'Desperately Seeking Susan' closes early

"Lustreless", "clunky" and "lacking in heart" were just a few of the terms used to describe the new musical Desperately Seeking Susan.

The show, an adaptation of Madonna's hit 1985 film, is to close early, just a month after its glittering opening in the West End of London.

The production at the Novello Theatre, which is set to Blondie songs, was mauled by the critics right from the beginning. Headlines included "Desperately Seeking Something". The Independent's Paul Taylor predicted: "Frantically seeking profit, this is a show that may have to be renamed Desperately Avoiding Closure."

The show had been taking bookings until April. But the producers issued a statement yesterday announcing its imminent closure. "Desperately Seeking Susan will end its West End season at the Novello Theatre on Saturday 15 December. The producers wish to thank the talented cast, creative team and company for all their hard work and dedication to this production.

"Despite fantastic performances and enthusiastic audiences, the ticket sales have not been sufficient and the producers have had to make the difficult decision to close the show."

Emma Williams, 24, who had dropped out of a starring role in The Sound Of Music, plays Susan, the role which was taken by Madonna in her movie debut.

Kelly Price, who recently appeared in the West End production of Guys And Dolls, plays Roberta Glass, the bored New Jersey housewife who becomes fascinated with Susan.

The rights for the musical were snapped up from the film giant MGM.

Blondie hits featured in the show include "Heart Of Glass", "Atomic", "One Way Or Another", "Dreaming" and "The Tide Is High".