It is no surprise that there are constant shifts to the shows opening and closing in London’s West End, however two recent changes have been significant. Billy Elliot – The Musical has announced it will play its final performance at the Victoria Palace Theatre on 9 April 2016 and a West End transfer has been announced for new show School of Rock – The Musical, which opened at the Winter Garden Theatre on Broadway earlier this year.
The award-winning musical Billy Elliot will move from the Victoria Palace next year due to a refurbishment programme at the theatre but in a compensation for the closure, the musical will embark on its first UK and Ireland tour, which will open in Plymouth in February. The tour is currently booking until May 2017 giving regional audiences the chance to experience the much-loved musical and see Billy achieve his dreams. Billy Elliot opened in the West End in May 2004 and will have played over 4,600 performances in its eleven years by the time it closes. The West End cast currently includes stars Ruthie Henshall and Deka Walmsley, and recently welcomed its 42nd Billy.
In a new treat for London audiences, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s adaptation of School of Rock – The Musical is set to open at the London Palladium in the autumn of 2016. School of Rock – The Musical is based on the film of the same name which originally starred Jack Black and follows a failed rock star posing as a substitute teacher. The world premiere on Broadway was received very well by audiences, and the next chapter of the show’s journey will be to stage it in London.
Alongside the transfer news, Lloyd Webber also announced that School of Rock will embark on a US tour in autumn 2017, presenting the musical to more people across the country, extending the musical’s reach considerably. The show features music by Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Glenn Slater and a book by Julian Fellowes. The production is directed by Laurence Connor.