Aaron Sidwell returning to EastEnders

It has been announced that Aaron Sidwell is returning to BBC One's EastEnders to reprise his performance as Steven Beale after an eight year absence.

Sidwell, who has already returned to filming at the soap, first played Steven Beale in 2007. He left EastEnders the following year and went on to make his West End debut as Michael Dork in Loserville in 2012. 

His theatre credits also include: Jack Spratt in Carnaby Street (UK tour), Michael Carrington in Cool Rider (West End), Carl Bruner in Ghost The Musical (Frankfurt), Johnny in American Idiot (West End) and Joe/Jerry in Grey Gardens (Southwark Playhouse). 

Newton Faulkner to star in American Idiot UK tour

It has announced that singer-songwriter Newton Faulkner will star as Johnny in the UK tour of American Idiot.

Faulkner will take over the role when the musical visits the New Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham on 10th May 2016. The tour begins at the Leicester Curve on 19th March 2016.

Baz Bamigboye suggests that American Idiot will "likely" return to the Arts Theatre this summer. Faulkner join the previously announced Amelia Lily (Whatsername), Alexis Gerred (Tunny), Llandyll Gove (Gerard), Lucas Rush (St Jimmy) and Steve Rushton (Will).

Review: American Idiot at the Arts Theatre

American Idiot
Arts Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 22nd July 2015
★★★

Having opened on Broadway in 2010, Green Day musical American Idiot previously toured the UK in 2012. Three years later the show is back, with an all new production directed and choreographed by Racky Plews at the West End's Arts Theatre.

Aaron Sidwell & Louise English join world premiere of Blockbuster The Musical

It has been announced that Aaron Sidwell (pictured right) and Louise English will star alongside Suzanne Shaw and Paul Nicholas in the world premiere of Blockbuster The Musical.

The jukebox musical will feature hits of the legendary song-writing team Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman who dominated the pop world in the 1970s and 1980s.

The cast also includes: Blair Anderson, Michael Antony, Ami Atkinson, Grace Holdstock, Vickie Hoyles, Alim Jayda, Lee Honey-Jones, Tom Millan, Tom Murphy, Carla Nella, Rosie O’Hare, Micha Richardson, Ryan Ridley. 

Blockbuster The Musical will receive its world premiere at the Orchard Theatre in Dartford between 11th and 20th September. It will then tour to the Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham between 22nd and 27th September and the Ashcroft Theatre in Croydon between 29th September and Saturday 4th October. A 2015 UK Tour is planned. 

Cool Rider returns for week-long run at the Duchess Theatre

Ashleigh Gray in Cool Rider

Following its one night success at the Lyric Theatre earlier this year, Cool Rider (the cult musical sequel to Grease) will return to the West End for one week only. 

The production will open at the Duchess Theatre on Wednesday 16th April 2014 (previews from 15th April) and run until Saturday 19th April 2014.

Ashleigh Gray and Aaron Sidwell will once again sing the roles of Stephanie and Michael which were played by Michelle Pfeiffer and Maxwell Caulfield in the movie.

Ashleigh Gray’s recently returned to the West End production of Wicked as standby Elphaba. Her credits include: Martha in the UK Tour of The Secret Garden, Lorraine in the UK Tour of I Dreamed A Dream, Kim in the UK Tour of Taboo, Miss Lynch in the UK Tour of Grease, Emily in Myths and Hymns at the Finborough Theatre and Miranda in Betwixt at Trafalgar Studios. Ashleigh has also made guest appearances in Momentous Musicals, Susan Boyle in Concert, Lee Mead at The Pheasantry and West End Men.

Ashleigh Gray, Aaron Sidwell, Hannah Levane and Niall Sheehy join cast of Cool Rider

Further casting has been announced for Cool Ruder (aka Grease 2) which will play two performances only on Monday 27th January 2014 at the West End’s Lyric Theatre. 

Joining the previously announced Reece Shearsmith as biology teacher Mr Stuart are Ashleigh Gray as Stephanie, Aaron Sidwell as Michael, Hannah Levane as Paulette and Niall Sheehy as Johnny.

Rebecca Trehearn, Aaron Sidwell & Lauren Varnham plus more for next WestEndFest

The next WestEndFest concert featuring some on the West End's most talented musical theatre performers from a variety of shows will be held at the Actors Church in Covent garden on Sunday 3rd February 2013 at 7:30.

The artists performing include MiG Ayesa, Rebecca Trehearn, Norman Bowman, Paul Read Ayres, Simon Adkins, Aaron Sidwell, Matt Wycliffe, Amy Diamond, Greg Oliver, Lauren Varnham, Victoria Allen-Martin, Craig Mather, Liam Doyle, George Maguire, Katie Paine, Jennifer Tierney, Keith Jack, Benedict Cork, Cassie Compton and Matthew McKenna. 

Review: Loserville at the Garrick Theatre "different to anything else you will have ever seen before"

Loserville
Garrick Theatre
Performance: Tuesday 30th October 2012

Loserville is a new British musical by Elliot Davis and James Bourne. The show recently received its London premiere at the Garrick Theatre following the show's successful run at the West Yorkshire Playhouse.

Loserville is set in 1971 and follows computer geek Michael Dork and his misfit friends Lucas, Marvin and Francis who are about to change the world... it's just that no-one knows it yet. But, when new girl Holly arrives in town, all of Michael’s dreams seem to be coming true – at last a girl with looks and brains that actually notices him. But when rich kid Eddie discovers Holly’s dark secret, he turns his back on girlfriend Leia and sets out to ruin Michael’s future dreams.

Loserville is a fantastic new show which breaks all the rules. I love how Loserville takes risks which certainly pay off.  Francis O'Connor's design is incredibly unique making Loserville different to anything else you will have ever seen before.

Loserville to open at the Garrick Theatre on October 17th

Loserville, a new British musical by Elliot Davis and James Bourne, will receive its London premiere at the Garrick Theatre (a Nimax Theatre), opening on 17 October 2012, following previews from 1 October. This follows a successful run at the West Yorkshire Playhouse this summer.