Dateline 5th November, 2000
Hare finishes Chekhov
David Hare has completed Chekhov's unfinished early play Platonov and it will be part of the Almeida's programme in the converted bus garage the theatre will be using while its own premises are being refurbished.
Derevo for London Mimefest
Russian physical theatre company Derevo will be just one of the participants in the London International Mime Festival which runs from 13th to 28th January. Also appearing will be UK company Spymonkey with their show Stiff - Undertaking Undertaking.
Whistle to close
In spite of denials a week or two back, Andrew Lloyd Webber's Whistle Down the Wind is to close on 6th January after a two and a half year run. It had been booking until April.
The Voice of Musical Theatre 2000
Laura-Michelle Kelly, currently starring in Whistle Down the Wind won the first Voice of Musical Theatre competition in Cardiff last week, singing three songs, from Song and Dance, Rags and The Baker's Wife. The prize was £10,000 and a recording contract. The BBC will be broadcasting a documentary on the event later in the year.
It is hoped that this will become a biennial event, alternating with the classical music Cardiff Singer of the World competition.
Tantalus tour dates
John Barton's Tantalus, directed by Peter Hall and produced by the Denver Center Theatre Company in association with the RSC, will be touring the UK in 2001. The dates are as follows:
Gee Mr Tracy, we're back
Thunderbirds are go at the Playhouse from 29th November, when Thunderbirds F.A.B. returns for its fourth West End outing. It was first produced in 1984, appeared at the Apollo in 1989 and toured for elevn years.
BBC Two Awards
The winners of the first BBC Two Awards have been announced. Of theatrical interest are the award for Best Drama, which went to Clocking Off, which starred Sarah Lancaster, and the Dennis Potter Greenlight Award for Drama went to radio dramatist Rosemary Kay.
Inspector and Les Mis extend
An Inspector Calls at the Garrick is now booking until 28th July, 2001, whilst, at the Palace, Les Miserables has announced a new booking period to 22nd December, 2001.
Full Monty on Broadway
A musical based on the film The Full Monty has opened on Broadway to excellent reviews and rumours are already circulating about a possible West End transfer.
Standard Awards
The prestigeous Evening Standard Awards for Theatre will be announced on Mnday 27th November.