Movin’ Out faces closure after disappointing sales

Published Friday 28 April 2006 at 17:40 by Alistair Smith

Billy Joel musical Movin’ Out looks set to close early at the Victoria Apollo Theatre, after producers admitted that its first three weeks’ sales had not met expectations.

IP Live, which is also a producer on Billy Elliot the Musical, released a statement to the Stock Exchange which claimed that sales had to improve it was to finish its West End run.

The statement added: “The first three weeks of Movin’ Out, the rock dance musical set to the songs of Billy Joel and choreographed by Twyla Tharp, which has opened at the Apollo Victoria since the year end, have shown occupancy levels below management’s expectations. The directors are keeping the position under review on a daily basis and taking action to try and improve the situation.

“The show, which combines live rock music and non stop dance, has been well received by audiences and critics alike and the cast continues to receive standing ovations each night, but a greater number of tickets needs to be sold if the show is to continue to the end of its London run in mid July on a commercially viable basis… As stated in the company’s update announcement in March, Billy Elliot the Musical continues to operate well.”

The show is currently due to run until July 17.