UK Roundup - The Last Five Years, Billy Elliot, Lord of the Rings

Five years after its first staging in Chicago, The Last Five Years will finally receive its London premiere. Jason Robert Brown's intimate two-hander - about a successful writer and a failing actress who meet, marry and separate during the course of the show - opens in July at the Menier Chocolate Factory, whose hit productions include Fully Committed (West End transfer), Tick Tick Boom and Sunday in the Park with George, which transfers to the West End in May. The musical has an almost cult status on CD, especially amongst students at musical theatre colleges; when Brown appeared in concert in December he invited the Royal Academy of Music to join him, all of whom had Brown songs in their repertoires. Dates, casting and creative have not yet been confirmed.

Daddy Cool - the only musical to open in London this year that isn't an American transfer or revival – has delayed its preview period by a staggering three months. Originally due to open at the Shaftesbury Theatre on May 16th, it will now open on 6th September after previews from 15th August. Cast and creative credits for the production are expected to remain the same; the cast is led by Harvey from So Solid Crew, popstar Javine and actress Michelle Collins, the creative team by Andy Goldberg as director. Based on the songs of popstar Boney M – including 'Rivers of Babylon' and 'Mary's Boychild' – the musical is set in the East End of London and is said to mirror the Romeo and Juliet story.

To celebrate the 1st anniversary of Billy Elliot the Musical, director Stephen Daldry has announced that all three boys who originated their Olivier Award winning parts will return for one night only. On 12th May, Liam Mower, James Lomas and George Maguire will all share the role of Billy in alternate scenes. Lomas and Maguire have since left the show but Mower is still performing in a nightly revolving cast. Collectively the three young actors won the Best Actor in a Musical role, beating off competition from the likes of Ewan McGregor. Though it's nice to reward the boys' success with a returning performance, one can't help but think of those in the audience who may be a tad confused by what's going on..

The negative reviews for Lord of the Rings in Toronto have had no effect on its West End plans. Kevin Wallace, speaking to Variety, confirmed that the show will open in January 2007. We Will Rock You recently announced closure at the Dominion Theatre so Rings can move in - but you can't help wonder whether the reviews bode well for London publicity; the BBC news website ran a top entertainment story about its negative critical reception in Toronto. Directed by successful English director Matthew Warchus (Art, Buried Child, Tell Me On A Sunday, Endgame) and choreographed by Peter Darling (an Olivier Award winner for Billy Elliot), full details are expected to be announced shortly.