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Dave is currently in the studio recording his next solo album........ Keep in touch for further information.

Dave will be re-creating his role of Emile de Becque in the concert version of SOUTH PACIFIC in June this year on the Island of Guernsey.

Discussions are underway about recording the concept album of THE MAN INSIDE, an interpretation of the Jekyll and Hyde story, which Dave co- wrote. Keep in touch for further information......


DAVE TO STAR IN 2017 UK TOUR OF FRANK WILDHORN'S 'WONDERLAND'


Dave will be playing the White Rabbit alongside Wendi Peters (as the Queen of Hearts) and Kerry Ellis (as Alice) in the forthcoming 2017 UK tour of Frank Wildhorn's musical 'Wonderland', an enchanting musical adaption of Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. 'Wonderland' debuts at the Edinburgh Playhouse from Friday 20th to Saturday 28th January 2017 ahead of an extensive UK tour
For more information and a complete list of tour dates visit:
http://www.wonderlandthemusical.com/


DAVE TO STAR IN NEW MUSICAL 'OUT THERE' AT LONDON'S UNION THEATRE
Prior to WONDERLAND, Dave is starring as Newman Carter at the Union Theatre, London, for a short run in a new Musical OUT THERE, written by Elliot Davis and James Bourne ( Loserville ).

Newman Carter, a world famous astronaut, mysteriously disappears in 1969. Forty years later a troubled young man turns up on his doorstep with a letter which changes everything for everyone.

OUT THERE - Union Theatre, London 
21st September - 8th October 2016
For more information and booking details visit:
http://www.uniontheatre.biz/out_there.html

REVIEWS

"Dave Willetts is incredible as the old, frail NED. His character goes on quite a journey, and the audience are behind him all the way. He has some beautiful songs, and shows off his impressive guitar skills at the same time .... " West End Wilma

"Hiring such an experience musical theatre stalwart as Dave Willetts, really lends a gravitas to the grizzled NED. He really sells his growing relationship with his grandson, and his delivery of the romantic " Learn to Dance " is worth the wait........." -
Musical Theatre Review

"There were moments of sheer genius, and the relationship between"NED" and " LOGAN" was fantastic. The chemistry between Dave Willetts and Luke Street shine through the production......" 
-
Londontheatre1.com

"But it is the solid grounding of Dave Willetts as the still dreaming astronaut that gives the production weight ......" -
The Stage

"The cast led by West End stalwart Dave Willetts, and very much the patrician of the clan, are gorgeous ....."
BritishTheatre.com


24 September - 17 October 2015 - St. James Theatre, London

Danielle Tarento presents the world premiere of
PURE IMAGINATION
THE SONGS OF LESLIE BRICUSSE
STARRING: DAVE WILLETS | SIOBHAN MCCARTHY | JULIE ATHERTON | NIALL SHEEHY | GILES TERERA

"Come with me and you'll be in a world of pure imagination"

Celebrate the songs of Leslie Bricusse, one of the most prolific and well loved film and musical theatre songwriters of our time.

Whether writing alone or forming magical partnerships - including Anthony Newley, Henry Mancini, John Williams and John Barry - double Oscar and Grammy Award winner Leslie Bricusse's music has touched us all in some way.

He has composed over 1,000 songs and written the book, music and/or lyrics for more than 40 musical films and plays over a 60-year career. This heartwarming and uplifting show includes such favourites as What Kind Of Fool Am I?, If I Ruled The World, Talk To The Animals, Le Jazz Hot, Feeling Good, Goldfinger and many, many more.

For more information and to book tickets visit: www.stjamestheatre.co.uk/theatre/pure-imagination/

REVIEWS

....... Dave WILLETTS in a Bond inspired suit, sipping a martini. His vocals are superb and the alternative vocal arrangement of "Goldfinger", and hearing it sung by a male, made it a standout number .......

...... Dave WILLETTS powerhouse vocals are striking ........

........ Dave WILLETTS has an amazing vocal range and gets his act together early in the show with " ONCE IN A LIFETIME" and also gives his spectacular version of the Bond theme, "GOLDFINGER" .......

...... Dave WILLETTS is resonant and commanding .........

...... WILLETTS voice has lost none of it's timbre over the years. His ballads were beautifully sung. The witty touches he slipped in when he sang GOLDFINGER were sensational, and if any producers were watching, now might be the time to adapt DR DOOLITTLE for the stage, we have found a perfect leading man.........

...... Dave WILLETTS adds a lovely depth of emotion and gravitas in numbers including, WHO CAN I TURN TO and ONCE IN A LIFETIME .........

....... But the show belongs to Dave WILLETTS and Siobhan McCarthy. WILLETTS impeccable TOMORROW WITH ME brings the house down and confirms that he remains one of the greatest voices in musical theatre.........

Dave WILLETTS is the man, oozing panache and flair with every number, and in an exciting WHO CAN I TURN TO , proving that he is still the man .............


DAVE WILLETTS TO STAR IN
LOVE BEYOND, A NEW MUSICAL 
TWO SPECIAL PERFORMANCES ONLY
AT THE SSE ARENA, WEMBLEY ON 1 & 2 OCTOBER 2014

 

Commissioned Limited today announce the official London cast of LOVE BEYOND, a new musical, playing for two special performances only on 1 and 2 October 2014 at The SSE Arena, Wembley.

Powerful and uplifting, LOVE BEYOND is a unique presentation of the greatest love story ever told, unfolding the entire story of the Bible as never before. A contemporary production, this epic musical re-tells the inspiring stories of lives touched by God, from Genesis to Revelation and puts the focus on their significance to mankind today. LOVE BEYOND promises a sensational production with a host of West End stars, accompanied by one of the biggest live orchestras of any musical theatre show in London, playing a dramatic and original brand new score. 

The production received its premiere performance to standing ovations at the Brighton Centre in October 2013. Now, for two nights only, LOVE BEYOND will be at one of London's most iconic venues, the SSE Wembley Arena 

The London cast of 28 will be headed by musical theatre legend, Dave Willetts in the role of 'Father God'. Dave was the first person in the world to have played the leading roles in the two most successful shows of recent times, Les Misérables and Phantom of the Opera as 'Jean Valjean' and 'Phantom' respectively. He has also starred in a host of West End hit musicals including Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar, Sunset Boulevard, 42 Street and Aspects of Love.

The Son of God 'Jesus' will be played by Simon Shorten, a recent West End 'Jean Valjean' in Les Misérables who has also starred as 'Phantom' in Phantom of the Opera. Alongside Dave Willetts and Simon Shorten are a talented cast of actors, singers and dancers including Dougie Carter and Joe Evans (Les Misérables) J Marie Cooper (Mentored by Will.i.am in The Voice 2013) Holly-Anna Lloyd (Berlin - The Musical) Kevin Jones (Les Misérables In Concert) and Joseph Claus (Phantom Of The Opera).

LOVE BEYOND has music and lyrics by Richard Haley and Tabitha Webb, set design by Sean Cavanagh (Dreamboats and Petticoats, Rat Pack – Live from Las Vegas, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, all West End), sound design by Mark Payne (The Matrix Live, Cinderella on Ice, Swan Lake on Ice), lighting design by Ben Cracknell (Classical Brit and Olivier Awards, Our House on tour) and Musical Direction by Stuart Morley (We Will Rock You). The show is directed by West End leading lady Tabitha Webb, who has played 'Christine' in Phantom of the Opera and 'Cosette' in Les Misérables, with choreography by Annette Aubrey-Bradshaw, founder member, an Artistic Director and choreographer at Pneumata.

Listings Information
Wednesday 1 & Thursday 2 October 2014
Performance starts: 7.30pm
Approx running time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including interval)
Ticket prices: £36 - £57* *Standard booking fees apply. 
The SSE Arena, Wembley Box Office
• Tickets can be bought in person from the box office or by calling:
 0844 815 0815 / 0844 824 4824

For more information visit: www.lovebeyondmusical.com

 


HELLO JERRY! - THE MUSIC OF JERRY HERMAN
Dave will be starring along side Kim Criswell at the National Concert Hall, Dublin
Featuring the RTE Concert orchestra conducted by John Wilson.

Performances - August 22nd and 23rd, 2014

NATIONAL CONCERT HALL - DUBLIN
Box Office: Tel +353 (0)1 417 0000
Book Online:
https://www.nch.ie/Online/RTECO-Hello-Jerry-Aug14



EVERYMAN THEATRE - CHELTENHAM
Wednesday March 5th - Saturday March 8th, 2014
Box Office: 01242 572573
Book Online:
http://www.everymantheatre.org.uk/
m-shows/the-man-inside/


LANDOR THEATRE, LONDON
Wednesday March 12th - Saturday March 29th, 2014
Box Office: 020 7737 7276
Book Online: http://s188229697.websitehome.co.uk/LT/index.php/
booking-office/musicals/the-man-inside-82/

DAVE WILLETTS TO STAR IN 'THE MAN INSIDE'

Provocative - Disturbing - Unexpected
THE MAN INSIDE
Victim or madman?

A re imagining of the Jekyll and Hyde dilemma that Robert Louis Stevenson pursued in 1886 . In this contemporary version of the story can love save Jekyll from the tragedy that his passions lead him to, or will he take the potion to justify his self-serving needs.

The romantic and dramatic music of this drama is thrilling and intoxicating, and Dave Willetts sympathetic portrayal of the complex character is extraordinary.

"Free the good in Man and let it fly". These are the words spoken by an eminent doctor and scientist whose intentions are to help those in turmoil. Through research and development he holds a mirror to those who pursue self interest and personal desires by means of crime or terror, then choose to blame society for their actions.

When his experiments take him to the dark side can he still control these emotions, or will he lose control and pay the price of deception? The concept of the musical concentrates on the duel personality of one man: his desire for success and respectability with his fiancé Katherine and his obsession with another world where he meets Lizzie and is able to throw off respectability and indulge his secret passions. Set in a world of imagination the voices in his head lead him to believe
he is invincible.

Casting has now been confirmed. Joining Dave in THE MAN INSIDE will be Jessie Lilley who will play Lizzie and Alexandra Fisher who will play Katherine. Rehearsals are well under way and the show promises to be an exciting production, so don't miss out!

Music by Tony Rees. Book & Lyrics by Tony Rees & Gary Young with additional material by Dave Willetts.

REVIEWS

....The charismatic Dave Willetts was superb as the dual faced Dr Jekyll ......

.... Describing it as ambitious hardly does it justice. I urge you to see THE MAN INSIDE ......

.... Willetts offers an intense performance, with powerful and characterful vocals .....

.... Willetts can still hold an audience under his spell with the power and finesse of a pitch perfect voice ....

..... Willetts voice is strong, remarkably strong. He belts out Dr Jekyll's parts beautifully and contrasts adeptly when portraying Mr Hyde ......

..... The ending is clever, shocking and powerful for the audience. It sends the audience away feeling entirely compelled by the piece, and excited by such an unexpected ending. ......


"Dave Willetts is relaxed, personable and engaging on stage, his performances laced with undeniable 'pizzazz'. His liquid vocals encompassing the exact amount of light and shade ...... "
CRAZY COQS - September 10-12th, 2013 Helen Macdonald Under the Stars .. Entertainment reviews


AN EVENING WITH DAVE WILLETTS
CRAZY COQS, LONDON - SEPTEMBER 10th, 11th, 12th, 2013

Well, good news certainly travels fast, as some of you may well know already, Dave will be making his much anticipated return to the cabaret circuit at London's premiere cabaret room THE CRAZY COQS for three nights only on September 10th - 12th .

However, we can now officially announce that tickets will be on sale from Monday 15th July, so book early as there are only a limited number of seats available.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to see Dave in his new and intimate cabaret show.

For tickets visit:
www.crazycoqs.com or call Box office on 0207 7344888 or directly from: CRAXY COQS at BRASSERIE ZEDEL, 20 SHERWOOD STREET, LONDON, W1F7ED

SEE YOU THERE!


 
DAVE WILLETTS - THE 25th ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION
NOW ON DOWNLOAD!

We're pleased to announce that Dave's latest new album has been re-released for download with 5 previously unreleased tracks!

The new tracks are live recordings of WIND BENEATH MY WINGS, CORNER OF THE SKY, WHEN YOU TELL ME THAT YOU LOVE ME, EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN and SOLILOQUY.

The 25th Anniversary Collection is available now from all download services worldwide (iTunes, Amazon, emusic etc.) and is available for streaming on Spotify.

The 25th Anniversary Collection - Dave Willetts

DOWNLOAD NOW


42nd STREET REVIEWS

A flavour of the reviews for Dave and the 2012 UK touring production of 42nd Street
 
.....Dave Willetts, in particular is the consummate professional and on the night of the US elections was very much the commander-in-chief.
For any budding actor here was a lesson in making your presence felt every time you are on stage. It's a pity that the part of Julian Marsh makes the audience wait to the second half before he has a solo number but it was worth waiting for.
'Lullaby Of Broadway' was delivered with panache and with the nuance drawn from every phrase. In my mind that was one of the great moments of my time watching shows at the Playhouse......

.... Dave Willetts, as gruff but committed director, Julian Marsh, provides the show's dramatic and aesthetic highlights. Willetts has a stillness and authority which commands an audience's attention, and his singing voice, most notably on his solo rendition of the title song, is simply exquisite.....

....Dave Willetts who paints the perfect portrait of a man grasping at his last-chance. He bawls out the chorus, threatens to close the show and is movingly still and lonely when it's all a huge success. This is Willetts in top acting mode. But you could sense the audience murmuring, "When's he going to sing?". It's 100 minutes before he gently slips into "Lullaby of Broadway", and he goes on to lead the 15-minute finale with the same wonderful voice that wooed Christine in the dungeons of Paris decades ago....

....Willetts plays the role of director Julian Marsh effortlessly exerting authority on the rehearsing company whilst showing his softer side during the stand out 'Lullaby of Broadway' which reminded me of his performance of 'Music of the Night' from Phantom of the Opera such was his vocal dexterity....

....Dave Willetts gives a masterful performance of under-pressure director Julian Marsh.....

....Dave Willetts, a giant of the West End stage for more than two decades, played director Julian Marsh brilliantly, and I loved his convincing dialogue and hard edged characterisation. Ironically his singing was at an unusual minimum in this role but, when he did open his mouth, you knew why he has held court in London for more than 20 years.....

......Dave Willetts, previously outstanding in The Phantom of the Opera and more recently Craig Revel Horwood's 2008 Sunset Boulevard, has something of a spark on stage which is hard to quantify. He can create a tension in the air that very few performers can muster and again achieves this as a gruff Julian Marsh. 'Lullaby of Broadway', the stand-out number of the performance, is his crowning triumph in the role, which he sings and acts with gravitas and dignity throughout......

.... Dave Willetts' portrayal of Julian Marsh is similarly enjoyable. In particular, Willetts' spectacular delivery of the reprise of 42nd Street at the end of the show, with an outstanding final note; in one of the few poignant, emotive scenes in the whole show, that also showcases a genuine piece of storyline....

.....Dave Willetts, a world-class leading man, delivered a slick performance as formidable theatre director Julian Marsh.....

....Especially memorable however is Dave Willetts' soaring "Lullaby of Broadway", where he shows his impressive vocal range alongside old time charm.....

.....Dave Willetts, creating a hard but ultimately lovable show director putting on a musical under difficult circumstances. His final rendition of the theme song at the end of the show was the singing highlight for me and it took a talented experienced performer to pull it off....

 

UPDATE FROM DAVE
 
Dear All ,
Now that we have nearly come to the end of another busy year, I thought I would take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

Also a big thank you to all of you who purchased the "ONCE IN A LIFETIME" album . I hope you enjoyed listening to it as much as i did compiling it. 

And to all of you who came to see me in 42nd Street, I really enjoyed catching up with you at various stage doors around the country.

So once again , have a great holiday season, and keep watching this space for the next exciting news .... Whatever it may be .
Much love

 


NEWS ARCHIVE

From June 1st, 2012, Dave will be reprising his role as Julian Marsh in the UK Productions Tour of '42nd Street'. 
For more information visit
UK PRODUCTIONS»


DAVE WILLETTS RELEASES 5th SOLO ALBUM 
TO CELEBRATE 25 YEARS IN SHOW BUSINESS! 

Dave has teamed up with UK record label Stage Door to compile a new album to celebrate his 25 years in show business. The stunning collection features over 78 minutes of quality music from unreleased studio and live performances. ONCE IN A LIFETIME - THE 25th ANNIVERSARY COLLECTION will be released on May 28th, 2012 and available from all good record shops.


PRESS & RADIO

Confirmed press and radio for Dave's new album and tour of 42nd Street! Keep checking back, more details to be added once confirmed!

RADIO
VIC MINETT SHOW - BBC COVENTRY MAY 6th, 2012 (14:40)
ROGER DAY / PHIL MOLYNEUX - BBC SOUTH MAY 21st, 2012 (21:00)
SUE MARCHANT - BBC CAMBRIDGE / EAST ANGLIA MAY 24th, 2012 (21:00)
SONGS FROM THE SHOWS with ALEX HALL - BBC TEES MAY 27th, 2012 (17:00)
BEVERLEY'S WORLD OF MUSIC - BBC WALES MAY 27th, 2012 (21:00)
DRESS CIRCLE - ARTS FM (AUSTRALIA) MAY 15th - JUNE 2nd, 2012 (3 week feature) 
(17:00 Australia / 08:00 UK) 
NICKI WHITEMAN - BBC BERKSHIRE DRIVETIME JUNE 11th (16:00)
PAULETTE EDWARDS - BBC SHEFFIELD JUNE 12th (14:30)
ALAN SIMPSON - BBC RADIO ULSTER JUNE 19th (16:00)
ALAN CLIFFORD - BBC NOTTINGHAM JUNE 20th (18:00)
JOE TALBOT - BBC SURREY / SUSSEX JULY 2nd (14:00)

PRESS
DAVE TALKS ABOUT HIS NEW ALBUM 'ONCE IN A LIFETIME' - BROADWAY WORLD
DAVE WILLETTS  - MASTER OF THE MUSICALS - BIRMINGHAM MAIL / COVENTRY TELEGRAPH

Further press and interviews to be announced soon!


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42nd STREET TOUR DATES

Rhyl Pavilion
June 1-2, 2012

New Theatre Oxford
June 5-9, 2012

Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield
June 12-16, 2012

Grand Opera House, Belfast
June 19-23, 2012

Kings Theatre, Glasgow
June 26-30, 2012

New Theatre, Woking
July 3-7, 2012

Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham
July 10-14, 2012

Sunderland Empire
July 17-21, 2012

Grand Theatre, Blackpool
July 24-28, 2012

Theatre Royal, Plymouth
July 31-August 4, 2012

Congress Theatre, Eastbourne
September 4-8, 2012

New Wimbledon Theatre
September 11-15, 2012

Alhambra Theatre, Bradford
September 18-22, 2012

New Theatre Cardiff
September 25-29, 2012

Mayflower Southampton
October 2-6, 2012

Theatre Royal, Norwich
October 9-13, 2012

Churchill Theatre, Bromley
October 16-20, 2012

Palace Theatre, Manchester
October 23-27. 2012

Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton
October 30-November 3, 2012

Edinburgh Playhouse
November 6-10, 2012

Liverpool Empire
November 13-17, 2012

Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury
November 20-24, 2012

Theatre Royal, Nottingham
November 27-December 1, 2012

 

 

 


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