Alice Fearn announces solo concert

It has been announced that West End actress Alice Fearn will play a solo concert at the St James Studio on 8th May 2016.

Entitled Where I’ve Been and Where I’m Going, Fearn will perform the music that inspired her to become a performer, and the music that inspires her still. 

There will be songs from Sweet Charity to Hairspray and by Barbra Streisand to Celine Dion. Special guests to be announced.

The actress most recently starred as Nancy in Lionel Bart’s Oliver! at the Watermill Theatre in Newbury. She was nominated for West End Frame's Understudy of the Year Award in 2014 and 2012 for understudying Christine Colgate & Muriel Eubanks in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Savoy) and Princess Fiona in Shrek The Musical (Drury Lane). 

Review: Oliver! at the Watermill Theatre

Oliver!

Watermill Theatre

Reviewed on Monday 17th August 2015

★★★★

When a show such as Oliver! is produced time and time again things tend to become a little predictable. However, Luke Sheppard's new actor-musician production at the Watermill Theatre brings something different to the table. Not only do the small cast double up as various characters throughout, but they are also constantly picking up countless instruments to accompany themselves.

Interview: Alice Fearn, starring as Nancy in Oliver!

Alice Fearn is starring as Nancy in Lionel Bart’s Oliver! at the Watermill Theatre in Newbury.

The new actor-musician production is directed by Luke Sheppard and runs between 31st July and 19th September 2015. 

Alice was nominated for West End Frame's Understudy of the Year Award in 2014 and 2012 for understudying Christine Colgate & Muriel Eubanks in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Savoy) and Princess Fiona in Shrek The Musical (Drury Lane). 

Her theatre credits also include: Rapunzel and understudy Cinderella in Into The Woods (Regent’s Park), understudy Dolly in Annie Get Your Gun (Young Vic), Princess Aurora in Awaking Beauty (Stephen Joseph Theatre), understudy Fantine and Cosette in Les Miserables (Queen’s Theatre) and understudy Laura Fairlie in Woman In White (Palace). 

On screen Alice appeared in Tom Hooper’s film adaptation of Les Miserables whilst her workshop credits include: Hannah Brown in Easter Parade (ATG/ Jerry Mitchell) and Shazzer in Bridget Jones The Musical (Working Title/Julian Webber).

I recently spoke to Alice about why she was surprised to be cast as Nancy, how it feels to be taking on such an iconic role, her time in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and being woken up by fourteen geese every morning…

Was Nancy ever one of those roles you had your eye on?

Well it’s funny, I think they’ve always cast it differently – especially since they did the TV show a few years ago. I always sort of thought they weren’t really casting as me, they were either going a bit younger to get some innocence across or previously in the 90s they went much, much older. I sort of thought ‘maybe they’re just not ever going to cast it like the film’ because I consider myself to be a bit more like the film version than anything else. So I was actually quite shocked when I got it! I didn’t think this was ever going to happen! But when you get it and start singing it and start playing it you go ‘actually it’s very you and now you can get your teeth into it’. I actually do feel like it’s very me.

Alice Fearn to star as Nancy in Oliver!

Alice Fearn will star as Nancy in Lionel Bart’s Oliver! at the Watermill Theatre in Newbury this summer. The new actor-musician production will be directed by Luke Sheppard.

The full cast also includes: Ashley Artus (Fagin), Kit Orton (Bill Sikes), Tomm Coles (Mr Sowerberry), Rachel Dawson (Bet), Joey Hickman (Noah), Deborah Hewitt (Charlotte), Graham Lappin (Mr Bumble), Rhona McGregor (Mrs Sowerberry), Susannah Van Den Berg (Widow Corney) and Steve Watts (Mr Brownlow).

The Watermill's professional company will be joined by three teams of aspiring young performers from the local community, as part of the theatre's ongoing commitment to develop and nurture emerging talent. Oliver will be played by Thomas Kerry (aged 11), Arthur Burdess (aged 9) and Raiko Gohara (aged 12).

Review: Hundred Story City at the Delfont Room

Hundred Story City

Delfont Room

Reviewed on Friday 5th September 2014

★★★★

Hundred Story City in the sumptuous Delfont Room at the Prince Of Wales theatre provided a great showcase for its wickedly talented cast. Dubbed 'A Concert of Stories Set in New York City', the show opened with 'Rewrite This Story' from Hit List, one of the shows within the show featured on TV series 'Smash'. Alice Fearn and Rob Houchen (pictured above) provided the powerhouse vocals for this number and set the tone for the rest of the night: great songs, great harmonies and a great blend of voices. These two provided the winning combination of the evening.

Alice Fearn, Celinde Schoenmaker, Rob Houchen & Rob Castell cast in Hundred Story City

It has been announced that Alice Fearn (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels), Celinde Schoenmaker (Les Misérables), Rob Houchen (Les Misérables, pictured right) and Rob Castell (We Will Rock You) will star in Hundred Story City at the The Delfont Room in the Prince of Wales Theatre.

Produced by New Bard Productions, Hundred Story City will be staged for one night only at 11pm on Friday 5th September 2014. The show has musical direction by Simon Lambert.

The concert is made up of stories set in New York City with music by Broadway and off-Broadway composers, such as Jonathon Larson, Joe Iconic, Jeanine Tesori, Adam Gwon and many more. 

Summer Strallen, Carrie Hope Fletcher, Sandra Marvin, Matt Wycliffe & more for next West End Fest; full line-up announced

The full line-up has been announced for the next West End Fest charity concert named Summer Camp.

The show takes place on Sunday 29th June 2014 at the St Pauls Actors Church in Covent Garden. West End stars will perform songs from Broadway shows which haven't (yet) been seen in London. All proceeds will be donated to Cardiac Arrest in the Young (CRY).

The full line-up includes: Rebecca Trehearn, Rob Houchen, Jordan Lee Davies, Ceili O'Connor, Sandra Marvin, Jodie Steele, Maria Coyne, Ian Stroughair, George Ure, Rosie Ladkin, Gabriel Mokake, Jodie Jacobs, Alice Fearn, Dougie Carter, Ross William Wild, Matt Wycliffe, Sophia Ragavelas, Lisa-Anne Wood, Claudia Kariuki, Kieran Brown, Sabrina Aloueche and Scott Garnham.

Rebecca Trehearn & Simon Bailey join West End Switched Off album launch

It has been announced that Rebecca Trehearn (Ghost, pictured right) and Simon Bailey (I Can't Sing) will perform at the album launch of West End Switched Off at the St James Studio on Sunday 27th April at 6.30pm.

Press material states that audiences will be given "the chance to have an up-close and personal experience of some of the never before heard tracks on the album before the official release." 

Trehearn and Bailey join Alice Fearn (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels), Sophie Linder-Lee (Wicked), Emma Hatton (We Will Rock You), Chlöe Hart (Hairspray), Adrian Hansel (Hairspray), Dean John-Wilson (Sister Act) and Dale Evans (From Here To Eternity), as well as Jordan Lee Davies (Molly Wobbly), Tori Allen-Martin (Hair), Thomas Sutcliffe (Wicked) and Ambra Caserotti (Streets). 

Review: Shrek The Musical at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Shrek The Musical

Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Reviewed on Wednesday 16th January 2013

"Shrek The Musical tells the story of the swamp-dwelling ogre who embarks on a life-changing adventure in order to reclaim the deed to his land. Joined by a wisecracking donkey who won’t shut up, this unlikely hero fights a fearsome dragon, rescues the feisty Princess Fiona and learns that real friendship and true love aren't only found in fairy tales. With all-new songs, and an old favourite in I'm a Believer, this spectacular stage musical brings to life the original film’s cast of dysfunctional characters and the accompanying subversive fun."  

Shrek The Musical is one of the best family friendly musical comedies I have ever seen. With a hilarious script, an impressive set and a catchy score, not only will kids leave with big grins on their faces, but parents will too.

Interview: Alice Fearn, currently playing Gingy/Sugar Plum Fairy in Shrek The Musical

Alice Fearn is currently playing Gingy and the Sugar Plum Fairy in Shrek The Musical at the Theatre Royal Dury Lane. She also understudies Princess Fiona. Alice's many theatre credits include The Woman In White, Les Misérables and the Regent’s Park Open Air's production of Into The Woods. She also recently played Shazzer in the workshops for Bridget Jones the Musical. Alice will appear in the upcoming film adaptation of Les Misérables. Throughout her career she has worked as a vocalist on many feature films including Sweeney Todd, Mamma Mia, Alice in Wonderland, How to Train Your Dragon and Pirates of the Caribbean. Alice talks to West End Frame about all things Shrek, what it was like working on the film adaptation of Les Misérables and what we can expect from Bridget Jones the Musical...

You have been playing Gingy/Sugar Plum Fairy in Shrek The Musical for nearly a year and a half now, are you still enjoying it?

To play such a loved part is always going to be enjoyable! If I'm ever having a trying day or feel in need of a break I can guarantee there will be a child in the audience that day who laughs so loud and so clearly at that puppet that it can't help but bring me back to realising how special the part is and how much joy it brings. It's lovely to get the reaction I get so it's been a really wonderful opportunity for me. Having said that, by the time my current contract is up I will have played the role for almost 2 years and I think that will be enough. It can, quite often, be very tiring on my voice and a rest will be on the cards when January 2013 comes round.

Understudy Of The Year 2012: 6th-12th Place

6th Place

Emma Housley

Dorothy Understudy

The Wizard Of Oz

229 votes - 4 %

7th Place

Aaron Lee Lambert

Donkey Understudy

Shrek The Musical

216 votes - 4%

8th Place

Scott Garnham

Enjolras/Marius Understudy 

Les Miserables

180 votes - 3%

9th Place

Scott Monello

Galileo Understudy

We Will Rock You 

174 votes - 3%

10th Place

Alice Fearn

Princess Fiona Understudy

Shrek The Musical

129 votes - 2%

11th Place

Nikki Davis-Jones

Elphaba Standby 
Wicked

92 votes - 2%

12th Place

Rebecca Trehearn

Molly Jensen Understudy

Ghost The Musical 

54 votes - 1%

Katy Treharne is named 'West End Frame's Understudy Of The Year 2012'

Over the last 3 weeks you have been voting in your thousands and have crowned Katy Treharne 'West End Frame's Understudy Of The Year 2012'. Katy, who is from Wales, has been understudying the role  of Christine Daaé in Phantom Of The Opera for some time now at Her Majesty's Theatre and is now the alternate for the role, performing regularly. She has proven hugely popular with fans of the show and we have received numerous  glowing comments about her portrayal of Christine. Katy received 27% of the final vote.

Also, massive congratulations the runners up - Jenny Gayner, Lauren Varnham, Samuel Edwards, Jamie Muscato, Emma Housley, Aaron Lee Lambert, Scott Garnham, Scott Monello and Alice Fearn who are all also incredibly popular and are beyond talented. All the nominees give breath taking performances when given the opportunity. It has been amazing to see the people who hold the West End together get some recognition. Understudies are truly wonderful and when going to a show we should be excited when we hear they are on! 

'West End Frame's Understudy Of The Year 2013' will be back in May 2013 with an extended voting period so keep you're eyes pealed! Also we are launching out new poll on Friday 8th June 2012 for 'Best West End Debut 2012'. The nominees have not yet been finalised so we would love to hear any suggestions you may have. You can contact us via our Twitter (@West_End_Frame) and Facebook Pages. Alternately you can email us at WestEndFrame@Hotmail.co.uk 

Thank you to everyone who has voted and supported the poll! We value your support so much and we hope you continue to support West End Frame in the future. Now that we have some time back we look forward to writing more articles and reviews for the blog. Coming soon we have reviews of Travelling Light at The National Theatre and Louise Dearman's new album. We are also going to look into what is going on with the Coronation Street: Street Of Dreams tour which seems to be turning into a nightmare!

We thought we would leave you with some of the lovely comments people have posted over the last few weeks about our amazing understudies.

"Katy Treharne is out of this world. If you've heard her sing you'll know, she blows you away with her performances. Best Christine ever." 

"Jenny Gayner plays Roxie with passion ,what an outstanding performance raising the audience from their seats with a standing ovation. Well deserved"

"Seen We will Rock You many many times Lauren Varnham played Scaramouche with real attitude and passion, not sure why an understudy out shines and out performs time and time again."

"Samuel Edwards is such a fantastic understudy and his singing, acting and amazing body do NOT leave you disapointed... So amazing"

"Awaiting Katy Treharne's headlining..."

Click here to read some more of the comments that stood out for us about the nominees.

Click here to find out more about who came 1st - 5th place

Click here to find out more about who came 6th - 12th place 

Click here to find out more about who came 13th - 20th place 

Understudy Of The Year 2012: Top Comments

It has been great to read your comments and to see how passionate people are about their favourite understudies while voting for 'Understudy Of The Year 2012'. Here are a few of our favourite comments that we picked out.

"Katy Treharne is out of this world. If you've heard her sing you'll know, she blows you away with her performances. Best Christine ever." 

"Jenny Gayner plays Roxie with passion ,what an outstanding performance raising the audience from their seats with a standing ovation. Well deserved"

"Seen We will Rock You many many times Lauren Varnham played Scaramouche with real attitude and passion, Meat with carasima and stage presesce even ensamble sticks out a mile, the face those doey brown eyes and a smile that lights up the stage even if you are at the back of the theatre. A small petite person with such strong booming voice. Trust Me totally awesome a must see. not sure why an understudy out shines and out performs time and time again."

"Samuel Edwards is such a fantastic understudy and his singing, acting and amazing body do NOT leave you disapointed... So amazing"

"Deej (Nikki D Jones) is the BEST standby I have ever seen in the whole WOOOOOORLD!! I cried....alot during that performance and I have her autograph *faints*"

"Katy Treharne unbelievable takes the roof off with those big notes she is amazing" 

"Samuel Edwards is just amazing. If he doesn't get the role full time soon west end theatre would have made a grave mistake. Best understudy I have ever seen and I have seen many"

"Emma Housley is amazing!"

"Aaron Lee Lambert!!! Just saw him as Donkey and he was INCREDIBLE!!"

"Performance or a name? what would you like to see and hear? a totally superior voice with cant take your eyes of her stage presents or somebody that came in the top 10 of xfactor or an imported name. Well we want to be Rocked off our seats and Entertained all performance long for our money. Dont take my word for it go see for yourself, go see WE WILL ROCK YOU after you have voted for LAUREN VARNHAM of course who should be leading lady Scaramouche. Come on Mr Elton what are you doing. Lauren Rocks our socks off"

"You've clearly not seen Jenny Gayner as Roxie Hart in Chicago at the Garrick - there can be no other winner of this poll than her! Amazing star quality performance that deserves to be recognised by top billing."

"Rebecca Trehearn is such a good understudy! She has the same magic Caissie Levy did!"

"Voted for Lauren Varnham she is awesome as Scaramouche and just as good when playing Meat.....when she sang only the good die young you could hear a pin drop any every single person transfixed on the stage. amazing talent and deserves to be Lead role in the show with out a doubt."

"ALICE FEARN - It's awkward how she's the understudy yet so much better..."

"Katy Treharne has an amazing voice, heart and soul."

"Scott Garnham is brilliant as Enjolras."

"Awaiting Katy Treharne's headlining..."

Vote: Understudy Of The Year 2012

Richard Fleeshman with the Original 'Molly'
Understudies in Ghost the Musical

THE VOTING PERIOD HAS NOW ENDED. 

Click Here to find out who won

Without understudies the West End would be in chaos... in fact it would not even be able to function! That is why I decided our May poll should be voting for 'West End Frame's Understudy Of The Year 2012'! It was so hard to choose 20 nominees as there are so many incredibly talented understudies in the West End of whom I have a lot of respect for, I do not know how they do what they do.

Voting opened Friday 4th May 2012 and closed Thursday 24th May at 3.00pm. This is the longest voting period we have had on West End Frame so this gives you plenty of time to spread the word!

Lets give our understudies the recognition they deserve!

Happy Voting...

Poll Result: Rachel Tucker wins 'Best Performance Of A Song In A Musical' for her performance of 'Defying Gravity'

Hundreds of you have voted and decided that Rachel Tucker is the winner of our 'Best Performance Of A Song In A Musical' poll. She won for her performance of the incredible song 'Defying Gravity' in long running West End Show Wicked!!

Below is a countdown of the result:

8th Place 

Joanna Monro 

Take A Chance On Me

Mamma Mia

Votes - 1%

7th Place 

Sharon D Clarke

Believer

Ghost The Musical 

Votes - 2%

6th Place 

Carley Stenson

So Much Better

Legally Blonde The Musical 

Votes - 4%

5th Place 

Dean Chisnall

Who I'd Be

Shrek The Musical 

Votes - 9%

4th Place 

Caroline Sheen

I Dreamed A Dream

Les Misérables

 Votes -10%

click here to find out who the top 3 are...