Motown and Strictly Ballroom both announce closures

With news of new shows opening in the capital in the months ahead, both plays and musicals, and some top names headed to those already in motion, it’s easy to forget that some shows will have to come to an end as well. So now we turn our attentions to two shows that have announced their closures in the capital –Motown the Musical in 2019 and Strictly Ballroom, sooner, in 2018.

Motown The Musical is running at the Shaftesbury Theatre and has offered Motown fans the chance to witness performances of some hit songs from the label alongside a story that focuses on some of the names that made it such a success.

The musical had been seen on the other side of the Atlantic before it made its way to the capital, with director Charles Randolph-Write shepherding a show that now has fans worldwide.

It is framed as a flashback, focusing on the story of Berry Gordy, the man behind the Motown phenomenon, who started out with little but soon discovered some of the biggest names in music during the 20th century.

Motown The Musical continues at the Shaftesbury Theatre and its closure-announcement means that audiences have until Saturday 20th April 2019 to see it.

Strictly Ballroom has had a shorter stay in the capital, having opened in earlier this year. Based on Baz Luhrmann’s film of the same name, it tells the story of a ballroom dancer who battles against the odds to become the best alongside a new performer.

The show, at the Piccadilly Theatre, has hosted stars Will Young and Matt Cardle in a lead role since it first opened, with the latter replacing the former earlier this year, and it has also featured performances of songs like Time After Time, Ain’t No Mountain High Enough and Hey Mr Postman, amongst others.

There is no word on the show set to replace Strictly Ballroom, but as a central West End location, expect news to emerge shortly. For now, audiences can still see Strictly Ballroom as it continues performances there until Saturday 27th October 2018.