Broadway Gets West End Highlights

With the always steady stream of shows from London arriving on Broadway and vice versa, we take a look at a few of the West End’s productions to see what London theatregoer’s are checking out. As you can see, it’s something old, something new, something borrowed and something blonde.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Stepping into Audrey Hepburn’s untouchable shoes playing her 1961 role as the endearing misfit, Holly Golightly, a New Yorker with a love of money and fun in equal measures, is Anna Friel. She hopes to win over audiences in this story brimming with great humility, great laughs and great depth. This West End treat of sophistication and humour is sure to be circled on every theatre-goer’s calendars. ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ is currently playing at the Theatre Royal until the 9th January 2010.

Hairspray
With big hair and big ambition, is it really any wonder that ‘Hairspray’ has become the phenomenon it is today? Set in the liberating 60s, the show focuses on the teenage dancing superstar Tracey Turnblad as her dreams become a reality when fame and racial equality take to the stage in this illuminating musical of huge scope. With Michael Ball in drag and the world lapping up the incredible soundtrack by Shaiman; this eccentric up-lifter is a non-mover in the West End. Go-Go great Belinda Carlisle stars in the West End production as Velma Von Tussel until January 28, 2010. Could Broadway be her next stop?

Oliver!
Dickens’ classic has made a recent come-back last Christmas, making its first reappearance in old London town since 1994. This spectacular retelling of a much-loved classic of loyalty, poverty and moving melodies has been reawakened with a spark, featuring Omid Djalili as Fagin and Jodie Pregner as Nancy; ‘consider yourself’’ apart of theatrical history if you see this musical!

War Horse
Set in the Great War and based on Michael Morpurgo’s incredible novel, the National Theatre’s heart-rending adaptation has left all audiences utterly captivated by the intensely harrowing new play.. Featuring life-size horse puppets and a fabulous cast, ‘War Horse’ is sure to gallop away with numerous awards this coming year.

Legally Blonde: The Musical
Defying the stereotypical, Elle Woods is the inspirational blonde taking on Law school and a whole new way of living, proving both to herself and the world that she is capable of reaching higher than her hair-strengtheners, all without breaking a single nail. But challenging the status quo is not always an easy business...

Loosely based on the successful 2001 movie version, the show will be debuted in early 2010 with the experienced ‘Hairspray’ director, Jerry Mitchell, backing it all the way in the Savoy Theatre.