UK Roundup - Guys and Dolls, Spamalot, Michael Ball

Ewan McGregor's musical debut in London's Guy's and Dolls opened last week, and the critics were fairly muted in their praise despite mainly four-star reviews. The general consensus seemed to be that memories of Richard Eyre's National Theatre staging were too ripe for a darker revival by director Michael Grandage – 'It may not have Eyre's showbiz pizzazz: what you get is more like a play with music' said the Guardian, with the Independent further commenting 'Richard Eyre's storming National Theatre production still lives in the memory of most musical fans as a show that left you walking on air. By comparison, Grandage's production often falls somewhat flat'. McGregor's singing disappointed a handful of critics, though The Times actually enjoyed his 'ability not just to talk his songs, but to sing them, and sing them smoothly and tunefully'. Americans Rob Ashford (choreography) and Jane Krakowski (Miss Adelaide) were much praised. Tickets for the run are hard to come by until McGregor's departure in December.

As was always expected Scrooge will fill in the festive period at the LondonPalladium after Chitty Chitty Bang Bang vacates. Whilst TV star Shane Richie is the miserable miser on tour, 1950s popstar Tommy Steele plays the title role in town. Both produced by Bill Kenwright, the Leslie Bricusse version of the classic Dickens tale gives Steele an added bonus to play the role at the Palladium – he will become the record holder for headlining the most performances at the venue, Scrooge being his fifth. His last outing there was in Singin' in the Rain in 1983, a produced he championed in bringing to the stage, not to mention starring in and producing the successful two-and-a-half year run. With hit songs such as 'Thank You Very Much' and 'I Like Life', the production was immortalised on film with Albert Finney, and has become a regular event on television at Christmas, as well as with amateur companies. It opens for previews from October 20th and ends on January 14th 2006.

Cameron Mackintosh has signed a five-year deal with the Royal Shakespeare Company promising to bring their shows into three of his West End theatres from the company's base in Stratford-upon-Avon. From December 05 – March 06 he will present the ComediesSeason, currently playing in Stratford-upon-Avon, at the newly refurbished Novello Theatre, formerly the Strand. Depending on what is currently running in each venue, he also plans on using the Gielgud Theatre and Noel Coward Theatre (currently named the Albery) for seasons of RSC plays. Mackintosh's group Delfont Mackintosh will own seven West End theatres by January 2006, with productions ranging from Mamma Mia to Mary Poppins. Les Miserables, one of Mackintosh's biggest hits, was a collaboration with the RSC, and now he is 'delighted that the Royal Shakespeare Company has decided to make a five year commitment to do their London seasons in one of my theatres'.
 

Michael Ball has returned to the BBC airwaves once again with his popular series Ball Over Broadway. Back for a fourth series, the episodes concentrate on the major Broadway openings of the season with star interviews, critics' opinion and music. This series features programmes on Spamalot, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Brooklyn, All Shook Up and Sweet Charity, with interviewees including Eric Idle and John Lithgow. The 30-minute programme is broadcast on Fridays on BBC Radio 2 at 7pm, but those outside the UK can listen online on the BBC's website for one week after each broadcast. Of course, the question on everyone's lips is whether Ball will be on Broadway with the transfer of the Woman in White next Spring..? Maybe the programme will offer a sneak insight..

Speaking of Broadway, in addition to Avenue Q winging its way here early next year Mike Nichols has confirmed that Spamalot will be coming to London. West End producers have been flying out to see the show at the Shubert Theatre in New York to consider backing a possible transfer, but frankly after the Tony win on Sunday anyone would be crazy not to put money behind it. In EnglandMonty Python is arguably bigger business than in the States, and with the current musical theatre market apparently revitalised, the timing is perfect. Critics from several British newspapers flew to see Spamalot around the opening, already giving it a buzz long before confirmed dates or venues. Of the past 8 Best Musical Tony winners, only Hairspray is yet to transfer across the Atlantic - its planned opening in October has since been shelved.

And finally, after seemingly getting excited over nothing, David Blunkett the Musical will no longer be opening in Edinburgh. However if you're wondering why we all fussed for nothing then fear not - it's going straight into the West End instead! The full Edinburgh programme is released on Thursday, check edfringe.com for details..