Julie Andrews is to return to the U.K. stage for the first time in 30 years with a one-off performance at London’s O2 arena on May 8, 2010.
“An Evening with Julie Andrews” will see a night of music from her “greatest stage and screen performances,” according to a statement, as well as the live narration of the story, “Simeon’s Gift,” the children’s book written by Andrews and her daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton.
Accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and conductor Ian Fraser, Andrews will also be joined by an ensemble of five performers including West End and Broadway stars. The performance will take in some of the best known musical theater songs from the last 50 years, including songs from “The Sound of Music,” “The King and I,” “South Pacific” and “Carousel.”
“To perform once again in my homeland on the London stage will be a wonderful moment – it is where it all began for me, and I am so excited to be able to share a brand new work with audiences,” said Andrews in a statement.
The 74-year-old artist has previously said she no longer sang, as a result of a throat operation 12 years ago. But in 2008 she hosted and sang in a show, “Julie Andrews’ the Gift of Music,” which went on a brief U.S. tour and the O2 date will reportedly be an extension of that format.
David Campbell, chief executive and president of AEG Europe, added: “There are few acts who can be called legendary, but Julie Andrews is certainly one of them. I am thrilled she will be gracing the O2 – her show will be a real highlight of the 2010 calendar.”
The show is a joint venture between Raymond Gubbay, Marshall Arts and AEG Europe. The agent is IMG Artists.
