Unfortunately some of those transfers didn't work out also due to complications on theatre/timing/producer issues.
Remember Hairspray was due to cross the pond in 2003 and 2005 before turning up in 2007. That was due to firstly the Victoria Palace not being free, then complication with the set at the Cambridge. Then Live Nation pulled out (finanical issues) and Stage Ents picked up the rights and it finally happened.
42nd Street nearly got The Apollo Vic for 2005 transfer - but Wicked put up money for renovation. Then it tried for The Palladium but ALW had finally decided to do Sound of Music.
A Chorus Line, for London, has very few theatres available to house it as it must be a wide arched theatre. The only theatre big enough were the 2000+ seaters (way too big) and the Prince Edward and Prince of Wales - both at the time housing huge hits.
Alot of the other shows mentions were as people have said "too american" to work (grey gardens, 25th..bee..) and others just not successfull enough to warrent a transfer (Young Frank, Catered Affair, All shook..)
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is interesting. It never quite recouped and it was pulled very suddenly when it was still doing fairly respectable trade. It is thought the theatre thought they had a big hit coming in, but it never materialised and the theatre actually housed for a year some small time fillers that lost the owners huge money - they regretted pulling it as with a "star" name the show could have had at least 6 months to a year left in it, it's thought. DRS - I think would work so so well in London and still secretly hope it will crop up again. I think London audiences will go for it. It nearly happened in 2008 with Jonathan Pryce was keen, but it feel through.
Shame we never got 42nd Street, personally, as I love the show and think we should have it back in London. Its pure showbiz.
Also I think Good Vibrations and 9 to 5 should tour the UK - its perfect for UK tour audiences. I also think Color Purple should give it a show at The National Theatre, its a super peice of theatre.
Tarzan will never been seen in the West End (unless some crazed new producer picks up the rights and bets to looses money) and i think Little Mermaid could also follow that suit.
It's a shame that immediate hits now don't mean a transfer anymore. If you look back pre about 2004 nearly every major Broadway hit came to London and visa versa. That even included revivals (Kiss Me Kate, King and I) But economic times have meant producers are very very causious if things aren't a very safe bet, like good, crowd pulling casting, the right theatre, strong investment etc
And to answer on Xanadu... I wouldn't write it off. David Ian still has the UK rights. He has a few other things he is concentrating on like Flashdance hoping to come to London mid 2010, but I think he may do it when the right casting can be found. I think it will probably do a tour first thought. Also David Ian holds the UK rights, at the moment, to do Gypsy (the 2008 Broadway LuPone version) but that currently isn't moving anywhere. It nearly happened with EP for a limited 16 week run but everyone got too nervous and EP had other commitments with scheduling moved. Who knows may still happen! I think the Menier will do it if they can in a few years.
Right... Coffee time now.
Updated On: 10/28/09 at 05:20 AM
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