Unfortunate news in the West End theatre world, as two major shows announce early closure notices.
Prick Up Your Ears, the Simon Bent play about the life and untimely death of playwright Joe Orton, will close on 15th November. It was due to close on 6th December. The show suffered a blow when Matt Lucas pulled out following the death of his ex-husband.
Although the production received positive notices when producers recast the role of Kenneth Halliwell to the actor Con O'Neill, sales were just not “sufficient”.
A statement released from producers said: “Despite very good feedback and notices for Con O'Neill's performance, the box office sales have not been sufficient to keep the show going, and so the producers have taken the difficult decision to close the show three weeks prior to its scheduled end date.”
The production stars the talented Chris New. To read an interview with him in the autumn issue, click here.
Meanwhile, The Shawshank Redemption currently playing at the Wyndam's Theatre in Charing Cross Road, is to close on 29th November, after its 100th performance. It was due to run until 14th February 2010.
However, producers have said that an extensive tour is being planned for 2010, with a return to Dublin where the production premiered at the Gaiety Theatre earlier this year.
Be the first to comment