Big Interview: Debbie Kurup

Debbie Kurup is currently reprising her performance in The World Goes Round: The Songs of Kander & Ebb which is transferring to the St James Studio following its run last year at the Pheasantry.

With the cast also including Oliver Tompsett, Steffan Lloyd-Evans, Alexandra Da Silva and Sally Samad, The World Goes Round runs between 2nd and 7th February 2016. Kander and Ebb are best known for writing musicals such as Cabaret, Chicago, Fosse and The Scottsboro Boys.

Having played Mimi in the West End production of RENT, Debbie recently starred in Seasons of Larson at the Lyric Theatre. Her West End credits also include: Nicki Marron in The Bodyguard (original West End cast), Velma Kelly in Chicago (Cambridge/Adelphi), understudy Deloris in Sister Act (Palladium) and Dee Dee in Tonight’s The Night (Victoria Palace).

A handful of Debbie’s other theatre credits include: title role in Jack And The Beanstalk (Hackney Empire), Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes (Sheffield/UK tour), Nancy in Oliver! (Cyprus), Chess In Concert (Royal Albert Hall), Diana in I Love You Because (Landor), Anita in West Side Story (Cyprus), Sylv in East (Leicester Curve), Carmen in Fame (UK tour), Guys And Dolls (Sheffield), Diane in Pal Joey (Chichester) and Jo-Anne in Poison (Tricycle).

Last week I sat down with Debbie during a break from The World Goes Round rehearsals to discuss why she loves performing Kander & Ebb’s music, her memories from starring in the West End production of RENT, dusting off her tap shoes for Anything Goes plus lots more… 

Recently you have been doing so many completely different things – from Whitney Houston to Cole Porter, Jonathan Larson and now Kander and Ebb!

[laughs] …and don’t forget I was climbing a beanstalk in-between!

That kind of variety is madness! What is going on inside your brain right now?

Oh my goodness! I have to say, it has been wonderful. As an actor, you strive to have variety and being cast in so many different contrasting roles. I’m on cloud nine right now! There has been no rest point, I’ve been jumping from one thing to the next. My brain is full, but at the same time it’s firing on all cylinders. It feels really good, I’m very inspired right now.

Review: Anything Goes (UK Tour) at the New Wimbledon Theatre

Anything Goes (UK Tour) 
New Wimbledon Theatre
Reviewed on Monday 2nd February 2015
★★★★

Following its Christmas run in Sheffield, Daniel Evans' revival of Cole Porter's Anything Goes has set sail around the UK. The musical follows a soppy love triangle, features various eccentric characters and is set aboard a luxurious transatlantic liner; what more could you want from an old school musical of song, dance and romance?!

Full casting confirmed for Anything Goes; meet the cast

Following last night's gossip, producers of Anything Goes have confirmed full casting for the show's run at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield and UK Tour. 

The musical will star Debbie Kurup (Reno Sweeney, pictured right) and Matt Rawle (Billy Crocker) alongside Stephen Matthews (Lord Evelyn Oakley), Zoë Rainey (Hope Harcourt), Simon Rouse (Elisha Whitney), Hugh Sachs (Moonface Martin) and Jane Wymark (Evangeline Harcourt).

The cast is completed by: Michelle Andrews (Ensemble), Adam Dutton (Purser / Ensemble), Anouska Eaton (Angel), Jack Evans (Ensemble), Bob Harms (Ship's Captain), Victoria Hinde (Ensemble Angel / Purity), Lauren Jade (Ensemble / Angel Charity), Rebecca Jayne-Davies (Female Ensemble Passenger), Michael Lin (Ensemble), Nick Len (Luke), Dylan Mason (Ensemble), Joanna Lee Martin (Ensemble), Ryan Pidgen (Ensemble), Adam Rhys-Charles (Ensemble), Rohan Richards (Ensemble), Andy Yau (John) and Alex Young (Erma). 

GOSSIP: First casting revealed for new production of Anything Goes

According to the Daily Mail, Debbie Kurup will star in Anything Goes at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.

The production runs between 28th November 2014 and 17th January 2015 ahead of a UK Tour which begins at the New Wimbledon Theatre on Thursday 29th January 2015. Kurup will apparently be joined by Matt Rawle, Zoe Rainey, Stephen Matthews, Simon Rouse and Hugh Sachs.

UPDATE: This gossip has been confirmed and full casting has been announced. Click here for info.

The production will be directed by Daniel Evans and choreographed by Alistair David. According to press material, "this brand new production of Cole Porter’s classic, multi-award winning musical comedy transports you to the magical age of tap dancing and high society".

Anything Goes to tour next year following Christmas run in Sheffield

It has been announced that Anything Goes will embark on a UK and Ireland Tour next year.

Following its run at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield (28th November 2014 – 17th January 2015), the tour will open at the New Wimbledon Theatre on Thursday 29th January 2015. Casting will be announced shortly.

The production will be directed by Daniel Evans and choreographed by Alistair David. According to press material, "this brand new production of Cole Porter’s classic, multi-award winning musical comedy transports you to the magical age of tap dancing and high society".