Skating legend Robin Cousins will be swapping the ice rink for the West End stage when he joins the cast of the smash-hit musical Grease on 29 March 2010. The former Olympic champion and Dancing on Ice judge will guest star as ‘Teen Angel’ for a limited season until 19 June 2010 at London’s Piccadilly Theatre.

Robin Cousins is one of Britain’s most famous and best loved individual ice skaters. He won the World Free Skating Championship Gold medal for three consecutive years from 1978 and rose to the top in 1980, winning World Championship Silver and capping his amateur career with the European Championship and Olympic Gold medals. During his highly successful career as a professional skater, Robin made several appearances as a guest star with Holiday on Ice and Ice Capades (USA). As a director and choreographer, he has worked extensively on shows for the ice spectacular Holiday on Ice including Spirit (currently touring the UK). His choreographic achievements also include ice interpretations of The Wizard of Oz, Starlight Express and Disney’s Toy Story along with many shows for his own ice company such as Electric Ice, which enjoyed a worldwide tour and sell-out run in London. Away from the ice, Robin has forged a successful career in theatre including starring roles in acclaimed shows such as Cats, The Rocky Horror Show (in the West End) and Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. Robin retired from the ice rink in 2000, after 30 years on the ice and 20 years of professional skating. He is currently commentating for the BBC on figure skating at the Winter Olympics 2010, which marks the 3oth anniversary of his Olympic Gold win (Lake Placid, 1980). After this, Robin will return to the ice panel of ITV1’s hit show Dancing on Ice where he will reside as head judge for the series before gliding into Grease on 29 March.

Looking forward to starring in Grease, in the role made famous on film by Frankie Avalon, Robin says:
“I am very excited to return to the West End and in such a fun and vibrant show as ‘Grease’. I am really looking forward to playing ‘Teen Angel’ and joining this young and energetic cast.”

Grease started the decade with a new cast who joined the show from 25 January 2010. Noel Sullivan stars in the iconic role of ‘Danny’ with singer and actress Siobhan Dillon as his sweetheart ‘Sandy’, as the couple follow in the footsteps of screen idols John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John who famously played the roles in the hit 1978 movie. The new class of Rydell High 2010 also includes Matthew Goodgame (‘Kenickie’), Victoria Hamilton-Barritt (‘Rizzo’), Lucas Rush (‘Roger’), Hayley Gallivan (‘Jan’), Benjamin Ibbott (‘Doody’), Faye Brookes (‘Frenchy’), Bennett Andrews (‘Sonny’), Robyn Mellor (‘Marty’), Michael Vinsen (‘Eugene’), Susannah Allman (‘Patty’), Kerry Winter ‘(Miss Lynch’) and Stephanie Powell (‘Cha Cha’), with other parts played by the ensemble. Heart DJ Toby Anstis currently plays the role of ‘Teen Angel’ until 20 March.

Siobhan Dillon was discovered through BBC1’s How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?, the first series in which Andrew Lloyd Webber searched for a West End star. Watched by millions, Siobhan was one of the final three and after finishing the programme went on to co-write and record her debut album. Having impressed producer David Ian on How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?, Siobhan subsequently landed a role in Grease and made her West End debut as ‘Patty Simcox’ in 2007. She has since appeared in the hugely popular UK tour of Can’t Smile Without You as ‘Mandy’ and more recently starred in the hit musical Cabaret in the lead role of ‘Sally Bowles’. Siobhan is currently working on her new album, which she has co-written in the UK and USA. Her first single will launch a new charity that will be the first of its kind.

Making his West End debut in Grease, Noel Sullivan joined the cast as ‘Danny’ on 30 November 2009. Noel rose to fame as a member of Hear’say, the record-breaking pop band formed through ITV’s nationwide talent search Popstars. He achieved chart-topping success with the hugely popular group who became overnight celebrities, sold millions of records, obtained four Top 10 hits, and more (before their split in 2002). Noel has since returned to his first love, the stage and musical theatre, and has appeared in several successful productions including Fame (Edinburgh Playhouse), Love Shack, What A Feeling and Flashdance: The Musical (UK Tours), to acclaim. He recently featured in the tour concerts of Yusuf Islam (formerly Cat Stevens) to preview excerpts from Moonshadow, the debut musical by the acclaimed singer-songwriter destined for the West End, and also recorded in the studio with the artist for the show’s concept album.

Grease returned to the West End on 25 July 2007 (with a press night on 8 August) and since its premiere the feel-good audience favourite has been seen by nearly 1 million theatregoers at London’s Piccadilly Theatre, where it continues to enjoy huge popularity. Having celebrated its second birthday last July, Grease is now the longest running show in the venue’s history. The smash-hit musical also celebrated its electrifying 1000th performance on 16 December 2009 and tickets for the production are currently on sale until September 2010.

Since breaking out on Broadway in 1972, Grease’s place has been firmly established in the cultural Hall of Fame, having seduced the hearts of millions with its back-to-back sizzling tunes. The show features all the unforgettable songs from the hit film including ‘You’re The One That I Want’, ‘Grease Is The Word’, ‘Summer Nights’, ‘Hopelessly Devoted to You’, ‘Sandy’, ‘Greased Lightnin’ and many more.

Voted the “No 1 Greatest Musical”*, Grease has proved that a musical love story, bursting with denim, cheerleaders, slick hairstyles, rock’n’roll, teenage angst and young romance is timeless and universal.

This production originally opened in the West End in 1993 (co-produced with Robert Stigwood) where it enjoyed a fantastic run of 6 years.  The last international tour of Grease was a phenomenal success, playing to sell-out audiences and smashing records at many venues.  Since 1993, the show has been seen by audiences totalling over 9 million people in the UK alone.

Written by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, directed by David Gilmore (Daisy Pulls It Off, Happy Days, Song & Dance,  Footloose) and choreographed by Arlene Phillips (The Sound of Music, Starlight Express, Saturday Night Fever & BBC TV’s Strictly Come Dancing), Grease is produced in the West End by Paul Nicholas and David Ian, by arrangement with Robert Stigwood.

PERFORMANCE DETAILS:
Piccadilly Theatre, 16 Denman Street, London W1D 7DY

Now booking to 4 September 2010
Monday – Thursday at 7.30pm
Friday- 5.30pm and 8.30pm
Saturday- 3.00pm and 7.30pm

Ticket prices: £ 15- £55

Box Office: 0844 412 6666
www.greasethemusical.co.uk

For further information please contact:
Laura Richardson at Public Eye: laura@publiceye.co.uk/ 020 7 351 1555
NOTES TO EDITORS:

Noel Sullivan and Siobhan Dillon currently play the roles of ‘Danny’ and ‘Sandy’ until 24 July 2010.

Grease is now the longest running show at the Piccadilly Theatre, having reached this point on 20 June 2009 (after 800 performances).

The current production of Grease raised a staggering £526,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support through giving Macmillan £1 of every ticket sold in the first year and a gala performance.

* (100 Greatest Musicals, Channel 4)

- ENDS-

Tamzin Outhwaite, who plays the title role of Charity Hope Valentine, will lead the cast in the West End transfer of the Tony Award-winning musical, Sweet Charity.  Matthew White’s production of Sweet Charity, which ends its sell-out run at the Menier Chocolate Factory on 7 March 2010, will open at the Theatre Royal Haymarket on 23 April 2010 with press night on 4 May and is currently booking until 8 January 2011.  Further casting will be announced shortly.

With book by Neil Simon, music by Cy Coleman and lyrics by Dorothy Fields, choreography is by Stephen Mear, set design by Tim Shortall, costume design by Matthew Wright, musical supervision and direction by Nigel Lilley, orchestrations by Chris Walker, lighting by David Howe and sound design by Gareth Owen.  The Menier Chocolate Factory’s Sweet Charity is produced in the West End by Chocolate Factory Productions, David Ian Productions, the Theatre Royal Haymarket Company and David Mirvish.

Sweet Charity follows the misadventures of love encountered by the gullible and guileless Charity Hope Valentine, a woman who always gives her heart and her dreams to the wrong man.  Cy Coleman’s score features favourite hits such as Hey, Big Spender; If My Friends Could See Me Now and The Rhythm of Life.

Tamzin Outhwaite’s previous stage credits include Matthew Warchus’ critically acclaimed production of Boeing-Boeing at the Comedy Theatre, Breathing Corpses and Flesh Wound for the Royal Court, Oliver at the London Palladium and Baby on Board, Absent Friends and They’re Playing Our Song, all for Alan Ayckbourn at the Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough.  She is known on television for her roles in Red Cap, Hustle, Frances Tuesday, Hotel Babylon and EastEnders.  She can currently be seen in the ITV1 drama The Fixer and will also shortly be seen in the new BBC One drama Paradox.   Her film work includes Cassandra’s Dream by Woody Allen co-starring Ewan McGregor and Colin Farrell, Back Waters and the award-winning Out of Control.

Originally directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse, Sweet Charity premiered on Broadway at the Palace Theatre in 1966, where it ran for over 600 performances.  The production won the Tony Award for Best Choreography in the same year.  In 1967 the production opened in London at Prince of Wales Theatre, starring Juliet Prowse.  The 1969 film version also directed and choreographed by Fosse, starred Shirley MacLaine and John McMartin.  In 1986 the production was revived on Broadway winning four Tony Awards, and again in 2005 starring Christina Applegate.

Playwright and screen writer Neil Simon’s career has spanned more than five decades during which he has written over 30 plays and 20 screen plays.  His first Broadway play, Come Blow Your Horn, opened in 1961.  Shortly after, his second production, Little Me, earned him his first Tony Award nomination.  In 1966 Simon had four shows running on Broadway at the same time - Sweet Charity, The Star-Spangled Girl, The Odd Couple and Barefoot in the Park.  He has won three Tony Awards - Best Author for The Odd Couple, Best Play for Biloxi Blues and Best Play for Lost in Yonkers - and been nominated for seventeen.  Simon has also won an Evening Standard Award for Barefoot in the Park, the Golden Globe for Best Motion Screenplay for The Goodbye Girl and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for Lost In Yonkers.

Cy Coleman (1929 – 2004) is the only composer to win consecutive Tony Awards for Best Score for musicals which also won for Best Musical:  City of Angels (1990) and The Will Rogers Follies (1991). He also won the Tony Award for Best Original Score for On the Twentieth Century in 1978.  He received two Emmy Awards for his work on Shirley MacLaine’s TV specials, If My Friends Could See Me Now (1974) and Gypsy in My Soul (1976).  In 1992 he won two Grammy Awards for his score and for producing the original cast album of The Will Rogers Follies.  Coleman was the last major contributor to the Great American Songbook. 

Dorothy Fields (1905 – 1974) wrote over 400 songs for Broadway musicals and films.  From 1928 to 1935 she worked with Jimmy McHugh producing songs such as I Can’t Give You Anything but Love, Baby; Exactly Like You and On the Sunny Side of the Street.  In the 1930’s she collaborated with Jerome Kern on the film Swing Time, winning the Academy Award for Best Song in 1936 for The Way You Look Tonight.   In the 1940’s she teamed up with her brother Herbert Fields with whom she wrote books for three Cole Porter shows, as well as the book for Annie Get Your Gun.  She collaborated with Cy Coleman on Sweet Charity and Seesaw.

Sweet Charity is based on the original screenplay for Nights of Cabiria by Federico Fellini, Tullio Pinelli and Ennio Plaiano.

Most recently the Menier Chocolate Factory has transferred A Little Night Music and La Cage Aux Folles to the West End, the former is currently playing on Broadway with Catherine Zeta Jones, Angela Lansbury and Alexander Hanson, the latter will open at the Longacre Theatre in April with Kelsey Grammer and Douglas Hodge in the leading roles.

SWEET CHARITY LISTINGS INFORMATION

Dates: 23 April 2010 – 8 January 2011
Press Night: 4 May at 7pm
Performances: Monday – Saturday at 7.30pm, Wednesday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm
Christmas schedule to be announced
Theatre: Theatre Royal Haymarket, Haymarket, London, SW1Y 4HT
Tickets: £17.50 - £55.00 (Preview prices £17.50 - £45.00)
Day Seats - a limited number day seats at £20 will go on sale on the day of performance at 10am and can purchased from the Theatre Royal Haymarket Box Office in person
All ticket prices are subject to an additional £1 theatre restoration levy

Box Office: 0845 481 1870

Website: www.sweetcharitywestend.com or www.trh.co.uk

ENDS

For further press information: Premier PR Theatre Department – 020 7292 8330
Amy.barder@premierpr.com or Janine.Shalom@premierpr.com

For one night only at the Alexandra Theatre
TICKETS ON-SALE 10am FRIDAY 12th FEBRUARY

TOP TV singing coach and Loose Women star, Zoë Tyler is coming back home to Birmingham in June with her first solo live Concert to be staged at the Alexandra Theatre.

Zoë shot to fame on our television screens when she worked as Andrew Lloyd Webber’s vocal coach on hit shows How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? and Any Dream Will Do. She started her career in hit West End shows Les Miserables, Jesus Christ Superstar and Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat to name but a few.

Last year saw Zoë touring the country in the musical Over The Rainbow, playing singer Eva Cassidy, a welcome return to her singing and performing roots. The show was a great success receiving standing ovations throughout the UK and Ireland.

Born and raised in Kings Norton, Zoë says: “It will be amazing for me to get back to my roots with a concert of my own. I am very excited and looking forward to a proper warm Brummy audience”.

Now a regular panelist on Loose Women for ITV1, Zoë has appeared on Camp Rock for Disney; Grease: The Summer Musical and Hairspray: The Summer Musical both for Sky 1.

Zoë and her fabulous band will delight local audiences with a repertoire of musical stage show hits, soaring ballads and popular Classics.

PERFORMANCE DETAILS:
Alexandra Theatre, Station Street, Birmingham B5 4DS
Sunday 27 June 2010 at 8.00pm
Tickets priced at £19.50 & £23.50
Ticket prices include a £1.00 restoration levy
Box Office: 0844 847 2302
www.alexandratheatre.org.uk

IN THE SMASH-HIT MUSICAL
GREASE AT THE PICCADILLY THEATRE

The smash-hit musical Grease has a new cast from 25 January 2010 including popular Heart presenter Toby Anstis. Making his West End debut, the radio star will gain a host of angels when he joins the cast as ‘Teen Angel’ for a limited season from 25 January to 20 March 2010 at London’s Piccadilly Theatre.

Toby Anstis presents the weekday mid-morning show on Heart, the UK’s largest commercial radio network. Over 3.4 million people tune into Toby’s show each week, broadcast on 33 Heart stations across the UK. He also presents the Saturday morning show on Heart in London. Toby remains one of the best-loved and most popular TV and radio presenters. He made his name on television presenting BBC1’s The Ozone, Electric Circus and Live and Kicking. Since then he has presented and appeared on a variety of shows including the National Lottery Live, Britain’s Next Top Model and Dancing in the Streets, he co-hosted Children in Need and even braved the jungle in I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here! In addition, Toby has hosted a number of prestigious events including Elton John’s New Year’s Eve concert at the O2 Arena and the world premiere of the movie Mamma Mia! in Leicester Square.

Looking forward to his role in Grease, Toby says: “I’m absolutely thrilled and delighted to join the cast of Grease at the Piccadilly Theatre this January. I feel so lucky to be part of London’s most feel-good musical and make my debut on the West End stage! I’m probably one of the world’s biggest fans of Grease so it’s a dream come true.”

Noel Sullivan stars in the iconic role of ‘Danny’ and will be joined by singer and actress Siobhan Dillon as his sweetheart ‘Sandy’, as the couple follow in the footsteps of screen idols John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John who famously played the roles in the hit 1978 movie.

The new class of Rydell High enrolling from 25 January also includes Matthew Goodgame (‘Kenickie’), Victoria Hamilton-Barritt (‘Rizzo’), Lucas Rush (‘Roger’), Hayley Gallivan (‘Jan’), Benjamin Ibbott (‘Doody’), Faye Brookes (‘Frenchy’), Bennett Andrews (‘Sonny’), Robyn Mellor (‘Marty’), Michael Vinsen (‘Eugene’), Susannah Allman (‘Patty’), Kerry Winter ‘(Miss Lynch’) and Stephanie Powell (‘Cha Cha’), with other parts played by the ensemble. The class of 2010 are set to thrill audiences and leave everyone jiving in the aisles, when they rock’n’roll into Grease this January.

 Siobhan Dillon was discovered through BBC1’s How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?, the first series in which Andrew Lloyd Webber searched for a West End star. Watched by millions, Siobhan was one of the final three and after finishing the programme went on to co-write and record her debut album. Having impressed producer David Ian on How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?, Siobhan subsequently landed a role in Grease and made her West End debut as ‘Patty Simcox’ in 2007. She has since appeared in the hugely popular UK tour of Can’t Smile Without You as ‘Mandy’ and more recently has starred in the hit musical Cabaret in the lead role of ‘Sally Bowles’. Siobhan is currently working on her new album, which she has co-written in the UK and USA. Her first single will launch a new charity that will be the first of its kind. Hopelessly devoted to the West End, Siobhan will make her return as a leading lady in Grease.

Making his West End debut in Grease, Noel Sullivan joined the cast as ‘Danny’ on 30 November 2009. Noel rose to fame as a member of Hear’say, the record-breaking pop band formed through ITV’s nationwide talent search Popstars. He achieved chart-topping success with the hugely popular group who became overnight celebrities, sold millions of records and obtained four Top 10 hits, and more (before their split in 2002). Noel has since returned to his first love, the stage and musical theatre, and has appeared in several successful productions including Fame (Edinburgh Playhouse), Love Shack, What A Feeling and Flashdance: The Musical (UK Tours), to acclaim. More recently, he has featured in the tour concerts of Yusuf Islam (formerly Cat Stevens). Noel starred in the cast of singer-actors who previewed excerpts from Yusuf Islam’s debut musical Moonshadow, which is set for the West End. Noel has also been in the studio recording with the acclaimed singer-songwriter for the Moonshadow concept album.

Grease returned to the West End on 25 July 2007 (with a press night on 8 August) and since its premiere the feel-good audience favourite has been seen by over 900,000 theatregoers at London’s Piccadilly Theatre, where it continues to enjoy huge popularity. Having celebrated its second birthday last July, Grease is now the longest running show in the venue’s history. The smash-hit musical also celebrated its electrifying 1000^th performance on 16 December 2009 and tickets for the production are currently on sale until September 2010.

Since breaking out on Broadway in 1972, Grease’s place has been firmly established in the cultural Hall of Fame, having seduced the hearts of millions with its back-to-back sizzling tunes. The show features all the unforgettable songs from the hit film including ‘You’re The One That I Want’, ‘Grease Is The Word’, ‘Summer Nights’, ‘Hopelessly Devoted to You’, ‘Sandy’, ‘Greased Lightnin’ and many more.

Voted the “No 1 Greatest Musical”*, Grease has proved that a musical love story, bursting with denim, cheerleaders, slick hairstyles, rock’n’roll, teenage angst and young romance is timeless and universal.

This production originally opened in the West End in 1993 (co-produced with Robert Stigwood) where it enjoyed a fantastic run of 6 years.  The last international tour of Grease was a phenomenal success, playing to sell-out audiences and smashing records at many venues.  Since 1993, the show has been seen by audiences totalling over 9 million people in the UK alone.

Written by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, directed by David Gilmore (Daisy Pulls It Off, Happy Days, Song & Dance,  Footloose) and choreographed by Arlene Phillips (The Sound of Music, Starlight Express, Saturday Night Fever & BBC TV’s Strictly Come Dancing), Grease is produced in the West End by Paul Nicholas and David Ian, by arrangement with Robert Stigwood.

PERFORMANCE DETAILS:

Piccadilly Theatre, 16 Denman Street, London W1D 7DY

Now booking to 4 September 2010

Monday – Thursday at 7.30pm

Friday- 5.30pm and 8.30pm

Saturday- 3.00pm and 7.30pm

Ticket prices

£ 15- £55

Box Office: 0844 412 6666

www.greasethemusical.co.uk

For further information please contact:

Laura Richardson at Public Eye: laura@publiceye.co.uk/ 020 7 351 1555

The smash-hit musical Grease celebrates its electrifying 1000^th performance at London’s Piccadilly Theatre today, Wednesday 16^th December 2009. To mark the special event, the producers are delighted to announce a new cast from 25 January 2010 including singer and actress Siobhan Dillon.

Noel Sullivan stars in the iconic role of ‘Danny’ and will be joined by Siobhan Dillon as his sweetheart ‘Sandy’, as the couple follow in the footsteps of screen idols John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John who famously played the roles in the hit 1978 movie.

The new class of Rydell High enrolling from 25 January also includes Matthew Goodgame (‘Kenickie’), Victoria Hamilton-Barritt (‘Rizzo’), Lucas Rush (‘Roger’), Hayley Gallivan (‘Jan’), Benjamin Ibbott (‘Doody’), Faye Brookes (‘Frenchy’), Bennett Andrews (‘Sonny’), Robyn Mellor (‘Marty’), Michael Vinsen (‘Eugene’), Susannah Allman (‘Patty’), Jason Capewell (‘Vince/Teen Angel’), Kerry Winter ‘(Miss Lynch’) and Stephanie Powell (‘Cha Cha’), with other parts played by the ensemble. The class of 2010 are set to thrill audiences and leave everyone jiving in the aisles, when they rock’n’roll into Grease in the New Year.

Siobhan Dillon was discovered through BBC1’s How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?, the first series in which Andrew Lloyd Webber searched for a West End star. Watched by millions, Siobhan was one of the final three and after finishing the programme went on to co-write and record her debut album. Having impressed producer David Ian on How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?, Siobhan subsequently landed a role in Grease and made her West End debut as ‘Patty Simcox’ in 2007. Last year she appeared in the hugely popular UK tour of Can’t Smile Without You as ‘Mandy’ and more recently has starred in the hit musical Cabaret in the lead role of ‘Sally Bowles’. Siobhan is currently working on her new album, which she has co-written in the UK and USA. Hopelessly devoted to the West End, Siobhan will make her return as a leading lady in Grease.

Making his West End debut in Grease, Noel Sullivan became leader of the T Birds gang ‘Danny Zuko’ when he joined the cast on 30 November 2009. Noel rose to fame as a member of Hear’say, the record-breaking pop band formed through ITV’s nationwide talent search Popstars. He achieved chart-topping success with the hugely popular group who became overnight celebrities, sold millions of records and obtained four Top 10 hits, and more (before their split in 2002). Noel has since returned to his first love, the stage and musical theatre, and has appeared in several successful productions including Fame (Edinburgh Playhouse), Love Shack, What A Feeling and Flashdance: The Musical (UK Tours), to acclaim.

Cont/…2

More recently, he has featured in the tour concerts of Yusuf Islam (formerly Cat Stevens). Noel starred in the cast of singer-actors who previewed excerpts from Moonshadow, which is Yusuf Islam’s new and debut musical set for the West End. Noel has also been in the studio recording with the acclaimed singer-songwriter for the Moonshadow concept album.

Grease returned to the West End on 25 July 2007 (with a press night on 8 August) and since its premiere the feel-good audience favourite has been seen by nearly 900,000 theatregoers at London’s Piccadilly Theatre, where it continues to enjoy huge popularity. Having celebrated its second birthday this July, Grease is now the longest running show in the venue’s history and tickets for the production are currently on sale until September 2010.

Since breaking out on Broadway in 1972, Grease’s place has been firmly established in the cultural Hall of Fame, having seduced the hearts of millions with its back-to-back sizzling tunes. The show features all the unforgettable songs from the hit film including ‘You’re The One That I Want’, ‘Grease Is The Word’, ‘Summer Nights’, ‘Hopelessly Devoted to You’, ‘Sandy’, ‘Greased Lightnin’ and many more.

Voted the “No 1 Greatest Musical”*, Grease has proved that a musical love story, bursting with denim, cheerleaders, slick hairstyles, rock’n’roll, teenage angst and young romance is timeless and universal.

This production originally opened in the West End in 1993 (co-produced with Robert Stigwood) where it enjoyed a fantastic run of 6 years.  The last international tour of Grease was a phenomenal success, playing to sell-out audiences and smashing records at many venues.  Since 1993, the show has been seen by audiences totalling over 9 million people in the UK alone.

Written by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, directed by David Gilmore (Daisy Pulls It Off, Happy Days, Song & Dance,  Footloose) and choreographed by Arlene Phillips (The Sound of Music, Starlight Express, Saturday Night Fever & BBC TV’s Strictly Come Dancing), Grease is produced in the West End by Paul Nicholas and David Ian, by arrangement with Robert Stigwood.

PERFORMANCE DETAILS:

Piccadilly Theatre, 16 Denman Street, London W1D 7DY

Now booking to 4 September 2010

Monday – Thursday at 7.30pm

Friday- 5.30pm and 8.30pm

Saturday- 3.00pm and 7.30pm

CHRISTMAS 2009 and NEW YEAR 2010 PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Monday 21 December- 5.30pm & 8.30pm

Tuesday 22 December- 7.30pm

Wednesday 23 December- 5.30pm & 8.30pm

Thursday 24 and Friday 25 December- No performance

Saturday 26 December- 3.00pm & 7.30pm

Monday 28 December- 7.30pm

Tuesday 29, Wednesday 30 and Thursday 31 December- 3.00pm & 7.30pm

Friday 1 January 2010- 7.30pm

Saturday 2 January 2010- 3.00pm & 7.30pm

Ticket prices

£ 15- £53.50*

(*£15-55 as of 4 Jan 2010)

Box Office: 0844 412 6666

www.greasethemusical.co.uk

For further information please contact:

Laura Richardson at Public Eye: laura@publiceye.co.uk/ 020 7 351 1555

Andrew Lloyd Webber, David Ian and The Really Useful Group are delighted to announce that Connie Fisher is to star as Maria in the smash-hit production of the legendary Rodgers and Hammerstein musical The Sound of Music at His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen in March 2010.
 
She was due to bow out of the role when the show finishes its Edinburgh run, but has extended her contract to include the four-week run at the city theatre, starring opposite Michael Praed as Captain Von Trapp.
 
“We are absolutely thrilled that Connie Fisher has agreed to come to His Majesty’s as Maria in the Sound of Music” said Aberdeen Performing Arts chief executive Duncan Hendry.
 
“This is an exceptional show and with Connie in the lead role it will be a very special event indeed. We expect this to be a very hot ticket and one of the biggest shows ever to come to His Majesty’s – it is a real coup for Aberdeen Performing Arts.”
 
Connie Fisher won BBC 1’s How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? and played the role at the London Palladium for 15 months, to critical acclaim.
 
Before reprising the role for the UK tour, she starred in the Menier Chocolate Factory’s production of They’re Playing Our Song and the ITV drama Caught in a Trap last Christmas.
 
Always a popular star at HMT, Michael Praed appeared at the city theatre twice last year in the whodunit mystery Sleuth and Oscar Wild’s An Ideal Husband and his musical theatre credits include leading roles in the West End productions of Aspects of Love, Copacabana, Susan Stroman’s Contact and Beautiful and Damned.
 
Connie and Michael will be joined by Marilyn Hill Smith as Mother Abbess, Jacinta Mulcahy as Baroness Schraeder, Martin Callaghan as Max, Claire Fishenden as Liesl and Jeremy Taylor as Rolf. Kirsty Malpass will play Maria at certain performances.
 
This lavish production tells the story of the Von Trapp family’s flight across the mountains with its unforgettable score that includes some of the most memorable songs ever performed on the musical stage including My Favourite Things, Do-Re-Mi, Climb Ev’ry Mountain, The Lonely Goatherd and the title song The Sound of Music.
 
The Sound of Music has music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, with a book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, suggested by The Trapp Family Singers by Maria Augusta Trapp.
 
It is directed by Jeremy Sams, with choreography by Arlene Phillips, design by Robert Jones, sound by Mick Potter and lighting by Mark Henderson.
 
This production of the legendary Rodgers and Hammerstein musical opened to rave reviews and sell-out business at the Wales Millennium Centre in July 2009 following a record-breaking 954 performances at the London Palladium.
 
The Sound of Music originally premiered on Broadway in 1959, when it won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The show first opened in London in 1961 with a revival in 1981, both productions having record-breaking runs. The 1965 Hollywood film, which starred Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, won five Oscars, including Best Picture.
 
Tickets for The Sound of Music, at HMT from Wednesday, March 24 to Saturday, April 17 are available online at www.boxofficeaberdeen.com, by phone at 01224 641122 and at Aberdeen Box Office at the Music Hall, His Majesty’s Theatre and The Lemon Tree.

Andrew Lloyd Webber, David Ian and The Really Useful Group are delighted to announce that Connie Fisher will extend her contract by four weeks so she can star as ‘Maria’ in the smash hit production of the legendary Rodgers and Hammerstein musical “THE SOUND OF MUSIC” at the Grand Opera House Belfast from Wednesday 24 February to Saturday 20 March 2010 (Box Office: 028 9024 1919 or www.goh.co.uk). Lisburn born Connie was due to end her contract when the show finishes its Edinburgh Playhouse run, but the opportunity to play the Grand Opera House in Belfast proved too irresistible to miss!  Connie will star opposite the previously announced Michael Praed as ‘Captain Von Trapp’.

Connie Fisher won BBC 1’s “How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?” and played the role at the London Palladium for 15 months, to critical acclaim. Before reprising the role for the UK tour she starred in the Menier Chocolate Factory’s production of “They’re Playing Our Song” and the ITV drama “Caught in a Trap” last Christmas.

Michael Praed’s musical theatre credits include leading roles in the West End productions of ‘Aspects of Love’, ‘Copacabana’, Susan Stroman’s ‘Contact’ and ‘Beautiful and Damned’. His television credits include ‘Dynasty’, ‘Robin of Sherwood’ and ‘Riders’.

Connie and Michael will be joined by Marilyn Hill Smith as ‘Mother Abbess’, Jacinta Mulcahy as ‘Baroness Schraeder’, Martin Callaghan as ‘Max’, Claire Fishenden as ‘Liesl’ and Jeremy Taylor as ‘Rolf’. Kirsty Malpass will play ‘Maria’ at certain performances.
 
This lavish production tells the story of the Von Trapp family’s flight across the mountains with its unforgettable score that includes some of the most memorable songs ever performed on the musical stage including ‘My Favorite Things’, ‘Do-Re-Mi’, ‘Climb Ev’ry Mountain’, ‘The Lonely Goatherd’ and the title song ‘The Sound of Music’.
 
“THE SOUND OF MUSIC” has music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, with a book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, suggested by “The Trapp Family Singers” by Maria Augusta Trapp.

“THE SOUND OF MUSIC” is directed by Jeremy Sams, with choreography by Arlene Phillips, design by Robert Jones, sound by Mick Potter and lighting by Mark Henderson.
 
This production of the legendary Rodgers and Hammerstein musical opened to rave reviews and sell-out business at the Wales Millennium Centre in July 2009 following a record-breaking 954 performances at the London Palladium. “THE SOUND OF MUSIC” originally premiered on Broadway in 1959, when it won six Tony Awards, including “Best Musical”.  The show first opened in London in 1961 with a revival in 1981, both productions having record-breaking runs.  The 1965 Hollywood film, which starred Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, won five Oscars, including “Best Picture”.

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For further press information and images contact:
Eadaoin Flanagan/Ruth Wallwin at the Grand Opera House on 028 9024 0411 or email eflanagan@goh.co.uk  or  rwallwin@goh.co.uk

Simon Raw on 01625 573906/07818 444 115 or email simon@rawpr.co.uk

Michael and Connie are joined by Margaret Preece as ‘Mother Abbess’, Jacinta Mulcahy as ‘Baroness Schraeder’, Martin Callaghan as ‘Max’, Claire Fishenden as ‘Liesl’ and Jeremy Taylor as ‘Rolf’. Kirsty Malpass plays ‘Maria’ at certain performances.
 
This lavish production tells the story of the Von Trapp family’s flight across the mountains with its unforgettable score that includes some of the most memorable songs ever performed on the musical stage including ‘My Favorite Things’, ‘Do-Re-Mi’, ‘Climb Ev’ry Mountain’, ‘The Lonely Goatherd’ and the title song ‘The Sound of Music’.
 
 “THE SOUND OF MUSIC” has music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, with a book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, suggested by “The Trapp Family Singers” by Maria Augusta Trapp.

November 17 – December 5, 2009
Sunderland Empire
SUNDERLAND
Box Office: 0844 847 2499

http://www.thesoundofmusictour.com/tickets.php

Michael and Connie are joined by Margaret Preece as ‘Mother Abbess’, Jacinta Mulcahy as ‘Baroness Schraeder’, Martin Callaghan as ‘Max’, Claire Fishenden as ‘Liesl’ and Jeremy Taylor as ‘Rolf’. Kirsty Malpass plays ‘Maria’ at certain performances.
 
This lavish production tells the story of the Von Trapp family’s flight across the mountains with its unforgettable score that includes some of the most memorable songs ever performed on the musical stage including ‘My Favorite Things’, ‘Do-Re-Mi’, ‘Climb Ev’ry Mountain’, ‘The Lonely Goatherd’ and the title song ‘The Sound of Music’.
 
 “THE SOUND OF MUSIC” has music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, with a book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, suggested by “The Trapp Family Singers” by Maria Augusta Trapp.

October 27 – November 14, 2009
Milton Keynes Theatre
MILTON KEYNES
Box Office: 0844 871 7652

http://www.thesoundofmusictour.com/tickets.php

IN THE SMASH-HIT MUSICAL GREASE
AT THE PICCADILLY THEATRE

Singer and actor Noel Sullivan will don the leather jacket of ‘Danny Zuko’ and become leader of the T Birds gang when he joins the cast of the smash hit musical Grease from 30 November 2009 to July 2010 at The Piccadilly Theatre.

Making his West End debut, Noel will star in the iconic role of ‘Danny’ and his sweetheart ‘Sandy’ will be played by Emma Stephens (Starlight Express, Saturday Night Fever), as they follow in the footsteps of screen idols John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John who famously played the roles in the hit 1978 movie.

Noel recently danced back into the limelight and thrilled audiences nationwide with the hugely successful tour of Flashdance: The Musical. He is set to leave West End audiences hopelessly devoted to his charms and jiving in the aisles, when he rock’n’rolls into Grease this November.

Noel joins the current class of Rydell High, which includes Stuart Ramsay (‘Kenickie’), Natalie Langston (‘Rizzo’), Michael Melmoe (‘Roger’), Laura Wilson (‘Jan’), Benjamin Ibbott (‘Doody’), Faye Brookes (‘Frenchy’), Bennett Andrews (‘Sonny’), Robyn Mellor (Marty’), Jamie Tyler (‘Eugene’), Lizzi Franklin (‘Patty’), Jason Capewell (‘Vince/Teen Angel), Marie Daly ‘(Miss Lynch’) and Kristina Macmillan (‘Cha Cha’), with other parts played by the ensemble.

Looking forward to his role in Grease, Noel says: “I’m thrilled to be joining the cast of Grease and making my West End debut in such a legendary show. ‘Danny’ is a fantastic role and I’m so excited to be part of such a feel-good, all time favourite musical- it’s a dream come true.”

Cardiff-born Noel Sullivan has an extensive choral background, having toured as a soloist with the Black Mountain Male Chorus of Wales (throughout the US). Noel is best known for his part in the record-breaking pop band Hear’say, formed through the nationwide TV talent search Popstars. After winning the prime time ITV show, Noel had huge success with Hear’say- the group became overnight celebrities and sold millions of records, performed a 36 date sold-out nationwide arena tour, starred at The Royal Variety Performance, achieved four Top 10 hits, and more (before their split in 2002). Noel has since returned to his first love, the stage and musical theatre, and has appeared in several successful productions including Fame (Edinburgh Playhouse), Love Shack, What A Feeling and Flashdance: The Musical (UK Tours), to acclaim. More recently, he appeared in the brand new show Simply Ballroom (Golden Nugget, Las Vegas) and featured on our screens in the reality show ‘Trust Me I’m a Holiday Rep’ for Channel 5. He also has numerous television and recording credits.

Grease returned to the West End on 25 July 2007 (with a press night on 8 August) and since its premiere the feel-good audience favourite has been seen by nearly 800,000 theatregoers at London’s Piccadilly Theatre, where it continues to enjoy huge popularity. Grease celebrated its second electrifying birthday this July and is now the longest running show in the venue’s history.

The smash-hit musical will celebrate its 1000th performance this December and tickets for the show are currently on sale until September 2010.

Since breaking out on Broadway in 1972, Grease’s place has been firmly established in the cultural Hall of Fame, having seduced the hearts of millions with its back-to-back sizzling tunes. The show features all the unforgettable songs from the hit film including ‘You’re The One That I Want’, ‘Grease Is The Word’, ‘Summer Nights’, ‘Hopelessly Devoted to You’, ‘Sandy’, ‘Greased Lightnin’ and many more.

Voted the “No 1 Greatest Musical”*, Grease has proved that a musical love story, bursting with denim, cheerleaders, slick hairstyles, rock’n’roll, teenage angst and young romance is timeless and universal.

This production originally opened in the West End in 1993 (co-produced with Robert Stigwood) where it enjoyed a fantastic run of 6 years.  The last international tour of Grease was a phenomenal success, playing to sell-out audiences and smashing records at many venues.  Since 1993, the show has been seen by audiences totalling over 9 million people in the UK alone.

Written by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, directed by David Gilmore (Daisy Pulls It Off, Happy Days, Song & Dance,  Footloose) and choreographed by Arlene Phillips (The Sound of Music, Starlight Express, Saturday Night Fever & BBC TV’s Strictly Come Dancing), Grease is produced in the West End by Paul Nicholas and David Ian, by arrangement with Robert Stigwood.
PERFORMANCE DETAILS:
Piccadilly Theatre, 16 Denman Street, London W1D 7DY

Now booking to 4 September 2010
Monday – Thursday at 7.30pm
Friday 5.30pm and 8.30pm
Saturday 3.00pm and 7.30pm

Ticket prices
£ 15- £55

Box Office: 0844 412 6666
www.greasethemusical.co.uk

For further information please contact:
Laura Richardson at Public Eye: laura@publiceye.co.uk/ 020 7 351 1555

NOTES TO EDITORS:
Ray Quinn currently plays the role of ‘Danny’ until 28 November 2009.

Grease is now the longest running show at the Piccadilly Theatre, having reached this point on 20 June 2009 (after 800 performances).

The current production of Grease raised a staggering £526,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support through giving Macmillan £1 of every ticket sold in the first year and a gala performance.

Grease was recently involved in the new series for Sky1 ‘Grease: the School Musical’. This autumn, Sky1’s all-singing, all-dancing series returned for a second run- this time with the musical Grease. The series followed a group of secondary school children as they embarked on a challenging, emotional journey and prepared to make their West End debuts, performing the hit show for one night only. Show producer Stacey Haynes, vocal coach Zoe Tyler and host Duncan James worked closely with the production team of Grease with Ray Quinn taking on a special mentoring role with the students. TX: Sunday 30 August- 18 October at 7pm on Sky1 (8 episodes).

* (100 Greatest Musicals, Channel 4)

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