Big Interview: West End & Broadway director Laurence Connor

Laurence Connor is currently directing Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical School of Rock. 

Following tremendous success on Broadway, rehearsals are currently underway for the London production which opens at the New London Theatre on 14th November 2016 (previews from 24th October).

Laurence began his career as an actor; whilst performing in the UK tour of Les Misérables he was asked to direct charity gala A Slice of Saturday Night at the Liverpool Empire Theatre. He then took on resident/associate director jobs, working on shows including The King and I (London Palladium/UK tour) and The Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty’s Theatre).

Laurence’s big break came when he was asked to direct a new touring production of Miss Saigon. He recently directed the musical’s West End revival at the Prince Edward Theatre which is about to be shown to cinemas worldwide before opening on Broadway. 

His directing credits also include: Les Misérables (Broadway/UK & US tours/O2 gala), The Phantom of the Opera (UK & US tours/Royal Albert Hall gala), Oliver! (UK tour) and Jesus Christ Superstar (UK & Australian arena tour).

I recently sat down with Laurence at the London Palladium during a break from rehearsals to discuss why he’s thrilled to be bringing School of Rock to London, the challenges of taking on huge shows such as Les Mis & Miss Saigon and how he fell into directing…

I know the idea of working on a musical adaptation of School of Rock was something you were interested in for a while, but when did it become a reality? Have long were you and Andrew working on it?

We started about two and a half years ago; Andrew (Lloyd Webber) and I were doing the arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar and I think we had just opened at the O2 when we started having a serious conversation about it. When we were casting Jesus for the TV show we had discussions about what would make a good musical, and Andrew was talking about this idea he had for Stephen Ward and I was talking about the idea of School of Rock. I never realised this conversation would lead to anything. 

Big Interview: West End legend Jodie Jacobs

West End legend Jodie Jacobs is currently starring in the world premiere of new British musical 27. 

Written and co-directed by Sam Cassidy and co-directed by Arlene Phillips, 27 is playing a limited run at the Cockpit Theatre in Marylebone. The piece is a "shattering exploration of the fragility of life and the unwitting connections that bind us together".

Jodie’s West End credits include: Regina in Rock of Ages (Shaftesbury/Garrick), Serena in Fame (Aldwych), understudy Eva Peron in Evita (Adelphi), understudy Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors (Duke of York’s/Ambassadors), understudy Scaramouche & Meat in We Will Rock You (Dominion) and Joanne in Rent In Concert (Garrick).

Her further credits also include: Paulette in Legally Blonde (Upstairs at the Gatehouse/Kilworth House), Nancy in Oliver! (Grange Park Opera), Miss Gardner in Carrie (Southwark Playhouse), Grizabella in Cats (Arena Tour), Rusty in Footloose (UK tour), Jest End (Waterloo East/Jermyn Street), Holly in The Wedding Singer (UK tour), Tink in Lost Boy (Charing Cross), Nurse Fiona in Happy Ending (Arcola), Sister Mary Robert in Sister Act (Aberystwyth), Betty/Carmen in Me & Juliet (Finborough), Marcy Fitzwilliams in I Love You Because… (Landor), Emily in State Fair (Trafalgar Studios 2), Another Kind Of Magic (Scandinavia Tour) and Broadway and Beyond (Dubai). 

Earlier this year Jodie performed An Evening with Jodie Jacobs to a sold out audience at the Chapel of St Barnabas, receiving rave reviews.

I recently sat down with Jodie – one of my absolute favourite interviewees of all time – for a chat about starring in 27, the experience of performing her solo show, what it was like to finally play Nancy and the early days of her career…

27 is a brand new musical – when did you first hear about it? 

I met Sam (Cassidy) so many years ago – it was like 2007 and we hit it off straight away. I knew he had done a workshop recording of a musical he was working on, and when I heard it I was furious with him for not asking me to do it. I was furious! I said to him, “Oi, next time you do this I want in.” 

Feature: Everyone Deserves The Chance To Fly!

Today Wicked celebrates ten swankified years in London's West End at the Apollo Victoria Theatre! 

The spellbinding act one finale 'Defying Gravity' has become one of the most iconic moments in musical theatre history. Have you ever wondered what goes through an Elphabas mind moments before they fly into the air..?

Rachel Tucker

"Actually, so much of what went through my mind was technical, because if I didn’t do the technical side of things right then I wouldn’t fly which would be a massive anti-climax for all the people who are waiting for that big moment. Also lots of health and safety issues went through my head. 

"Then I had to think about where I was going to place the song and think about how I was feeling and maybe decide “I need to take it a bit easier on this line tonight”. Depending on the conductor, sometimes the show was a bit slower, which made it harder, or sometimes you had a fast show, or sometimes I would feel so buzzed up and sing through it with no problem – there really are so many elements which make every single night different and there is so much you have to have in place before you even open your mouth! It’s hard to believe that all that happens in just ten seconds!"

Big Interview: Sanne den Besten, starring as Sophie in Mamma Mia!

Sanne den Besten is currently starring as Sophie Sheridan in the West End production of Mamma Mia!, having taken over the role in June this year. 

Last year Sanne, who is from Holland, made her West End debut as understudy Fantine in Les Miserables (Queens Theatre). 

Her credits also include: understudy Ariel in Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Dutch tour), The Humans (New York, Rotterdam and the Festival D’Avignon) and alternate Maria Von Trapp in The Sound of Music (Dutch tour). 

Mamma Mia! opened in the West End in 1999 and recently celebrated its 17th birthday. The Abba musical is currently booking at the Novello Theatre to 4th March 2017.

I recently spoke to Sanne about life in Mamma Mia!, what it was like to go from the West End’s heaviest musical to the West End’s sunniest musical and her journey from Holland to the West End…

Are you feeling settled into life in Mamma Mia!?

Yes, we’re up and running and everybody has settled in. Now we’re able to have more and more fun with it. It has been really good!

Big Interview: West End star Lizzy Connolly

Lizzy Connolly is currently starring in the European premiere of Vanities at Trafalgar Studios 2.

Directed by Racky Plews, the musical has previously played in Seattle, Houston, New York and Los Angeles. It has book by Jack Heifner and music/lyrics by David Kirshenbaum.

Lizzy recently originated the role of Doris in Mrs Henderson Presents (West End/Theatre Royal Bath). Her credits also include: Jest End (Waterloo East), Calliope in Xanadu (Southwark Playhouse), Jolene in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (West End), WAG The Musical (Charing Cross), Jill in From Up Here (Tristan Bates) and Galatea in The Boys From Syracuse (Union ).

I previously spoke to Lizzy backstage at the Savoy Theatre in 2014 and, because she is one of my all-time favourite interviewees, when I knew the closure of West End Frame was approaching I made sure I set up another interview. We sat down to discuss why she's so excited to be a part of Vanities, her inspirations and, of course, who she would invite to her stagey dinner party...

So much has happened since we last spoke! You’ve literally jumped from show to show, have you had the chance to take it all in?
I’ve just been super-duper lucky, I’ve just had a big luck spurt! I’ve met some absolutely incredible people who have been a lot better than me and imparted really good advice to me along the way which has helped me in different areas. Every venue I’ve worked at has been beautiful or quirky and cool.

Review: Dirty Dancing (UK Tour) at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre

Dirty Dancing (UK Tour)

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre

Reviewed on Monday 19th September 2016

★★★

Following two West End runs and two UK tours, Dirty Dancing is back on the road. The latest tour sees a new creative team at the helm; the new look production was first staged in Milan last summer. Based on the 1987 film, Baby Houseman and Johnny Castle's love story continues to win over the hearts of audiences in 2016.

Editor's Blog: So Long, Farewell!

After almost five incredible years of running West End Frame, I have decided the time has come to move on to pastures new. 

When I set up a little theatre blog at the beginning of 2012 I had absolutely no idea what a crazy road lay ahead. What happened next blew all expectations, and I have loved (almost) every minute. It has been remarkable to see West End Frame go from a little blog to a fully functioning theatre website, breaking news, reviewing major openings in London and beyond and interviewing all sorts of theatre performers - including several of my absolute icons.

Being the Editor of a website like West End Frame sounds like a dream job, and in many ways it is. Going to glitzy press nights and sitting down to interview inspiring people at the top of their game is a dream; however, there comes a time when reviewing five or sometimes more shows a week, working on up to ten 2,000/3,000 word interviews a month and being on standby for breaking news 24/7 begins to take its toll. 

Review: Little Shop Of Horrors (UK Tour) at the New Wimbledon Theatre

Little Shop Of Horrors (UK Tour)

New Wimbledon Theatre

Reviewed on Tuesday 23rd August 2016

★★★★

Despite knowing half the score inside out, last night was my first time seeing Alan Menken and Howard Ashman's cult musical Little Shop of Horrors onstage.

Review: Groundhog Day at the Old Vic

Groundhog Day

Old Vic

Reviewed on Thursday 18th August 2016

★★★★

In 2010 Tim Minchin set theatreland alight when his musical adaptation of Matilda premiered in Stratford-upon-Avon. The show went on to take the West End and Broadway by storm, and has now been seen by millions of people all around the world. Labelled by many as musical perfection, it was always going to be a tough act to follow.

EdFringe Review: 9 to 5 at Assembly Hall

9 to 5
Assembly Hall
Running Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Reviewed on Sunday 14th August 2016
★★

Based on the 1980 film, 9 to 5 premiered on Broadway in 2009 before making its UK premiere with a UK tour in 2012. This summer the show, which features Dolly Parton's music and book by Patricia Resnick, is being staged at the EdFringe starring musical theatre students from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

EdFringe Review: Verge of Strife at Assembly George Square Studios

Verge of Strife
Assembly George Square Studios
Running Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Reviewed on Sunday 14th August 2016
★★

Verge of Strife stars former In The Heights and EastEnders actor Jonny Labey as eccentric WWI poet Rupert Brooke. Based on Brooke's letters and poetry, Verge of Strife is an interesting piece with some beautiful moments, but ultimately the show falls flat.

Interview: Roxanne Pallett

Roxanne Pallett is currently starring as Tyler in Neil LaBute's play Some Girl(s) at the Park Theatre. 

The production is currently in its final week at Park90 with the cast also including Charles Dorfman, Elly Condron, Carolyn Backhouse and Carley Stenson. Next year she will star as Holly in the UK tour of The Wedding Singer which opens at the Leicester Curve on 6th February.

Roxanne’s previous stage credits include Rock Around The Clock (UK tour), The Vagina Monologues & Ladies Day (both Royal Court Liverpool), Satin ‘n’ Steel (Oldham Coliseum), The Rocky Horror Show (UK tour) and On The Piste (UK tour). She played Jo Stiles in ITV1’s Emmerdale with her additional screen credits including Waterloo Road, Casualty, Crime Stories, It’s A Lot, Devil’s Tower, The Violators, Wrong Turn 6 and Habit.

I recently spoke to Roxanne about what drew her to Some Girl(s), why she always loves coming back to theatre and looking for variety… 

What made you say “yes” to this play?

Well I read the script and loved how thought provoking it was. It’s got a bit everything – one minute it makes you laugh and then it makes you feel quite reflective about your own life. It’s emotionally charged which I love as an actress and as an audience member. Everything about it grabbed me immediately. Obviously the Park Theatre is one of the best off-West End theatres in London so that was an added bonus! It was an incredible opportunity.

Review: Breakfast at Tiffany's starring Pixie Lott at the Theatre Royal Haymarket

Breakfast at Tiffany's 
Theatre Royal Haymarket
Reviewed on Tuesday 26th July 2016
★

Adapted from Truman Capote’s classic novella, which was famously turned into a successful film, a new stage adaptation of Breakfast at Tiffany's has opened at the Theatre Royal Haymarket. Following a six month tour and four weeks of West End previews you would think Breakfast at Tiffany's would by now be a well oiled, fine-tuned piece of theatre. Think again. 

Review: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Parts 1&2)
Palace Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 27th July 2016
★★★★★

Fans had every right to be sceptical when it was announced that J. K. Rowling would tell the eighth Harry Potter story in a new West End play. The project could have gone either way but some wise choices have been made, making Harry Potter and the Cursed Child an unforgettable theatrical event.

Review: Some Girl(s) at the Park Theatre

Some Girl(s)
Park Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 20th July 2016
★★★

Some Girl(s) follows a man who travels around America in an attempt to make amends with four old flames before he gets married. It comes as no surprise that these encounters throw up various emotional turmoils for all involved.

Who should be cast in the Wicked movie?

After years of rumours and speculation... innuendo... outuendo... last month a release date was finally announced for Universal's film adaptation of Wicked. 

With the right casting the film as potential to be huge and, although the release may be three years away, all sorts of names have already been thrown into the mix. It goes without saying that we'd love a cast of Broadway and West End stars, but we realise that isn't going to be the case. With some help from readers on social media, we've but together the following dream casting...

Review: Jesus Christ Superstar at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre

Jesus Christ Superstar 

Open Air Theatre

Reviewed on Thursday 21st July 2016

★★★★

Timothy Sheader and Drew McOnie have successfully reinvented one of my all-time favourite musicals. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's rock opera has been staged to give it the feel of a live gig; the whole experience certainly feels like an event, completed with simplistic yet highly effective design from Tom Scutt.

Review: The Fix at the Union Theatre

The Fix
Union Theatre
Reviewed on Friday 15th July 2016
★★

John Dempsey and Dana P Rowe's musical The Fix is the first show to run in the Union Theatre's new home in Union St (directly opposite the much loved former' venue). Having premiered at the Donmar Warehouse in 1997, The Fix centres around a fictional U.S. politician who finds himself caught up with the Mafia. You would think certain themes could seem relevant today, but sadly The Fix falls flat in 2016 and is an underwhelming piece.

Interview: Antoine Carabinier-Lépine, founding member of Barbu

Antoine Carabinier-Lépine is the star and founding member of Barbu. 

The French-Canadian circus company Cirque Alfonse have brought the “spectacularly raucous and sexy cabaret” show to London Wonderground for a limited run concluding in September.

Starring the world’s most extraordinary, dare-devil acrobats performing with a frenetic electro-trad band, Barbu delves into the origins of the circus in Montreal at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries. 

I recently spoke to Antoine about bringing Barbu to London, how circus continues to evolve and spending his life on tour…. 

How does it feel to be in London?

It’s great to be here! We performed at the Southbank Centre with our other show two years ago, so we know what it’s like over here. We came to see Limbo here in the Spiegeltent and after the show we were like ‘wow this is such a nice venue and it’s right in the middle of London so why don’t we do our own show like that’. That’s why we wanted to bring Barbu here.

The front row is literally centimetres from the stage – how does it feel to perform in here?

We love that, we’re all big bearded men and when you’re in the front row it’s really full on. I think the audiences like it.

Review: The Stripper at the St James Studio

The Stripper 
St James Studio
Reviewed on Monday 11th July 2016
★★

Carter Brown, Richard Hartley and Richard O'Brien's musical The Stripper is a crazy show bound to raise a few eyebrows. Benji Sperring's production transforms the intimate St James into Club Extravaganza; the stage has been slightly reconfigured whilst for the first time in the studio, audience seating is allocated.