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| Ashley Day |
After a hugely successful six week voting period, last Friday it was revealed that you voted Ashley Day Understudy of the Year 2013! Ashley is an extremely talented and deserving winner and I want to thank everyone who voted, your support was overwhelming and I loved following your dedicated Twitter campaigns! The final result was unbelievably close which shows just how talented all the nominees are.
Over the past year it has been so exciting to see last year’s nominees go on to do amazing things. Last year's winner, Katy Treharne (alternate Christine in Phantom), recently starred as Nina in Dear World at the Charing Cross Theatre while last year's runner up Jenny Gayner (understudy Roxie in Chicago) went on to play the lead role of Chloe in Sleeping Arrangements at the Landor Theatre, not forgetting Lauren Varnham who recently appeared in The Pajama Game in Chichester and has released her debut solo album. Earlier this week it was announced that she will be understudying Loreen in Tim Rice’s new musical From Here To Eternity.
On Wednesday evening I went to see The Book of Mormon (for the second time). I was desperate to see the show again as there is so much to take in, and of course it was an added bonus that Ashley Day was on as Elder Price. Even though it was meant to be my evening off I can't help but write about how incredible the show is.
The Book of Mormon is just as funny second time round, my only complaint is that I wish the show was longer! Not one second dragged by, I think it is the only show that I've seen and been completely engaged from beginning to end. Jared Gertner is sensational as Elder Cunningham with spot on comic timing. Stephen Ashfield is also ridiculously funny as Elder McKinley while Alexia Khadime has the most stunning voice.
I completely understand why so many people voted for Ashley to win Understudy of the Year. He won the audience over within seconds and led the cast with charm, wit and his enormous stage presence. He blew the roof off the Price of Wales Theatre during 'You and Me (But Mostly Me)', my favourite number in the show, and gave an impressive rendition of 'I Believe'. Whether Ashley eventually takes over the role full time or not, he clearly has a very exciting future ahead of him.
Coincidentally, another West End Frame Award winner is also in the cast of The Book of Mormon. Daniel Buckley, who won Funniest Performance in a West End show last year (for his portrayal of Marvin Camden in Loserville at the Garrick Theatre), is currently standby Elder Cunningham so I will have to see the show again soon when he is on! (Click here to read my five star review of The Book of Mormon.)
Finally, earlier this week it was announced who will be joining Dutch star Willemijn Verkaik in the West End production of Wicked from November! Most of the current principal cast are leaving and, while it will be sad to see so many familiar faces leave, I can't wait to see some fresh performers storm the stage at the Apollo Victoria Theatre.... at least I now have a new excuse to make a return trip!
Earlier this week I became very excited about seeing Willemijn play Elphaba in the West End as I stumbled across a video of her singing Defying Gravity in three languages at the same time (she has previously starred in the German, Dutch and Broadway productions of the musical) during an episode of Seth Rudetsky's Obsessed. Watch the video below, Wicked fans - you will LOVE it!
When is Ashley on as Elder Price?After reading this i need to see him!
ReplyDeleteThe Book of mormon could never become boring! Willemijn is AMAZING! What a belt!
ReplyDeleteAshley's on again as Price in August! 5th, 6th, and 7th (both shows) and there's still full price tickets available online. and even if you don't get a ticket in advance- people should definitely try to get tickets on the day at the lottery. worth. it.
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