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!
The original London production of ‘Gypsy’ opened on May 29, 1973 at the Piccadilly Theatre in the heart of the West End. After it had been announced that Elaine Stritch would take on the role of Rose, producers failed to secure enough investment with her name above the title. The more familiar Angela Lansbury was hired, and her brother Edgar Lansbury came on-board as co-producer alongside Barry M. Brown and Fritz Holt.