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First Look at Glenn Close as Norma Desmond in London's Sunset Boulevard

Close returns the role that earned her a 1995 Tony Award.

London

April 1, 2016

Glenn Close and Michael Xavier costar as Norma Desmond and Joe Gillis in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Sunset Boulevard. — Glenn Close and Michael Xavier costar as Norma Desmond and Joe Gillis in Andrew Lloyd Webber's *Sunset Boulevard*.
(© Richard Hubert Smith)

Production photos have been released of Glenn Close reprising her Tony-winning performance as Norma Desmond in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Sunset Boulevard, now running at the English National Opera's London Coliseum. The semi-staged production, directed by Lonny Price, will run a strictly limited 43 performances through May 7.

Julian Forsyth as Cecil B. DeMille, in a scene with the musical's star Glenn Glose. — Julian Forsyth (right) as Cecil B. DeMille, in a scene with the musical's star, Glenn Glose.
(© Richard Hubert Smith)

The musical features a Tony Award-winning score by Andrew Lloyd Webber, and a Tony Award-winning book and lyrics by Don Black and Christopher Hampton. Based on the classic 1950 film of the same title, Sunset Boulevard follows Desmond, a washed-up silent film star, who lives in a dilapidated mansion on Sunset Boulevard. When she encounters a young screenwriter named Joe Gillis, she sees him as her opportunity to make a comeback to the silver screen. Close originated the role of Norma Desmond on Broadway in 1995 to Tony-winning acclaim.

Siobhan Dillon performs the role of Betty Shaefer alongside Michael Xavier, who plays writer Joe Gillis. — Siobhan Dillon (right) performs the role of Betty Shaefer alongside Michael Xavier, who plays writer Joe Gillis.
(© Richard Hubert Smith)

In addition to Close, the cast features Michael Xavier (Joe Gillis), Siobhan Dillon (Betty Shaefer) and Fred Johanson (Max Von Mayerling), Anna Woodside (Hedda Hopper), Emily Bull (Hedy Lamarr), Julian Forsyth (Cecil B DeMille), Mark Goldthorp (Sheldrake), Fenton Gray (Manfred), Haydn Oakley (Artie Green), and James Paterson (Jonesy). The company also includes Carly Anderson, Michelle Bishop, Jacob Chapman, Nadeem Crowe, Cornelia Farnsworth, Ria Jones, Katie Kerr, Aaron Lee Lambert, Matthew McKenna, Jo Morris, Tanya Robb, Ashley Robinson, Vicki Lee Taylor, Gary Tushaw, Adam Vaughan, and Stuart Winter.