Springer opera set for West End run
Stage hit Jerry Springer – The Opera is to get a West End run with top ticket prices being kept low to encourage young theatre-goers, it was announced today.
The show has been a sell-out success at the National Theatre, winning rave reviews and attracting a high proportion of first time visitors.
Now the show is to head to the Cambridge Theatre in London’s Covent Garden where many top tickets will be reserved for the under 25s at £25 (€36).
The light-hearted production – based on the trashy talk show – was an unlikely sight at the National.
The venue, more used to classics and high-brow works became home to tap-dancing Klansmen, and a chorus chanting four letter words.
It has attracted an audience of which 45% have been newcomers to the theatre, which must have pleased new National boss Nicholas Hytner.
The show has also been one of the hottest tickets in London, with tickets changing hands for up to £150, and its run has been extended twice.
Even Liam Gallagher has said it was “the best thing I have ever seen”.
The show had humble beginnings in workshops at a small theatre in Battersea, south London. But it is now set to become a £3m (€4m) production under the guidance of producers Jon Thoday and Allan McKeown.
It is to move to the Cambridge on October 14, with tickets going on sale on Sunday.
Producers are making 35,000 top price tickets available at a reduced rate for younger visitors.
“We think it is vitally important to get more young people into the theatre and it is a show which has proved hugely appealing to a younger audience,” said a spokesman.
Writer Stewart Lee joked: “I am delighted to be going to the Cambridge Theatre with Jerry Springer – The Opera as it is easily reached via the 73 bus from my home in Hackney, and is also near Fopp Records, with its excellent low-price jazz CD selection.”
Composer Richard Thomas said; “The one good thing about opening in the West End is ... everything.”
