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Dateline:
16th November, 2003
Reprieve for the RST?
It is possible that the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford may not,
after all, be demolished. A report in the Sunday Times suggested that
the resignation of Lord Alexander as Chair of the RSC signalled a change
in the plans for the RST but a spokesperson for the company said that
Lord Alexander's resignation, which was expected as he had served in
the post for three years, was completely uncopnnected to any plans for
the future that the company may have. The demolition of the RST and
its replacement with a so-called "Theatre Village" is still
a possibility, the spokesman went on, but is "the least likely
of our options".
NT Productions to
Head to US?
According to Playbill, negotiations are in progress to transfer the
National Theatre productions of Jumpers
(Tom Stoppard) and Democracy
(Michael Frayn) to the United States. The transfer would include a national
tour and, hopefully, Broadway runs. "The National deserves a much
stronger and more positive image than it currently has in America,"
producer Bob Boyett said. "Nick Hytner is turning out incredibly
great theatre, and the U.S. must see it."
Taboo Bombs
in US
Boy George's 80s London club scene musical Taboo has opened on
Broadway to poor reviews. The New York Times called it a "a disastrously
overcrowded tableau of a show", whilst the Washington Post says
it has "an acute case of meaning-deprivation" and USA Today
believes it is "a delightful experience" if you leave after
the first act.
Mamma Moves to Make
Way for Mary
Hit musical Mamma Mia! will leave the Prince Edward Theatre on
22nd May, 2004, to reopen at the Prince of Wales (currently having a
£7m refurbishment) on 27th. It will be followed into the Prince
Edward by Mary Poppins on 15th December after a pre-West End
run at the Bristol Hippodrome from 28th September to 6th November (previews
from 15th September).
Bourne and Scissorhands
Matthew Bourne is to produce a dance theatre version of Edward Scissorhands,
based on the 1990 Tim Burton film, in 2005. He is currently working
on Mary Poppins but a representative says that the Scissorhands
project has been in development for some time.
Hunter Heading to the
West End?
Rumour has it that Hollywood actress Holly Hunter is to star in a West
End production sometime soon, possibly in the autumn of 2004. The
Bog of Cats, a play by Irish writer Marina Carr which she starred
in at the San Jose Playhouse two years ago is said to be the chosen
vehicle and Sonia Friedman the producer.
Lee Cut from Return
of the King
Christopher Lee's seven minute scene at the end of the third and final
part of The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King,
has been cut from the final version and nearly 10,000 fans of the film
have signed a petition demanding his replacement. The scene is the final
battle between the two wizards Gandalf (Ian McKellen) and Saruman (Lee).
Lee will not be attending the film's premiere: "No, what's the
point?" he said. "What's the point of going? None at all."
Dark Comes Sooner
than Expected
Wait Until Dark at
the Garrick has posted early closing notices after less than enthusiastic
reviews. It will now close on 13th December. It had been booking until
28th February.
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