Obviously we love Gypsy, as did the Critics and the audience members by the look of it! We are desperate to see the show transfer to London’s West End so more and more people can see this 5 star show! Rumours are RIFE that Gypsy will transfer to London’s Savoy Theatre in 2015; in order to send our support and encouragement to the show, we have decided to list our top 5 reasons why Gypsy NEEDS to come to the West End!
1 – Imelda Staunton
The three time Oliver Award winning Imelda Staunton is undoubtedly one of the finest actresses in the world, let alone the UK and Ms Staunton showcases this talent to its full extent in Gypsy. Staunton’s Mamma Rose is a tour de force and has grabbed the attention of every critic out there. Staunton’s portrayal of this classic role is up there with that of Patti LuPone and Angela Lansbury. Gypsy’s transferral to London really ought to hang on when Imelda is available. Without her there is no Gypsy.
Furthermore, the last time Staunton teamed up with Gypsy Director, Jonathan Kent, she won an Olivier for her performance as Mrs Lovett in Sweeney Todd. We think the 2015 Oliver Award for Best Actress could be hers, with her chances increasing if she takes the show to London.
2 – Lara Pulver
Like Staunton, Lara Pulver is an absolute shining star. She is given the full opportunity to demonstrate her amazing theatrical range that varies from shy young lady to fully fledged vixen. Plus her second act outfits are fabulous.
3 – London hasn’t had a Gypsy in over 40 (!) years
Gypsy premiered at the Piccadilly Theatre in 1973 with Dame Angela Landsbury as Momma Rose, a role that eventually won her a Tony Award when the show transferred to the States. Despite being a success in London, Gypsy has never been revived in the West End, despite several Broadway revivals. This is an absolute outrage and, if the response to the Chichester production is anything to go by, the show will be absolute success in London! Make it happen!
4 – It’s Sondheim Time
Whilst the public has generally always appreciated a good Sondheim musical, there seems to have been a noticeable increase on Sondheim success over recent years. Not only did the public love Staunton in Sweeney Todd, Todd is set to be revived yet again with Emma Thompson at the Coliseum. A 2013 production of Merrily We Roll Along made history by receiving the most 5* reviews ever and if that wasn’t enough, in 2015 the Ambassadors Theatre will be renamed the Sondheim Theatre. I think it is safe to say that right now is Sondheim Time!
5 – The Cow Sequence Rocks!
Okay so this could actually apply to pretty much ever scene of the show. The set is consistently amazing in Gypsy and could rival that of any visual extravaganza currently running in the West End. The cow in “Farm Sequence” is a particular highlight and the show just keeps on delivering, especially in sequences such as “Broadway” and Louise’s “Let Me Entertain You.” Anthony Ward’s designs are an utter revelation and the West End needs to see them.
Okay so hopefully we have convinced you that Gyspy really needs to transfer to London. If you agree with us, do leave a comment below! Come on Jonathan Kent and Imelda Staunton, just tell us where and when and we will be there!
Please, please, please bring this show to town with Imelda Staunton. The wickedest woman in Harry Potter. I’m 73 and have missed seeing this wonderful show on stage. I loved the Roz Russell film, was disappointed with Bette Midler and have the Ethel Merman on my iTunes. The overture is the best of the last century.
I agree, Michael – the Overture is stupendous! I also have the Merman recording, on CD.
It is extraordinary that it has been over 40 years, despite the success of the show. I was at the Opening in London, just after my Birthday, and saw it several times – later with Dolores Gray, who was also first class.
See you at the Savoy! 🙂
I only realised how good this show was today, but unfortunately missed the show in London. I hope they will consider to bring the show back again soon. I’m now listening to the songs in youtube, I really didn’t think it could be so good. I vaguely wanted to see the show in 2015, because of Imelda Staunton, but the name ‘Gypsy’ put me off, as I thought it was a show about gypsies, or similar (I have nothing against them, but felt a bit funny about watching a musical about them), and I didn’t see enough advertising and promotion and none of my friends I know went to see it so it didn’t convince me. I now feel I missed out. To be honest reading the storyline would still put off me off today, as the story about strippers, dance girls and becoming famous just really doesn’t appeal to me, however, the music is good and the songs are great – which is most important thing in musicals. Wiked is just as ridiculous and even less real, but it’s amazing, so I shouldn’t have judged about it before I went to see it. Work was also really hectic in 2015, and I work over-time almost every night, so that would have been a factor. Anyway, hope for another revival and the show to come back to London or even nearby, I’d take a train to see it if it’s not too far away.