A night at the theatre is undeniably still more of a treat than watching the same production on television. The reason for this is partly because of the spectacle and experience just like going to the cinema; but it is also reflected in price. The price of a standard theatre ticket for two has climbed hugely whilst the cost of electronics has greatly fallen meaning that a single night out is now similar in cost to the price of many cheap TVs from various brands.

Art in television is becoming more widely recognised and appreciated, this means that both mediums can be granted a level of respect for both producers and consumers alike. In today’s environment there is no reason why the theatre and television can not coexist together as both mediums grow and adapt to the new world of culture.

It has been announced that the West End’s “Chicago” will be boasting some new – or should that be old? – cast members by the beginning of the new year as America Ferrera, Amra-Faye Wright and Darius Campbell step down from the lead roles. They are set to be replaced by previous cast members Sarah Soetaert, Rachel McDowall and Terence Maynard as Roxie Hart, Velma Kelly and Billy Flynn respectively, with the former two appearing from January and the latter from Boxing Day 2011.

Chicago reopened at the Garrick Theatre in November following its closure at the Cambridge Theatre in August, which made the way for “Matilda the Musical”. It tells the story of girls behind bars in 1920s Chicago who make their bids for freedom so that they can pursue a life in the spotlight, recruiting the sleazy lawyer Billy Flynn along the way. It started life as a play by Maurice Dallas Watkins before the musical appeared and was popular enough to spawn a movie version in 2002.

Chicago runs at the Garrick Theatre and is currently booking there until Saturday 26th January 2013.

It has been revealed that audiences in the West End will soon have an opportunity to witness a brand new musical head to the stage as George Stiles and Antony Drewe – who recently worked on Betty Blue Eyes at the Novello Theatre – team up with Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes to bring The Wind In The Willows to the capital.

The production will be adapted from Kenneth Grahame’s 1908 novel and will portray the adventure embarked upon by Mr Badger, Ratty, Mole and Mr Toad as they get into trouble with some weasels.

All three of the names attached to the musical have previous West End credits and together they also brought the Laurence Olivier Award-winning musical Mary Poppins to the stage in the last decade. Stiles and Drewe are also known for the likes of Soho Cinders, Honk! and Frost at Midnight, whilst Fellowes has worked on the likes of Gosford Park and The Importance of Being Earnest. The latter has also worked as an actor in the likes of Tomorrow Never Dies and The Scarlett Pimpernel.

Further details for The Wind In The Willows will emerge closer to its start-date.

It is not unusual for popular shows to add new dates to their respective run, though it does indicate that sales of theatre tickets remain high and audiences are getting a lot out of their London theatre experiences. Both shows are available at boxoffice.co.uk and they are Matilda the Musical, based on the book by Roald Dahl, and The Pitmen Painters, from writer Lee Hall. The shows are now booking until October 2012 and April 2012 respectively.

Matilda the Musical is a show from the Royal Shakespeare Company that deals with a girl with high intellect and – eventually – psychokinetic powers who uses these gifts to teach bad people a lesson. It opened at the Cambridge Theatre in October and by the time it reaches the end-date of its current booking period it will have been in the West End for a year as it is now booking to Sunday 21st October 2012.

Meanwhile, The Pitmen Painters will now have box office tickets available up to Sunday 14th April 2012. It is about a group of miners from the north east in the 1930s who become artists and whose work becomes popular nationwide.

Pulled from Disney’s renowned list of stunning animated films, the Lion King musical is undoubtedly a superlative production. If wondering about the inner workings of Lion King, try creating an amazing puzzle of elegant dances, songs, magic, puppetry and a touch of clever humor.

Even though, this fun-loving film has turned into a must-see musical, the initial plot of Lion King has remained intact. Losing the primary factor that catapulted this award winning film to stardom would surely do more harm than good. Thanks to the hard work from producers and characters that perform in this musical, the plot is not only saved, but it is also well-executed. One thing for sure, witnessing the Lion King musical in person will truly prove to be more than a worthwhile experience. Speaking of the performing characters, they all work together inside a jungle environment from the very start to the end of the show.

The decorated stage is not humdrum at all, if anything, it is just as ravishing as the musical itself. Many techniques exuding ingenuity are used throughout the performance to bring to life the African plains, Savannah bubbling streams and tall grasses. Witnessing and giving in to the captivating nature of this production will unquestionably meet, if not, surpass all expectations.

There are a lot of aspects of this musical that makes it as great as it is, but the beautiful music and unique dances are by far the top aspects. The fantabulous blend of musical backgrounds is what makes the Lion King musical unique and haunting at the same time. As for the fancy dancing routines, they fully incorporate the fantasy mind-set into the realness of the musical. Teasing every observer to believe the characters truly possess the supernatural power of flying is what makes the Lion King musical so terrific.

If stepping outside of a tedious routine to enjoy a musical, consider no other performance except the Lion King musical.

This musical does not have some of the fancy sets that other musicals have, however the music and dancing make up for it. The numbers in this musical are full of jazz and sass. Chicago’s story of murder, sin and corruption will have you holding your breath to see what happens next. If you have never been to a Broadway musical, Chicago is a good show to see first. This show has won six Tony awards, Two Oliver awards one Grammy and has gotten thousands of standing ovations. This show has everything a Broadway show needs to be a hit and more.

This show is based on true events. In 1924 a Chicago reporter started writing columns about a murderess who killed her husband and sister and then went to trial. Maurine Dallis Watkins columns in the ‘Chicago Tribune’ became so popular that she wrote a book about the trial, later a play was created and from there came the Broadway show Chicago.

This show set in the prohibition era of Chicago, has music that was written by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb. The most well known choreographer from Broadway is Bob Fosse. Everyone respects Mr. Fosse and his work in planning and choreographing Chicago is amazing. You will love the jazzy numbers that will have you singing and taping your feet while watching this fantastic musical. You will fall in love with all of the characters in the Musical Chicago. From Roxie to Velma and Billy you will love watching them sing and dance.

Some of the well known songs are ‘All That Jazz’, ‘Mr. Cellophane’ and the famous ‘Razzle Dazzle’. These songs and corresponding dance numbers make Chicago the show to see. If you are near a city where this Musical is being played, make sure you have the chance to see it and find out why it has won so many awards.

The ?Song of Joseph? musical story is a spellbinding tale of God and love. The magic of Joseph?s life is brought into the hearts and souls of all who witness and experience it. This truly is a tale about the life, love faith and death of Joseph husband of Mary, mother of Jesus. The many twists and turns of the musical bring to life this beloved tale of two biblical people very much in love faced with what could have seemed to be insurmountable obstacles to their love, their marriage, the birth of their child and their future.

With charisma and humility the story?s vibrant subtle peace and faith is an inspiration to all who have seen it. The story brings to life the biblical account of Joseph and adds a depth and realness to the plight he and Mary faced along their many journeys together.

His faith and undying love for Mary, God and Jesus are celebrated in this musical Song of Joseph. This very original musical premiered in the Philippines and was loved and embraced by all who saw it. Because of its success the main creators including lyricist, Fides Cuyugan-Asensio, and gifted composer, Raymond Roldan, decided to make the musical lyrics English and were encouraged to bring it to audiences in the United States.

As the musical ?Song of Joseph? tours the country it will give those of faith and those who search for faith an opportunity to explore and grow through a shared experience that touches the heart and soul. The trials, tribulations and miracles witnessed and experienced by Joseph are a story worth telling. This musical does more then simply telling a tale of Joseph’s life. It brings his plights and struggles alive and makes Joseph as vibrant a character as Mary, Moses and the Apostles in other biblical tales that have found their way to the stage.

The first act of the musical Grease introduces the audience to the two groups of ‘cool kids’ in the school: the Burger Palace Boys (or T-Birds) and the Pink Ladies. Talk revolves around the new school year, and the summer experiences had by all. The newest female student, Sandy, and the alpha male of the Burger Palace Boys, Danny Zuko, had a summer love which he remembers as physical and she, emotional. We also peek into the slumber party held by the girls, where Sandy is made fun of for her uptight mannerisms. Songs from the first act include Summer Nights, Grease (Is the Word), Those Magic Changes, Freddy My Love, Greased Lightening, Rydell Fight Song, Look at Me I’m Sandra Dee, and We Go Together.

The second act of Grease the Musical opens with the cast at the high school hop, and then to Sandy as she expressed her sadness at the state of her relationship with Danny. We learn that a main characters, Frenchy, has left high school to enroll in beauty school. The characters Rizzo believes she may be pregnant, but later learns she is not. In her attempt to fit in and win back Danny’s affections, Sandy dresses up to appeal to him and surprises the group. Songs in this half of Grease include Shakin’ at the High School Hop, It’s Raining on Prom Night, Born to Hand Jive, Hopelessly Devoted To You, Beauty School Dropout, All Alone at a Drive-in Movie, Rock n’ Roll Party Queen, There are Worse Things I Could Do, and All Choked Up.

The film version of the musical Grease is well known thanks to it’s cast leads of Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta as Sandy and Danny Zuko, respectively. However, much was changed in order to fit the big screen, including some complete song changes. True fans will generally prefer the original stage version.

In the second act of the play things begin to have a more positive outlook. Billy’s father crosses the picket line, infuriating his brother Tony. He crosses the picket line in order to support Billy’s dream of becoming a ballet dancer at last. Billy’s friend Michael also expresses his sexual feelings for him. Billy responds by telling him although he likes ballet, he is not gay. He does however allow Michael to give him a kiss on the cheek.
He finally does the audition, but feels he did not do well, punching another person who was auditioning in the face. Upon receiving a letter in the mail he immediately throws it away, but then his father reads it, discovering that he was indeed accepted.