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The early closure of Joseph may be making way for Andrew Lloyd Webber's anticipated sequel to The Phantom of the Opera. Last year, it was speculated that Joseph might close its doors in January after a long delay in announcing a replacement for Lee Mead, who left the show on January 9. It wasn’t until November last year that Joseph’s booking period was extended beyond this date. Because of this, there were very few 2009 tickets on sale for most of 2008, so Joseph missed out on a lot of business in the run up to Christmas. However, heavy discounts generated a lot more interest, and when Gareth Gates took on the title role last month, Joseph was again in full swing. However, the shock announcement last week that Joseph will now be closing on 30 May has fuelled speculation once again over The Phantom of the Opera: Love Never Dies.

Hypnotist and mentalist Derren Brown will play out Joseph's booking period with a limited run. After that, it is reported to be all hands on deck to get Love Never Dies up and running at the Adelphi. The first act of ALW's sequel was performed at the Lord's annual Sydmonton Festival last summer. Those in attendance have reported that the plot involves Erik (the Phantom) taking on a freak show after travelling to New York. Erik was played at Sydmonton by the West End's current Phantom Ramin Karimloo, but no casting has been confirmed. Casting rumours have mentioned original Phantom Michael Crawford, opera star Katherin Jenkins and X Factor's Rhydian. Watch this space for further developments.