| Blow to Madness after show is forced to close London Evening Standard 06/03 Curtain Falls On 'Our House' After 10 Months - Despite Olivier Award The closure of the musical Our House has shocked Madness lead singer Suggs. The show, based on the group's career, is to close in August after only 10 months. A spokesman said: "Suggs and the rest of the band were closely involved in producing Our House, and its terribly sad to see it close. "It is Suggs's baby in many ways, and he has said how disappointing it would be if Our House were to end its West End run - after all it is a show about London, and London is its home". The musical is to close even though it won the Best New Musical award at this year's Oliviers, enthusiastic audiences and rave reviews from the critics. Only a few weeks ago Suggs said of the show: "You put so much of your heart into productions like this and if it was to close I would be absolutely gutted." The musical, which was also known as "A London Love Story", will now go on a national tour. The story follows the fortunes of Everyman Joe and his girlfriend Sarah on the night he commits a petty crime to impress her - and gets spotted by the police. It uses lyrics and songs from Madness. Suggs even performed a limited run in the role of Joe's father. Madness issued a statement today, saying: "We'd like to express our immense respect and gratitude to everyone who took part in the creation and production of the show." Its closure at the Cambridge Theatre has come as a blow to its cast and crew, who hoped the run would continue until at least Christmas. West End insiders tipped the National Theatre's huge hit Jerry Springer - The Opera to take over at the theatre. Our House producer Peter Bennett-Jones said he was disappointed that the production had to close. He added: "These are difficult times, politically and economically, and we are among the casualties. "The decision was taken with a heavy heart. It is a terrific show, which well deserved its prestigious Olivier award." |