Michael Blakemore
Birth Place: Sydney, AUSTRALIA
Latest News on Michael Blakemore:
How Often are People Tony-Nominated for Different Shows in the Same Season? (Apr 14, 2024)
Theatre Director Michael Blakemore Dies at 95 (Dec 13, 2023)
Leslie Odom Jr., Arielle Jacobs & More to Join The Drama League EMBRACE THE SEASON Gala (Nov 6, 2023)
How Often are People Tony-Nominated for Different Shows in the Same Season? (Apr 14, 2024)
Theatre Director Michael Blakemore Dies at 95 (Dec 13, 2023)
Leslie Odom Jr., Arielle Jacobs & More to Join The Drama League EMBRACE THE SEASON Gala (Nov 6, 2023)
BIO
Michael Blakemore is an accomplished actor, director, and writer with a long and distinguished career in both the theater and film industries. Born in Sydney, Australia in 1928, Blakemore began his career as an actor before transitioning to directing in the 1960s. He has since become one of the most respected directors in the industry, with numerous awards and accolades to his name.
Blakemore's early career was marked by his work as an actor in Australia and the UK. He made his West End debut in 1950 in a production of The Heiress, and went on to appear in numerous productions over the next decade. In the mid-1960s, he began to focus more on directing, and quickly established himself as a talented and innovative director.
One of Blakemore's most notable early productions was the 1967 London premiere of Joe Orton's Loot, which he directed to critical acclaim. He went on to direct numerous other successful productions in the UK, including the West End premiere of Tom Stoppard's Travesties in 1974.
In the 1980s, Blakemore began to work more extensively in the United States, directing productions on and off Broadway. One of his most notable productions during this time was the 1983 Broadway premiere of Noises Off, which was a critical and commercial success. He also directed the 1987 Broadway production of A Day in the Death of Joe Egg, which earned him a Tony Award for Best Director.
Blakemore continued to direct successful productions on both sides of the Atlantic throughout the 1990s and 2000s. In 1994, he directed the Broadway premiere of Kiss of the Spider Woman, which earned him another Tony Award for Best Director. He also directed the West End premiere of Stephen Sondheim's Into the Woods in 1990, which was widely praised for its innovative staging and won the Olivier Award for Best Musical.
In addition to his work as a director, Blakemore has also written extensively about the theater. He published his memoir, Arguments with England, in 2004, which chronicles his experiences as a director in both the UK and the US. He has also written several plays, including The Last Cigarette, which he co-wrote with his longtime collaborator, the actor and writer Simon Gray.
Blakemore's most recent work includes the 2014 West End production of My Night with Reg, which he directed to critical acclaim. The production was a revival of Kevin Elyot's play about a group of gay friends in the 1980s, and was widely praised for its sensitive handling of the material.
Throughout his long and illustrious career, Michael Blakemore has established himself as one of the most talented and respected directors in the theater world. His innovative and insightful productions have earned him numerous awards and accolades, and his writing has contributed significantly to the understanding and appreciation of the art of theater.
Photos
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Productions
Writing
Additional Material
Awards and Nominations
Drama Desk Awards - 2009 - Outstanding Director of a Play
Michael Blakemore, Blithe Spirit
Olivier Awards - 2002 - Best Director
Michael Blakemore, Kiss Me, Kate
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2000 - Outstanding Director - Play
Michael Blakemore, Copenhagen
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2000 - Outstanding Director of a Musical
Michael Blakemore, Kiss Me Kate
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2000 - Outstanding Director of a Play
Michael Blakemore, Copenhagen
winner
Tony Awards - 2000 - Best Direction of a Musical
Michael Blakemore , Kiss Me, Kate
winner
Tony Awards - 2000 - Best Direction of a Play
Michael Blakemore, Copenhagen
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1999 - Outstanding Director - Musical
Michael Blakemore, Kiss Me, Kate
Drama Desk Awards - 1997 - Outstanding Director - Musical
Michael Blakemore, The Life
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1997 - Best Director - Musical
Michael Blakemore, The Life
Tony Awards - 1997 - Best Direction of a Musical
Michael Blakemore, The Life
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1990 - Best Director
Michael Blakemore, City of Angels
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1990 - Best Director
Michael Blakemore, City of Angels
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1990 - Best Director
Michael Blakemore, Lettice and Lovage
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1990 - Best Director
Michael Blakemore, City of Angels
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1990 - Best Director
Michael Blakemore Lettice & Lovage
Tony Awards - 1990 - Best Direction of a Play
Michael Blakemore, Lettice and Lovage
Drama Desk Awards - 1989 - Outstanding Director - Musical
Michael Blakemore, City of Angels
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1984 - Outstanding Director of a Play
Michael Blakemore, Noises Off
Olivier Awards - 1984 - Director of the Year
Michael BlakemoreBenefactors
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1984 - Best Director
Michael Blakemore, Noises Off
Tony Awards - 1984 - Best Direction of a Play
Michael Blakemore, Noises Off
Olivier Awards - 1977 - Director of the Year
Michael BlakemorePrivates On Parade
Tony Awards - 1968 - Best Direction of a Play
Michael Blakemore, Joe Egg
Videos
BWW Flashback: Celebrate Angela Lansbury's Birthday With a Look Back at BLITHE SPIRIT's Opening!
by Linnae Medeiros - Oct 16, 2019
TV: T'Shan Williams and Sharon D. Clarke Duet on 'My Friend' from THE LIFE at Southwark Playhouse
by BroadwayWorld TV - Mar 28, 2017
STAGE TUBE: Donmar's CITY OF ANGELS Performs 'What You Don't Know About Women' at the Olivier Awards
by Anna Bencivengo - Apr 17, 2015
VIDEO: Behind the Scenes with the Cast and Creative Team of the WALKING WITH DINOSAURS Arena Tour
by BWW News Desk - Jul 17, 2014
STAGE TUBE: Watch REBECCA's Ryan Silverman's New 'Come On Down To My House' Music Video
by Stage Tube - Jun 21, 2012
TV: Broadway Beat - Sneak Peek at the Opening Night of Blithe Spirit on Broadway
by Craig Brockman - Mar 17, 2009
News
How Often are People Tony-Nominated for Different Shows in the Same Season?
This time, the reader question was: How often are people Tony Award-nominated for different shows in the same season?
This time, the reader question was: How often are people Tony Award-nominated for different shows in the same season?
Theatre Director Michael Blakemore Dies at 95
BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that theatre director Michael Blakemore has died at age 95. Read his obituary here.
BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that theatre director Michael Blakemore has died at age 95. Read his obituary here.
Leslie Odom Jr., Arielle Jacobs & More to Join The Drama League EMBRACE THE SEASON Gala
Get ready for a night of incredible performances at The Drama League 'Embrace The Season' Gala. Join Leslie Odom Jr., Arielle Jacobs, and other talented artists as they take the stage for an unforgettable evening. Don't miss out on this star-studded event!
Get ready for a night of incredible performances at The Drama League 'Embrace The Season' Gala. Join Leslie Odom Jr., Arielle Jacobs, and other talented artists as they take the stage for an unforgettable evening. Don't miss out on this star-studded event!
Annaleigh Ashford, Lindsay Mendez, Norm Lewis & More To Join The Drama League's EMBRACE THE SEASON Gala
Annaleigh Ashford, Lindsay Mendez, Norm Lewis, Danny Burstein, and more will be performing at The Drama League's 'Embrace The Season' Gala.
Annaleigh Ashford, Lindsay Mendez, Norm Lewis, Danny Burstein, and more will be performing at The Drama League's 'Embrace The Season' Gala.
Bringing Together a Shakespeare Classic and Songs by Cole Porter KISS ME, KATE! Opens in Sao Paulo
Kiss Me, Kate! is a musical written by Bella and Samuel Spewack ,with music and lyrics by Cole Porter. The story involves the production of a musical version of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew and the conflict on and off-stage between Fred Graham, the show's director, producer, and star, and his leading lady, his ex-wife Lilli Vanessi.
Kiss Me, Kate! is a musical written by Bella and Samuel Spewack ,with music and lyrics by Cole Porter. The story involves the production of a musical version of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew and the conflict on and off-stage between Fred Graham, the show's director, producer, and star, and his leading lady, his ex-wife Lilli Vanessi.
KISS ME, KATE 1999 Revival to Stream on BroadwayHD This Month
BroadwayHD will be bringing the 1999 revival of Cole Porter’s masterpiece to their platform for its exclusive worldwide release on January 15, 2023.
BroadwayHD will be bringing the 1999 revival of Cole Porter’s masterpiece to their platform for its exclusive worldwide release on January 15, 2023.
Mirvish Theatres Will Dim the Marquee Lights to Honour the Life of Angela Lansbury
The marquee lights of the Royal Alexandra and the Princess of Wales theatres will be dimmed on Wednesday, October 12, at 8 pm, to honour the life of the legendary Angela Lansbury, who died on Tuesday October 11, 2022 in Los Angeles at the age of 96.
The marquee lights of the Royal Alexandra and the Princess of Wales theatres will be dimmed on Wednesday, October 12, at 8 pm, to honour the life of the legendary Angela Lansbury, who died on Tuesday October 11, 2022 in Los Angeles at the age of 96.
Pitlochry Festival Theatre Will Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Michael Frayn's NOISES OFF in May
Get ready for a riotous night out this summer as Pitlochry Festival Theatre celebrates the 40th anniversary of Michael Frayn's irresistible farce within a farce from 27 May-1 October.
Get ready for a riotous night out this summer as Pitlochry Festival Theatre celebrates the 40th anniversary of Michael Frayn's irresistible farce within a farce from 27 May-1 October.
10 curiosidades sobre los Premios Tony
¿Quieres saber todo sobre los premios más conocidos de Broadway? Entra en este artículo.
¿Quieres saber todo sobre los premios más conocidos de Broadway? Entra en este artículo.
BWW Interview: So Now You Know With Katy Grenfell
'A good anecdote should always be shared, because it's interesting!' said Sardi's Roundable Hostess and Producer Randie Levine-Miller. I read some really wonderful behind-the-sceens anecdotes on Broadway Actress Katy Grenfell's private Facebook page about a week ago where she lifted the curtain on her experiences in the 1997 Broadway show THE LIFE.
'A good anecdote should always be shared, because it's interesting!' said Sardi's Roundable Hostess and Producer Randie Levine-Miller. I read some really wonderful behind-the-sceens anecdotes on Broadway Actress Katy Grenfell's private Facebook page about a week ago where she lifted the curtain on her experiences in the 1997 Broadway show THE LIFE.
TROUBLE IN MIND Begins Previews on Broadway Tonight; Meet the Cast!
Trouble In Mind officially begins previews tonight, October 29, at Roundabout's American Airlines Theatre on Broadway. Learn more about the cast here!
Trouble In Mind officially begins previews tonight, October 29, at Roundabout's American Airlines Theatre on Broadway. Learn more about the cast here!
BWW Interview: Lillias White of WE'RE BACK at The Green Room 42, August 12th Through 14th
Lillias White has an artistic home-away-from-home at The Green Room 42, and with a new album to celebrate, the club that calls her their Main Muse is the perfect place to party.
Lillias White has an artistic home-away-from-home at The Green Room 42, and with a new album to celebrate, the club that calls her their Main Muse is the perfect place to party.
BWW Feature: We Saw Them First/The Actresses - Five Plays Whose Female Players Later Became Stars
Last week, we looked at the early stage work of a quintet of actors who have gone on to celebrated work, and a wider public, onscreen. But the same trajectory is every bit as true of Britain's dazzling array of actresses, five of whom are here remembered from their early stage work before one celluloid assignment or another cemented their fame.
Last week, we looked at the early stage work of a quintet of actors who have gone on to celebrated work, and a wider public, onscreen. But the same trajectory is every bit as true of Britain's dazzling array of actresses, five of whom are here remembered from their early stage work before one celluloid assignment or another cemented their fame.
Arthur P. Siccardi, Broadway Production Supervisor, Dies at 89
Beloved Broadway production supervisor Arthur P. Siccardi has passed away at 89. Arthur P., II was one of the best-loved figures in the American theater, with a distinguished career as a production supervisor that spanned five decades working with the biggest stars, directors and producers on some of the best-known shows in Broadway history.
Beloved Broadway production supervisor Arthur P. Siccardi has passed away at 89. Arthur P., II was one of the best-loved figures in the American theater, with a distinguished career as a production supervisor that spanned five decades working with the biggest stars, directors and producers on some of the best-known shows in Broadway history.
BWW Flashback: Review the Stage Careers of the Cast of THE CROWN!
The Crown has held as one of Netflix's top series since the release of Season 4 on November 15 perhaps partly due to the stellar performances from its cast. Did you know that many of the company members have extensive background onstage in London and around the world.
The Crown has held as one of Netflix's top series since the release of Season 4 on November 15 perhaps partly due to the stellar performances from its cast. Did you know that many of the company members have extensive background onstage in London and around the world.
Richard Skipper Celebrates Anastasia Barzee Tonight
Tonight's episode of Richard Skipper Celebrates... will feature Anastasia Barzee! Hosted by Richard Skipper, the virtual event will stream live through Richard Skipper Celebrates on Facebook and YouTube. Tune in on August 31, 5 PM ET/2PM PT.
Tonight's episode of Richard Skipper Celebrates... will feature Anastasia Barzee! Hosted by Richard Skipper, the virtual event will stream live through Richard Skipper Celebrates on Facebook and YouTube. Tune in on August 31, 5 PM ET/2PM PT.
Richard Skipper Celebrates Anastasia Barzee Monday, August 31
This Monday, Richard Skipper Celebrates Anastasia Barzee! Streaming LIVE through Richard Skipper Celebrates on Facebook and Youtube.
This Monday, Richard Skipper Celebrates Anastasia Barzee! Streaming LIVE through Richard Skipper Celebrates on Facebook and Youtube.
Rachel York Talks About How She Booked Her First Broadway Show on STARS IN THE HOUSE
Stars in The House, benefiting The Actors Fund, continued this afternoon (2pm) with the cast of City of Angels, Gregg Edelman, Randy Graff, Dee Hoty, Kay McClelland, James Naughton, Rachel York and David Zippel. Joined by director Michael Blakemore.
Stars in The House, benefiting The Actors Fund, continued this afternoon (2pm) with the cast of City of Angels, Gregg Edelman, Randy Graff, Dee Hoty, Kay McClelland, James Naughton, Rachel York and David Zippel. Joined by director Michael Blakemore.
Patrick Wilson and His Son Kassian Performed 'Man' From THE FULL MONTY on STARS IN THE HOUSE
Stars in The House, benefiting The Actors Fund, continued this Sunday night (8pm) with The Full Monty Original Broadway Cast, David Yazbeck, John Ellison Conlee, Jason Danieley, André De Shields, Romain Fruge, Marcus Neville, Patrick Wilson and Tony Yazbeck.
Stars in The House, benefiting The Actors Fund, continued this Sunday night (8pm) with The Full Monty Original Broadway Cast, David Yazbeck, John Ellison Conlee, Jason Danieley, André De Shields, Romain Fruge, Marcus Neville, Patrick Wilson and Tony Yazbeck.
VIDEO: Watch a CITY OF ANGELS Reunion on STARS IN THE HOUSE
Stars in the House continues today (2pm) with a City of Angels Cast reunion (Gregg Edelman, Randy Graff, Dee Hoty, Kay McClelland, James Naughton, Rachel York and David Zippel. Joined by director Michael Blakemore) and tonight (8pm) with the cast of Ryan Murphy's Hollywood (David Corenswet, Darren Criss, Laura Harrier, Joe Mantello, Dylan McDermott, Jeremy Pope, Mira Sorvino, Holland Taylor and Samara Weaving).
Stars in the House continues today (2pm) with a City of Angels Cast reunion (Gregg Edelman, Randy Graff, Dee Hoty, Kay McClelland, James Naughton, Rachel York and David Zippel. Joined by director Michael Blakemore) and tonight (8pm) with the cast of Ryan Murphy's Hollywood (David Corenswet, Darren Criss, Laura Harrier, Joe Mantello, Dylan McDermott, Jeremy Pope, Mira Sorvino, Holland Taylor and Samara Weaving).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many shows has Michael Blakemore written?
Michael Blakemore has written 1 shows including The Life (Additional Material).
What awards has Michael Blakemore been nominated for?
Outstanding Director of a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Blithe Spirit , Best Director (Olivier Awards) for Kiss Me, Kate, Outstanding Director - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Copenhagen, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Kiss Me Kate, Outstanding Director of a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Copenhagen, Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Kiss Me, Kate, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for Copenhagen, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Kiss Me, Kate, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Life, Best Director - Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Life , Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Life, Best Director (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for City of Angels , Best Director (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for City of Angels , Best Director (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Lettice and Lovage, Best Director (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for City of Angels, Best Director (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Lettice & Lovage , Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for Lettice and Lovage, Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for City of Angels, Outstanding Director of a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Noises Off, Director of the Year (Olivier Awards) for Benefactors, Best Director (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Noises Off, Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for Noises Off, Director of the Year (Olivier Awards) for Privates On Parade and Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for Joe Egg.
What awards has Michael Blakemore won?
Michael Blakemore has won several prestigious awards, including: - Outstanding Director - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Copenhagen. - Best Direction of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Kiss Me, Kate. - Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for Copenhagen. - Outstanding Director - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Kiss Me, Kate. - Best Director (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for City of Angels. - Best Director (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Lettice and Lovage. - Outstanding Director of a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Noises Off. - Best Director (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Noises Off. These accolades highlight his significant contributions to theater.
Videos