New musicals in London in January - part 1
There is no stop – there will be new premieres all around London in January
Alan Turing – A musical biography – from 8 January at Riverside Studios
This musical, composed by Joel Goodman and Jan Osborne, with a script by Joan Greening is a journey through the extraordinary life of Alan Turing. Alan was a genius whose brilliant code-breaking brain saved approximately fourteen million lives in WW2. It takes us on a journey through the loss of his closest friend, his romance with a fellow worker, the moment he realises how to beat the Germans and the growing awareness of his homosexuality. His treatment after the war was truly appalling and this brilliant, funny man was left in despair.
Played by Joe Bishop and Zara Cooke, and directed by Jane Miles the musical is by Early Mornings Production
Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical – from 11 January at The Other Palace
Step-siblings Sebastian Valmont and Kathryn Merteuil, manipulative monsters flushed with their own sexual prowess, engage in a cruel bet: Kathryn goads Sebastian into attempting to seduce Annette Hargrove, the headmaster’s virtuous daughter.
Weaving a web of secrets and temptation, as the two set out to destroy an innocent girl — and anyone who gets in their way — their vengeful crusade wreaks havoc on the students at their exclusive Manhattan high school and the diabolical duo become entangled in their own web of deception and unexpected romance, with explosive results…
Josh Barnett as Blaine Tuttle/Court Reynolds, Daniel Bravo as Sebastian Valmont, Jess Buckby as Mrs. Bunny Caldwell/Dr. Greenbaum, Abbie Budden as Annette Hargrove, Rose Galbraith as Cecile Caldwell/Marci Greenbaum, Nickcolia King-N’Da as Ronald Clifford, Rhianne-Louise McCaulsky as Kathryn Merteuil, Barney Wilkinson as Greg
Directed by Jonathan O’Boyle, Associate Director & Choreographer – Gary Lloyd, Musical Director – Denise Crowley, Set & Costume Designer – Polly Sullivan, Lighting Designer – Nick Richings, Sound Designer – Chris Whybrow, Associate Choreographer – Matt Nicholson, Costume Supervisor – Hugo Aguirre, Casting – Will Burton for Grindrod Burton, Created by Jordan Ross, Lindsey Rosin and Roger Kumble, Based on the original hit film by Roger Kumble, Originally produced by Eva Price
Rehab The Musical – from 12 January at the Neon 194
A wildly funny musical about a very serious issue, Rehab The Musical deals with the subject of mental health, fame and addiction, with warmth, compassion, humour and heart. It’s 1999 and jaded 26-year-old pop star, Kid Pop, finds himself in court, after being caught red-handed in a drug-fuelled tabloid sting. An understanding judge gives Kid the choice between jail time or a rehabilitation centre for six weeks. It’s a no-brainer for Kid: rehab will be a holiday. But how could he have got it so wrong?
Starring Keith Allen, Christian Maynard, Mica Paris, Maiya Quansah-Breed, Jodie Steele, John Barr, Oscar Conlon-Morrey, Simon Shorten, Rebecca Thornhill, Carly Burns, Ben Mabberley and Lucy Sinclair, this is the must-see show of 2024.
Book by Elliot Davis, music and lyrics by Grant Black and Murray Lachlan Young, director and choreography by Gary Lloyd, set designer Simon Kenny, musical supervisor and arranger Katy Richardson, costume designer Teatum Jones, lighting designer Tim Oliver, sound designer Chris Whybrow, orchestrator Jude Obermüller, casting director Anne Vosser, assistant director and choreographer Alex Codd, producer Clive Black, co-producers Don Black, Nichola Martin, Jane Savidge, general manager Blacklist Entertainment and assistant producer Jayne Meegan.
The Kind and I – from 20 January at the Dominion Theatre
Featuring such well-known songs as “Getting To Know You” and “Shall We Dance?”, The King And I tells of the initially uneasy relationship between the King of Siam and his newly appointed governess, Anna. Despite wanting to show a progressive stance and forge connection between East and West, the King is thrown by Anna’s candidness and blunt attitude. Eventually, they strike up a strong friendship that lasts the rest of their lives.
Helen George as Anna Leonowens, Darren Lee as King of Siam, Dean John-Wilson as Lun Tha, Marienella Phillips as Tuptim, Cezarah Bonner as Lady Thiang, Koh-Hwa Lie as Kralahome, Caleb Lagayan as Prince Chulalongkorn, Sam Jenkins-Shaw as Captain Orton / Sir Edward Ramsay, Harry Altoft / Dexter Barry / Max Ivemey / Charlie McGuire as Louis (Anna's son) and Maria Coyne as Alternate Anna.
Music by Richard Rodgers, book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, story based on the novel Anna and the King of Siam by Margaret Landon.
