey in David Mamet’s Speed the Plow at the Old Vic. It was an excellent production; afterwards I waited by the stage door for autographs, which wasn’t my idea; I really don’t care for autographs. However, one member of our party was particularly intent on having Spacey and Goldblum sign his programme. 
We waited intently, with the security guards staring at the growing queue. Oddly, we saw a really grumpy Rowan Atkinson walk by. Maybe it was because some Americans started exclaiming “Oh My Gaawd, it’s Mr Bean”….. that would certainly make me grumpy.
Spacey and Goldblum emerged, and while Spacey was handling the queue with efficiency (he probably wanted to get to the pub…. maybe he was meeting Rowan Atkinson), Goldblum was jumping up and down with a huge grin on his face and waving to everyone in sight. He was loving it.
He must have had such a good London experience at the Old Vic that he decided to tread the boards again.
The Prisoner of Second Avenue is a black comedy set in 1970’s New York, which focuses on a married couple struggling to cope with city life. Things eventually get to be too much, as one of the characters heads towards a nervous breakdown and other family members try to offer support in the battle against economic recession and chaotic city life.
The Prisoner of Second Avenue stars Jeff Goldblum and is written by Neil Simon. It will play at the Vaudeville Theatre until the 11th September. And no, I will not be lurking about at the stage door waiting to pounce on a giddy Jeff Goldblum.
Buy The Prisoner of Second Avenue Tickets.
Goodbye to Leicester Square!
So we’ve broken the back of what we will call “Summer 2009” and are headed into the Autumn. Soon the crowds will disappear from Leicester Square and the air will be slightly cooler as the leaves start to change colour. Change is definitely in the air.
The West End is also full of change due to many new productions that are opening in the next month or so, making an exciting scene for theatre lovers. I thought I would do a little list of my top picks for Autumn 2009.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s – Theatre Royal Haymarket
Who doesn’t love the film starring Audrey Hepburn? And what man doesn’t love Anna Friel? Both will be on stage starting in September as Friel takes on the role of Holly Golightly in the theatrical adaptation. My boyfriend is already begging me to get tickets. Girls and guys will both be pleased with this one.
The Shawshank Redemption – Wyndhams Theatre
Ok, so another film becomes a stage production, but the story is a cracker. Kevin Anderson (Sleeping With The Enemy) and Reg E Cathey (The Wire) will star as prison inmates who form a bond and make the best of the grim atmosphere.
Prick Up Your Ears – Comedy Theatre
Matt Lucas of Little Britain comes to the stage in a historical dramatisation of playwright Joe Orton and his lover Kenneth Halliwell. Expect sharp banter and darkly comic moments as the pair struggle to cope with Orton’s fame and Halliwell’s distaste for mundane domesticity.
Kevin Spacey stars in Inherit The Wind at the Old Vic Theatre
Inherit The Wind – Old Vic Theatre
Kevin Spacey is back on stage to mark the 150th anniversary of Darwinism in Inherit The Wind. In 1925 a teacher is accused of violating Tennessee state laws by teaching evolution to his students. Is freedom of thought on trial in the supposed land of the free? The legendary Trevor Nunn directs… I suspect this will be gripping stuff.
The Rat Pack – Adelphi Theatre
Admittedly, a re-entry onto the scene but I will be going again to see The Rat Pack for sure. This tribute show will delight those with a nostalgic streak, with songs such as My Way, That’s Amore and Mr. Bojangles. And the Christmas show is even better.
The Rise and Fall of Little Voice – Vaudeville Theatre
Another West End revival is set to make an appearance in October, The Rise And Fall of Little Voice, which premiered at the National Theatre in 1992 and was subsequently made into a film, is back for a limited run. This time Lesley Sharp, Marc Warren and Diana Vickers (from last year’s X factor) will perform the lead roles. Reality TV fans will be lining up to get tickets.
Lesley Sharp, Marc Warren and Diana Vickers will star in "Little Voice" which previews from the 8th October.
Make a note of the above, it’s set to be a great time for London theatre. Discount tickets are available for many new shows so check them out here. And if you disagree, by all means let us know which shows you are looking forward to. For now, I’m going to continue packing up my desk…..
