London Odds & Ends: Hobbit Hunk to Old Vic, Poirot's Lady Bracknell & More Big Fish

Here's a quick roundup of London stories today.

Hobbit Hunk to Headline The Crucible
The Hobbit’s Richard Armitage will star opposite newcomer Samantha Colley in the previously announced production of The Crucible at London’s Old Vic. The Daily Mail reports that Yaël Farber will direct Arthur Miller's modern classic, which will run June 24 through September 13.

Poirot Star David Suchet to Play Lady Bracknell
Tony nominee David Suchet (Amadeus) will star as Lady Bracknell in Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest. Directed by Adrian Noble, the new production will begin previews in the West End on June 24, 2015 and open on July 1 at a theater to be confirmed. Suchet is best known for his role as the Belgian detective Hercule Poirot in Agatha Christie’s Poirot.

Andrew Lippa Crosses the Pond to Swim With London's Big Fish
Life of the Party: A Celebration of the Songs of Andrew Lippa, is to play at London’s Chocolate Factory. Accompanied by West End Stars Caroline O’Connor, Damian Humbley and Summer Strallen, Lippa will host a concert performance of his songs from some of his musicals including The Wild Party, The Addams Family and Big Fish. The show will run May 27 through June 14.

Bernadette Peters & Broadway's Best Take London
Big excitement in London's "Theatreland" this weekend. The U.K. capital city's version of the Tonys, the Oliver Awards, take place April 13 at the Royal Opera House. As previously reported, Bernadette Peters and ABBA will perform at the event, hosted by Gemma Arterton and Stephen Mangan. Send good vibes to Broadway favorites Gavin Creel, Jared Gertner and Kyle Scatliffe, who all received Best Actor in a Musical nods.