2014 Theatre Preview: Sarah Flinton's Picks

We've asked our correspondents to pick out what they're most looking forward to in 2014 - here's reviewer Sarah Flinton's thoughts!

There are all sorts of unconfirmed rumours flying about at the moment - and if only half of them are true, it'll be an exciting 2014 in UK theatre!

'The Importance Of Being Earnest' would always be a must-see, even without Stephen Fry at the directorial helm - but if he's starring in it as well as Lady Bracknell, that would be the hottest ticket in town.

Rumours are flying around of Samantha Barks starring in a musical version of the 2002 film 'Bend it like Beckham'. With the book and score still under construction, could this be a new film to stage success?

Gary Barlow also has an eye on a film to stage adaptation, signing up to co-write the score for Harry Weinstein's 'Finding Neverland'. Based on the film with the same name, the musical focuses on the personal life of Peter Pan author JM Barrie, it received its world premiere back in October at the Leicester Curve but now has it's sights set on the West End.

Another musician with his sights set on theatre is none other than Paolo Nutini. He is apparently now under negotiations to write the songs for the upcoming adaptation of Sam Taylor-Wood's 'Nowhere Boy', based on John Lennon's early years - so despite telling the story of the Beatles beginnings it is unlikely to have any of their music in it!

2014 certainly seems set for many musicals adapted from films, one of the biggest being a possible adaptation of Oscar-winning 'Slumdog Millionaire', minus the director Danny Boyle and minus hit song 'Jai Ho'.

Moving on from film adaptations we have a huge Broadway to West End transfer with Disney's 'Newsies'. After being a huge success in America, there's no confirmed home for it yet but keep your eyes peeled...

Finally, landing in May 2014 is the show I am most looking forward to. Miss Saigon has now played in 300 different countries in 15 different languages. After opening 25 years ago it finally returns to the West End!

Exciting times ahead in 2014!

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