Big names to Edinburgh

The Edinburgh Playhouse is set to be sold to a leading theatre operator in a move that has raised hopes of more big-name West End productions coming to the Capital.

The Edinburgh Evening News writes today that sources confirmed that a deal had been struck to sell the historic city venue to the Ambassador Theatre Group – which runs Glasgow's King's Theatre and Theatre Royal. It is understood to be part of a deal that will see Playhouse owner Live Nation's 17 UK venues sold off for a sum in the region of £90 million.

The Scottish paper revealed in June that the 3,000-seat venue had been put up for sale by Live Nation. At the time about 20 theatre operators were understood to have registered an interest. Before the takeover, the Ambassador Theatre Group was the UK's second largest theatre operator, but the acquisition of 17 new venues would make it the largest.The Playhouse has attracted a string of top West End shows, including Les Miserables and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and big-name music stars such as Bob Dylan and Neil Young.

Beneficial

Theatre critic Thom Dibdin believes the takeover could prove beneficial to the Capital. He said: "They are the biggest group in the West End and the biggest regional group. The Playhouse is a fantastic venue for the kind of shows that come here."As long as they haven't over-stretched themselves by doing this, which might compromise what they can do, I have no problem with it.

"They seem to be able to put on some slightly more exciting stuff in Glasgow that I feel we should be having over here."It could be very good for the city if they continue to keep big, entertaining shows that draw people in from around Scotland. "The Playhouse is a big attraction for coming to Edinburgh as a visitor, as a weekend here taking in a big musical is half what you would pay at the West End.

Most profitable

"The Playhouse has had a string of owners since it was reopened as a theatre in 1980 with the support of Lothian Regional Council, having lain empty for seven years.The theatre was forced to cut up to nine jobs at the beginning of the year, but it is understood to have been one of the most profitable theatres in Live Nation's portfolio.

Live Nation is best known internationally as a music promoter, boasting the likes of Madonna and U2 on its roster.Its other UK venues include London's Apollo Victoria and Lyceum theatres, and it is understood to be looking to switch its attention to expanding its live music operation.Both the Ambassador Theatre Group and the Playhouse declined to comment on the sale.

Keith Jack starts dance school

Scottish reality TV star Keith Jack is teaming up with his dancer girlfriend to open their very own dance school.

The Any Dream Will Do singing sensation hopes to help out fellow youngsters following in his footsteps by launching a stage school.

The 21 year-old, and his girlfriend Alana Macfarlane, are organising the classes for kids and teenagers at the Morningside Dance Academy, in Edinburgh. And as well as coaching dance moves Keith will also be offering inside advice on breaking into the industry.

All children welcome
Places at the stage school are filling up fast with everyone from the ages of eight to 18 welcome to join regardless of their experience.

Ms Macfarlane said the duo were keen to increase opportunities for young performers in Scotland and are considering taking their stage school around the country. She said: “It’s really exciting to be able to give something back to kids. I know when I was growing up there was not a lot of opportunities or advice going about. “Hopefully the kids will have lots of fun and learn something new.”

Together
Keith is also about to launch his second album along with getting ready for a UK-wide tour while juggling his duties at the dance school. His girlfriend Alana, 21, studied dance at an Edinburgh college and already gives dance lessons to youngsters in the capital.

The pair have been together for just over a year after falling for each other during Keith’s last
tour when Alana was one of the Dalkeith-born star’s dancers. Keith said: “After everything I’ve done, I thought it would be nice to give something back and help young people learn more about the industry.

Teaching
“Obviously, it’s about coming along and learning. I thought I could also help by talking about what my life’s been like and teaching them how to deal with an audition. “There’s nothing worse than being able to song and dance, then turning up to an audition and having no idea what to do.”

The classes will take place from 19 to 23 October, between 10am and 4pm. Contact macfarlanejack@googlemail.com for more details.

Wanted: Dorothy and Toto

Lord Lloyd-Webber's latest Saturday night talent show will search for a girl to play Dorothy and a dog to play Toto in The Wizard Of Oz, the BBC says.

Winners of the programme will star in a West End production of the musical. It follows BBC One's I'd Do Anything, Any Dream Will Do and How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? which also found musical stars. The new programme, also called The Wizard Of Oz, will again be presented by Graham Norton.

Lord Lloyd-Webber, 61, said the previous talent shows he had made with the BBC had provided an incredible shot in the arm for musical theatre in Britain". The search for Dorothy will begin with auditions across the UK in early 2010 with the programme airing later in the year. Lord Lloyd-Webber's fellow judges have yet to be announced.