London Odds & Ends: John Tiffany, Disney Theatricals & the National Theatre Team Up for Pinocchio & More

Here's a quick roundup of stories you may have missed today from the U.K. (which funnily enough doesn't have a day off celebrating July 4!).

John Tiffany, Disney & National Team Up for Pinocchio
We’re wishing upon a star that this project makes its way to Broadway! Tony winner John Tiffany is not just bringing Harry Potter to the stage—he’s also teamed up with Disney Theatricals and the U.K.’s National Theatre to potentially put Pinocchio on the boards. Penned by Tiffany's Tony-winning Once collaborator Enda Walsh, the stage adaptation will be based on the original source of the tale, Carlo Collidi’s The Adventures Of Pinocchio, along with the 1940 Disney animated film (which featured classic tunes including “When You Wish Upon A Star” and “Hi-Diddle-Dee-Dee (An Actor’s Life For Me")). The Daily Mail reports that a workshop will take place later this year and Pinocchio may then make its world premiere at the National in the 2016 holiday season. Design will be by Tony winner Bob Crowley, with choreography by Steven Hoggett.

B'way Alum Gugu Mbatha-Raw Set for Globe
Gugu Mbatha-Raw will tread the boards at Shakespeare’s Globe! The Beyond the Lights star will appear as Nell in Jessica Swale’s new play Nell Gwynn, directed by Christopher Luscombe. The production will play a limited engagement September 19 through October 11, with opening night scheduled for September 24. Mbatha-Raw is no stranger to the stage—her credits include playing Ophelia opposite Jude Law in Michael Grandage’s Hamlet in the West End and on Broadway. Side note: if you’ve not seen Beyond the Lights yet, turn on Netflix immediately. It comes from Gina Prince-Bythewood, the creator of Love & Basketball, and is thus essential viewing.

New Ballet Boy for Billy Elliot
Our Spidey sense tells us Nat Sweeney is destined for an incredible evening! He will make his West End stage debut on July 3 in the titular role in Billy Elliot. Sweeney joins Brodie Donougher, Thomas Hazelby, Ollie Jochim and Bradley Perret who alternate as Billy. Ruthie Henshall and Deka Walmsley lead the adult cast as Mrs Wilkinson and Dad, respectively.

Cast Switcheroo for The Play That Goes Wrong
New York-aimed hit comedy The Play That Goes Wrong is getting a new cast in the West End! From August 18, Leonard Cook will play Robert, with Bryony Corrigan as Sandra, Harry Kershaw as Chris, Laura Kirman as Annie, Chris Leask as Trevor, James Marlowe as Max, Laurence Pears as Jonathan and Niall Ransome as Dennis. Directed by Mark Bell, the Olivier-winning show is running at the Duchess Theatre.

Trevor Nunn's a Busy Man
Rufus Hound, Oliver Cotton, Laurence Spellman, Alex Waldmann and Susan Tracy have been tapped for legendary director Trevor Nunn’s The Wars of the Roses. Starring the previously reported Joely Richardson, the trilogy is an adaptation of Shakespeare’s histories: Henry VI Parts I, II & III and Richard III, by John Barton and in collaboration with Peter Hall. Performances will run September 16 through October 31 at the Rose Theatre Kingston. Will it then be next stop Broadway for Nunn with those puddy Cats?