Since making his Broadway debut in 1957 as the writer of West Side Story's lyrics, Sondheim has become one of the most popular and revered figures in musical theatre. A London revival of Into the Woods opens shortly at the Open Air Theatre in Regent's Park, while London's Donmar Warehouse is to stage his 1994 show Passion in September.
Help For Heroes - Robbie Williams and Alexandra Burke are among the acts set to perform at a benefit concert for servicemen and women at Twickenham Stadium. The concert, which takes place on 12 September and will be shown on BBC One, will also feature comic talent including Bruce Forsyth and Jack Dee. Some 60,000 fans and troops are expected to attend the event. Proceeds will go to the Help For Heroes charity, which raises funds for wounded service personnel and their families. Williams, who recently announced his return to Take That, said he was "honoured" to be asked to take part, and paid tribute to UK service personnel engaged in Afghanistan.
Remembering Elvis... - A concert to celebrate the music of Elvis Presley in what would have been his 75th year is to be held in London's Hyde Park on 12 September. BBC Radio 2's Elvis Forever gig, hosted by breakfast presenter Chris Evans, will be broadcast live on the station. It will bring together "some of the greatest names in pop and rock" to perform Elvis songs.
...And John Lennon - Three time capsules are being created to mark what would have been John Lennon's 70th birthday and will be dedicated at a ceremony in the US. The capsules, which will contain music from his post-Beatles career and fan contributions, are to be stored at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They will be reopened in 30 years' time on 9 October 2040, which will mark the centenary of Lennon's birth.
Lennon's widow Yoko Ono has said she is "delighted" to support the project. The public has until 15 September to submit birthday wishes, music performances, art work and other dedications for inclusion in the capsules.
Prize Draw - Welsh rock band Bullet For My Valentine scored twice at this year's Kerrang! Awards, including best British group for the third year running. They were also named best live band, following a headline appearance at this year's Download Festival. Motley Crue received the Kerrang! hall of fame trophy at the London ceremony.
(Jim Evans)
