It shouldn’t have been like this, but despite Arlene Phillips’ tremendous choreography and Matt Willis and Victoria Hamilton-Barritt as stars, Flashdance The Musical could not make the passion happen.
Victoria Hamilton-Barritt stars in Flashdance The Musical
The production at the Shaftesbury Theatre will close on the 15th January after a 4 month run. The show was originally booking until the 28th February 2011, so it’s only closing 6 weeks early, but when you mount a West End musical you hope it’s going to run for years rather than a number of months.
Some will say that the Shaftesbury curse has struck yet again….The Shaftesbury Theatre is not known for providing show longevity, although Hairspray managed to have a fairly good run. With the phenomenal success of Dirty Dancing at The Aldwych Theatre, I thought that Flashdance would be a sure bet; 80’s nostalgia is so big at the moment.
Flashdance The Musical got fairly good reviews from the popular press so it’s certainly not a disaster on stage, and it contains many good songs from the iconic film. At least there’s still time to buy a ticket before Flashdance rides off into the sunset….you may find that it’s harmless good fun, which lends itself well to the festive season!
Flashdance is booking until the 15th January at the Shaftesbury Theatre. You can save up to 48% on midweek performances when you buy tickets on www.discounttheatre.com.
What do you think? Is the Shaftesbury Theatre cursed?
Flashdance The Musical opens at the Shaftesbury Theatre tonight! We saw a preview earlier this week and had a great time. Here’s some production photos to peruse ahead of tonight’s press night.
Hairspray might not be leaving the Shaftesbury Theatre until the end of this month, but its successor has already started booking.
Flashdance The Musical doesn’t move into the Shaftesbury Theatre until September, but tickets are now onsale. Set in Pittsburgh, USA, Flashdance tells the story of 18 year old Alex, a welder by day and ‘flashdancer’ by night, whose dream is to obtain a place at the prestigious Shipley Dance Academy. Based on the 1983 film, the music embodies the era and features such hits ‘Maniac’, along with ‘Manhunt’, ‘Gloria’, and ‘I Love Rock and Roll’. And a bonus element is that ex Strictly Come Dancing Judge Arlene Phillips has choreographed all of the dance moves in this highly anticipated stage version.
Go and track down your legwarmers and high-top Reeboks. You know you want to.
Flashdance starts previewing on the 27th September at the Shaftesbury Theatre in London and is booking until the 26th February 2011. By your Flashdance tickets here.
It came as a bit of a shock….one of the most loved shows in recent memory is now closing? How could this be?
Yes, Hairspray at the Shaftesbury Theatre is closing on the 28th March. We are in mourning at Discount Theatre towers…….sniff.
Despite the sad news, I suppose it was actually quite a successful production when you really look at it. Hairspray has been running for about 18 months, which is about 17 months longer than any other recent production at the Shaftesbury Theatre. And when it opened, the critics raved, only boosting its popularity among theatregoers.
So, what will be next to inhabit the Shaftesbury Theatre? Rumours point to the stage version of Flashdance, which could appeal to devotees of Fame and Footloose. Other sources claim that it could be Broadway hit Rock Of Ages.
Hairspray will also be remembered for the show that defied the Shaftesbury curse, and was able to put bums on seats with its fun, broad appeal.
It’s not time to say goodbye yet….top price tickets are reduced to £37.50 for the near future. However, you have been warned that this is your last chance to see a fantastic show!
Hairspray at the Shaftesbury Theatre will close on the 28th March 2010. Book your discounted Hairspray tickets here.
