A new musical version of Kenneth Grahame’s children’s classic THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS is to see the light of day in the West End; however dates and venue are yet to be announced.

The stage adaption will be brought to us by Julian Fellowes, with a book by George Stules and Anthony Drewe – the team behind trans-Atlantic success MARY POPPINS.

The Stage reports Fellowes as saying: “The Wind in the Willows is one of our greatest classics, and as true and entertaining now as it has ever been. I am delighted and tremendously flattered to have been asked to write the book for the new musical. In fact, I suspect this is something I’ve been wanting to do subconsciously for many years.”

Stiles adds: “Ever since working with Julian on Mary Poppins, the three of us have been looking for a new project. We all celebrate our English roots as writers, and the musical possibilities of Kenneth Grahame’s classic chime very strongly with me. The book itself is packed with music and songs so I can’t wait to find the sounds to score Ratty, Mole, Badger, Toad and their adventures.”

The much loved story notable for its mixture of mysticism, adventure, morality, and camaraderie and celebrated for its evocation of nature and its pastoral depiction of Southern England, will be produced by Jamie Hendry Productions.  Jamie Hendry has previously been involved with hits such as LEGALLY BLONDE, LA CAGE AUX FOLLES and SPRING AWAKENING.

Returning to the role of Roxie Hart is Sarah Soetaert who has also appeared in the West End production of KISS ME KATE. Rachel McDowell who plays Velma Kelly is probably best recognised as playing Lisa in the film version of Mamma Mia, as well as roles in the latest James Bond film Quantum of Solace and Streetdance: 3D.

Joining them is Terrence Maynard as Billy Flynn who has had numerous TV appearances including Merlin, Holby City, Young Dracula and most recently Public Enemies.

Peter Jöback and Earl Carpenter are to join the cast of PHANTOM OF THE OPERA.

Earl Carpenter will return to the role of The Phantom from December 2011 while Peter Jöback will star as “The Phantom” from 19th March 2012. Katy Treharne will also join the cast as “Christine” at certain performances.

Peter Jöback  is one of the most prolific and respected Swedish artists. As a recording artist, Peter has been awarded gold and platinum discs for all of his releases as well as several Grammy nominations.

Earl Carpenter has played Perón in the European Tour of EVITA, Commander Khashoggi in the UK Tour of WE WILL ROCK YOU and Javert in both the West End production and the 25th Anniversary Tour of LES MISERABLES. He has previously played The Phantom in the West End production as well as the starring role of Darryl Van Horne in THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK at the Prince of Wales Theatre.

PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is currently booking until 27th October 2012 at Her Majesty Theatre.

Following its sell out run at the National Theatre and more recently The Adelphi, ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS packs its bags once again to find a new home. The latest version will play The Theatre Royal Haymarket from 2 March.

Fired from his skiffle band, Francis Henshall becomes minder to Roscoe Crabbe but Roscoe is really Rachel, posing as her own dead brother who’s been killed by her boyfriend Stanley Stubbers. Francis spots the chance of an extra meal ticket and takes a job with one Stanley Stubbers. To prevent discovery Francis must keep his two guvnors apart. Simple…?

Following in the footsteps of James Corden as Francis Henshall is Owain Arthur, who received great acclaim covering for Corden as his understudy. His theatre credits include The National’s HISTORY BOYS, The RSC’s ROMEO AND JULIET and World War 1 play BIRDSONG at the Comedy Theatre.

It has recently been announced that classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical CAROUSEL, will return to London for a 5-week run at The Barbican this August.

The romantic fantasy is set at a New England fairground and revolves around the tragic love story straddling both Heaven and Earth, between Carousel ‘barker’ Billy Bigelow and local mill worker Julie Jordan. CAROUSEL last graced the capital 3 years ago when Lesley Garrett led a celebrated cast in Lindsay Posner’s production at The Savoy.

The show premiered on Broadway in 1945 and features a score which includes a number of unforgettable songs such as “What’s the Use of Wond’rin”, “Soliloquy” and of course the timeless “You’ll Never Walk Alone”.

Opera North’s new production will be directed by Jo Davies (RUDDIGORE), with choreography from Kim Bandstrup and design by the Olivier Award-winning Anthony Ward (CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG, OLIVER).

CAROUSEL will open at The Barbican on August 15th 2012 – marking the first long-term residency in London for Opera North in 20 years – following short runs at the Leeds Grand and The Lowry in Salford through May.

Joining fellow Iranian leading man, Darius Danesh, to the West End this autumn Ramin Karimloo returns to the stage in the role Jean Valjean in Les Misérables from November 29th.

Having recently originated the role of the Phantom in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Love Never Dies as well as having performed in the title role at the 25th Anniversary performance of Phantom of the Opera he returns to Les Mis having previously starred as Enjolras.

Karimloo joins a current cast which includes Hadley Fraser as Javert, Caroline Sheen as Fantine and Alexia Khadime as Eponine.

For more information on Les Mis or to book tickets visit Les Mis Tickets

Following in Chicago’s footsteps and moving homes in the West End, mega hit Mamma Mia has recently announced plans to relocate next summer.

It’s so long to the Prince of Wales Theatre where the lycra-clad cast of Mamma Mia have been entertaining audiences with Abba classics for over 8 years, and hello to the Novello which sits, ironically, just a stones through from Waterloo Bridge.

It can’t be denied that since opening back in 1999 Mamma Mia has certainly had its producers singing Money, Money, Money having played to 50 million people through its 34 productions worldwide and grossed a cool $2bn!!

Producer Judy Craymer is quoted as saying: “I am delighted that the original production of Mamma Mia will move to the stage of the beautiful Novello theatre. It is a perfect space for the musical. The Novello is a gem of a theatre that perfectly suits the creative needs of Mamma Mia, and provides a comfortable and friendly experience for audiences in the heart of Theatreland.”

For more information or to book your theatre tickets visit Mamma Mia Tickets

We have added tickets for Lend Me A Tenor The Musical at the Gielgud Theatre.

Don’t miss this summer’s new musical comedy hit!

This uproarious new musical comedy by Peter Sham and Brad Carroll is a riotous, unpredictable explosion of mistaken identities and unexpected romance – based on the award-winning West End and Broadway hit comedy by Ken Ludwig.

We have added tickets for Ghost The Musical in Manchester at the Manchester Opera House from 27th April until the 14th May 2011.

GHOST is a timeless fantasy about the power of love. Walking back to their apartment one night, Sam and Molly are mugged, leaving Sam murdered on a dark street. Sam is trapped as a ghost between this world and the next and unable to leave Molly who he learns is in grave danger. With the help of a phony storefront psychic, Oda Mae Brown, Sam tries to communicate with Molly in the hope of saving and protecting her.

We have added tickets to the following show:

Irish Blood, English Heart

Booking from 2nd May 2011
Booking to 21st May 2011

In a mysterious lock up in south London two sons divvy up the emotional legacy of their estranged father. An unsettling tale of brothers, bloodties, nationhood, and a dead London cabby, that plays out like a taut thriller.