THE BEST MUSICALS IN LONDON

Love Never Dies, the long awaited sequel to The Phantom of the Opera has began previews at the Adelphi Theatre starring Ramin Karimloo and Sierra Boggess. Graced with stunning designs, passionate lyrics and a magnificent score, this brand-new musical is a rollercoaster ride of obsession and intrigue...in which music and memory can play cruel tricks...and The Phantom sets out to prove that, indeed, Love Never Dies.

London turns pink as Sheridan Smith leads the cast as college sweetheart Elle Woods in Jerry Mitchell’s Legally Blonde The Musical. Sheridan is joined by Duncan James as heartbreaker Warner in this new musical version of the smash hit movie hot from its successful run on Broadway.

Meanwhile, Liverpool born Melanie C, the chart-topping star of The Spice Girls, makes her theatrical debut as Mrs Johnstone in Willy Russell’s legendary West End smash hit Blood Brothers. at the Phoenix Theatre.

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Tamzin Outhwaite will reprise her performance as Charity Hope Valentine in the Menier Chocolate Factory's production of Sweet Charity when it transfers to the West End's Theatre Royal, Haymarket after a sold out run off West End. It will begin performances on 23 April, prior to an official opening on 4 May.

Hot from Broadway comes the story of a group of young Americans searching for love and peace during the Vietnam era, HAIR is a timeless portrait of a movement that changed the world. Its groundbreaking rock score paved the way for some of the greatest musicals of our time. Opens at the Gielgud Theatre 1st April.

Clive Rowe, David Burt, Hadley Fraser, Edward Petherbridge and Paul Hunter will lead the cast of new musical The Fantasticks when it opens at the Duchess Theatre this summer.

The Fantasticks which set the record for the world’s longest running musical during its run of nearly 50 years in New York, tells the story of two fathers who use cunning reverse psychology and a dividing wall to ensure their children fall in love. The Fantasticks opens on 9 June, after previews from 24 May.

Christopher Timothy, Louise English, Nicola Brazil and Michael Pickering will join the previously announced David Essex in the West End premiere of pop star Essex's own new musical All the Fun of the Fair at the Garrick Theatre which will have a limited season from 28 April to 5 September 2010.

Sparks will fly this year as the West End Premiere of Flashdance, The Musical explodes onto the stage at the Shaftesbury Theatre from 27 September 2010. Produced by David Ian, Flashdance is directed by Nikolai Foster and choreographed by musical theatre veteran and former Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips.

LAURENCE OLIVIER AWARD NOMINATIONS

The 2010 Laurence Olivier Award nominations have officially been announced. The Laurence Olivier Awards, set to take place on 21 March are awarded to recognise excellence in professional theatre. Find out who is up for which award in this year's ceremony.

The 2009 Tony Nominations are dominated by Royal Court Theatre shows in the play category. Enron and Jerusalem go head to head with six nominations each. A View From The Bridge (four nominations) and The Misanthrope (three nominations) are also among the leading contenders.

In the musical categories Spring Awakening leads the way with six nominations, followed by A Little Night Music (five), Sister Act (four) and Hello, Dolly! (four).

Nica Burns, President of the Society of London Theatre commented on the nominations:
"In an outstanding year for drama, a whole new generation of playwrights step into the spotlight. Eight wonderful new plays – challenging, stimulating and inspiring – include two women in their twenties. Mirroring this, the voting for the best acting awards was so close that the nominations had to be increased, with some of the most exciting young acting talent around taking their place alongside some our most acclaimed screen stars. What a memorable year!"

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