Stagey Catch Up: Samantha Barks reveals support act, Alex Gaumond's new role & Christina Bianco's tour dates

Here are some stagey stories to keep you up to date with theatreland!

Alex James Ellison to support Samantha Barks

Renowned singer-songwriter and theatre performer Alex James Ellison will support Samantha Barks on her upcoming UK tour. James Ellison, whose credits include Aliens Love Underpants and Aparment 40C, previously released his EP Duvet Days and single 'Chocolate Bar'. Barks' solo tour begins on 8th June at the Theatre Royal Norwich before visiting Bromley, Swansea, Horsham, Liverpool, Shoreditch, Guildford, Richmond, Lancaster Grand and St Andrews.

Alex Gaumond to star in The Trial of Jane Fonda

West End regular Alex Gaumond will star as Larry Bonk in The Trial of Jane Fonda at the Park Theatre. Directed by Joe Harmston, performances begin at Park200 on 13th July. As previously announced, Anne Archer returns to the UK to star as Jane Fonda, with the cast also including Christien Anholt  as Buzzy Banks, Martin Fisher as Reverend John Clarke, Paul Herzberg as Joe Celano, Ako Mitchell as Reggie Wells and Mark Rose as Tommy Lee Cook.

Interview: Alex James Ellison

Alex James Ellison is currently starring in Aliens Love Underpants. 

Following a UK tour, the production is transferring to the West End’s Dominion Theatre for a limited run between 1st August and 5th September 2015 with a family friendly performance schedule to coincide with Kids Week.

Adam Bampton-Smith‘s production is based on the hugely successful children’s book by Claire Freedman and Ben Cort which has sold more than three million copies since being published in 2007.

Alex’s theatre credits include: Apartment 40C (London Theatre Workshop/St James Studio), Whistle Down The Wind (Union), One Of Those Days (Lost Theatre) and Best Of Friends (Landor). He is also a singer/songwriter and has been touring to promote his latest single 'Chocolate Bar'. Alex is the organiser of The West End Big Busk which sees top West End stars busking to raise money for a homeless charity called The Passage.

I recently spoke to Alex about why kids have been loving Aliens Love Underpants, the importance of family theatre, balancing music work with a career in theatre and his latest single… 

The Aliens Love Underpants book has sold millions of copies; the stage show has been a massive hit – what is its secret? Why do families love this story so much?

I think it’s because the Aliens are amazing and the magic we can do onstage gets the kids really involved. The kids don’t know how it’s done with all the effects, like when the washing line disappears and when things pop out of nowhere. It’s really magical for kids to watch.

Aliens Love Underpants transferring to the Dominion Theatre

Aliens Love Underpants is transferring to the West End following its UK tour. 

Based on the hugely successful children’s book by Claire Freedman and Ben Cort, the production will run at the Dominion Theatre between 1st August and 5th September 2015. Adam Bampton-Smith directs.

The cast includes Abigail Carter-Simpson as Veronica, Mark Collier as Mr Stevens, Eve Pearson-Wright as Mum and Alex James Ellison as Timmy. Design is by Isla Shaw with lighting by Will Evans and choreography by Emma Clayton.