Emma Thompson Talks about Recent Musical Comeback

Emma Thompson recently delighted musical fans by talking about her return to the genre. This week on the Simon Morris blog I ask; what did she say?

Emma Thompson, the Legend That Is

There are few actresses as prolific, as talented and as respected as Emma Thompson. She’s stared in some of Hollywood’s biggest productions, including Love Actually, the Harry Potter series, Sense and Sensibility, and Nanny McPhee. This work has led her to numerous award nominations and wins, including an OSCAR.

However, what is perhaps less known about Thompson, is that she’s done a lot of stage work as well. In actual fact, she’s a pretty talented stage actress, having starred in productions such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream, King Lear, Not the Nine O’clock News and Me and My Girl.

Emma Thompson Stars in Sweeney Todd

Yet she hasn’t done any stage work in years, and certainly no musicals. However, that changed this year, when she took on the iconic role of Mrs Lovett at Lincoln Centre on Broadway earlier this year in classic musical Sweeney Todd.

She’s now spoken out on the experience. According to the BBC, she called it "beautiful, inspiring," elaborating that "it was magical to be in front of an audience again," and that "it made me weep."

Thompson Set to Reprise the Role in London in March 2015

She then turned her attention to the London production. On the back of glowing reviews of the OSCAR winner’s performance, Thompson has been invited back to reprise the role in London in March. Something the actress said was "like a dream coming true."

She went on to talk about how she wants to tackle  the role this time around, suggesting that there would be "a slight improvement" in March, and that "and by that I mean no nausea," further suggesting that "If I can manage the fear without the nausea I'll be fine."

I’ll Let You Know How She Does

Personally, I don’t think Emma Thompson will have a problem when she comes to reprise the role she played so well on Broadway, in the West End. Either way, I’ll let you know here on the Simon Morris blog how she does, since obviously, I’m definitely planning on going to see it!

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Actress Withdraws From Iconic Musical Wicked

After hearing that Nikki Davis-Jones has withdrawn from Wicked, I ask this week on the Simon Morris blog; what next for the West End hit?

Nikki Davis Jones Sparkled on Stage as Elphaba in Wicked

Whilst I adore the Broadway version of the production, in my personal opinion, nothing can compare to the West End’s take on modern musical blockbuster. Opened by original Elphaba, Idina Menzel herself, it has since gone on to enchant audiences around the world, including one musical theatre blogger by the name of Simon Morris.

Which is why I cheered when I heard that Nikki Davis-Jones was set to take up the role of Elphaba, both on the UK tour version of Wicked, and on the West End stage. With past credits including the role of The Girl in Blues in the Night at the Hackney Empire, and RENT’s Maureen at the 20^th Anniversary Concert tour, the actress was a great edition who has shined since she first joined the UK tour of Wicked.

Davis-Jones Announces Her Departure from Wicked

She was due to jump ship from the tour to the West End version of Wicked on the 27^th October. Yet now, it appears that not only will Davis-Jones not do so, but that she has left the tour production as well.

According to The Stage, the actress has left both. Michael McCabe, executive producer of the show, commented on the news, saying that he was “extremely sorry” that the actress has withdrawn from the show. He added that “we all fully support Nikki’s position and very much look forward to working with her again in the future.”

When One Elphaba Leaves, Another Arrives

Whatever the reason for the withdrawal, it is a move that could potentially damage the West End version of Wicked. The fact that they are losing the actress set to take over their main role is naturally one that will rock the show as it scrambles to recover.

Yet it seems the show has handled the move quite well. Jemma Alexander has stepped into the role on tour, with acclaimed West End Elphaba Ashleigh Gray set to take over when the show comes to the Liverpool Empire on the 16th September.  Her experience in the role will ensure the show quickly gets back on its feet, and it’s only a matter of time until the West End version of Wicked finds a stunning replacement for Davis-Jones as well.

A Show is More Than the Sum of its Parts

What this goes to show, Simon Morris readers, is that a show is more than the sum of its parts. Yes, it’s a loss to see a leading lady depart. However, for a role as powerful as Elphaba, there is always an actress who is just as talented, ready to step into her shoes, and take the audience on a journey they will never forget. 

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Five Celebrity Movie Musicals I Want to See

This week I rhapsodize here on the Simon Morris blog, letting you know the five celebrity stories I believe need to be brought to the movie musical medium.

Celebs Are So Much More Interesting Than Real People!

As a fan of the movie musical, I can tell you that some of the best, most compelling productions tell the story of a particular person. A famous person obviously, since they lead way more interesting, yet tragic lives than the rest of us.

All you have to do is look at productions such as Evita and Funny Girl to understand this. These musicals were so successful because they were based on stories that were true. We really didn’t know if the real Eva Peron was a saint or a sinner, and yes, the real Fanny Brice’s love life was just that tragic.

These Five Celebrities Have Stories That Would Look Amazing Set to Music

I’m of the opinion that every celebrity has a story that would make for compelling viewing as a movie musical, and in my opinion, these following five celebs have stories destined for the musical silver screen…

1)      Kim Kardashian: I know this is going to be a controversial choice with many of you Simon Morris readers out there, but whether we like it or not, a lot of people find Kim interesting. It’d be like the Heat Magazine of musicals - we really know we shouldn’t see it, but the idea of seeing the infamous sex tape scandal set to music would be too juicy to resist.

2)      Madonna: For someone who’s shown us so much skin, how much do we actually know about who Madonna really is, what motivates and drives her? The famously driven pop icon is a jukebox musical makers wet dream, as not only does she have an epic back catalogue of versatile tunes, but a classic rags to riches story Madonna fans around the world never fail to find compelling.

3)      Barack Obama: If Evita taught us anything, it’s that not only is politics far from boring, it’s great fodder for a musical tune or two,  and there’s no more famous politician in the world today than US President Barack Obama. Personally, I would salivate at the chance to hear his rousing campaign speeches – which lighted fire under a generation – be reimagined as a musical number!

4)      John Lennon: John Lennon never gets less fascinating does he? Arguably, the most famous Beatle, Lennon’s penchant for controversy, troubled life and tragic assassination, would simply shine on the silver screen when accompanied by a rousing musical score. Or, we could just turn it into a jukebox musical!

5)      Judy Garland: As the ultimate movie musical actress with a famously tragic addiction and end, Judy Garland’s life would make the ultimate movie musical. Just think, her real life transition from beleaguered child star to troubled adult actress has compelled so many over the years that it’s just plain obvious.

Do You Agree?

Do you agree with my choices Simon Morris readers? Do you think these celebs have life stories that would make compelling movie musical productions? Or do you think I’m way off base. If you do, then just which celebrity’s story would you like to see made into a movie musical?

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Could Reform to Child Labour Laws Benefit West End Musicals

This week on the Simon Morris blog, I ask whether proposed reforms to child labour laws could benefit West End musicals.

Child Stars are Pivotal to West End Theatre

Many of our favourite West End musicals either have a significant child character or a child character as the star. Look at Billy Elliot or Matilda, for example. Without their child stars, these shows would fall part quicker than a Soufflé that’s failed to rise.

Yet, shows prominently featuring child stars often opt to open on Broadway rather than the West End, meaning New York’s musical theatre scenes sees the benefits these productions bring, rather than London’s.

Andrew Lloyd Weber Explains Why He Might Open His Next Production in New York

Notably, Andrew Lloyd-Weber commented on this recently, as he revealed that he is likely to debut his next production across the pond due to restrictive child labour laws. Lloyd Weber commented that "it's much easier to cast children in New York than it is here."

He elaborated by saying that "you don't have to do all this triple casting, you can cast them as if they're adults and then you can have them for a six–month or a year contract if you want to, without these endless changes. And with a show that is so dependent on the children really being able to play, I think that's important."

What Are the Proposed Reforms to Child Labour Laws?

Yet recent proposed reforms to child labour laws could draw musical theatre producers such as Lloyd-Weber back to London. I came across an article on this subject in the Telegraph recently, which went on to make a compelling case for why moves to reform child labours laws could benefit the West End.

The article went on to point out that the reforms would give child actors shorter breaks, and allow them to work longer hours. Specifically, these plans would allow children under five to do live television and radio broadcasts until 10pm, whilst they would allow children over five to do so up until 11pm. This would cut down the red tape productions face when staging a musical on the West End, making it easier, and more cost effective, for them to do so.

What Do You Think, Simon Morris Readers?

Therefore, the argument goes that reforming child labour laws would draw new productions to London, rather than New York. Yet the move certainly has its detractors. What do you think, Simon Morris readers? Would reforms to child labour laws benefit the West End and even if they would, would they be the best thing for the West End going forward?

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