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.

Julie Atherton, Carley Stenson & Matt Cardle feature in Live At Zédel first season; Scott Alan named Artistic Director In Residence

Live At Zédel has confirmed first fetails for its Autumn season. 

As previously announced, as of September Crazy Coqs will be relaunched with all programming being taken over by United Agents. The new programme will kick off with an official partnership with The Philharmonia Orchestra and the appointment of U.S. composer Scott Alan as Artistic Director In Residence. 

Alan's varied programme includes intimate pre-show ‘coq-tails and Conversations’ from likes of Mark Shenton alongside nights from West End Stars Julie Atherton and Simon Lipkin as well as performances from performers including Carly Stenson, Oliver Tompsett and Lucie Jones.

Review: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (UK Tour) at the New Wimbledon Theatre

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (UK Tour)
New Wimbledon Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday 20th October 2015
★★★★

Following a year-long West End run, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is now dazzling audiences around the UK. Set in the French Riviera, the musical - which opened on Broadway in 2005 - follows two conmen as they go head to head to pull off their biggest con, whilst fighting for the affections of millionaire soap heiress Christine Colgate.

Photo Feature: Special guests join Scott Alan for St James Theatre concert

Last Sunday (3rd May 2015) U.S. composer Scott Alan returned to London with a concert at the St James Theatre. Check out pictures from the show below (click image to enlarge).

The stellar line-up included the likes of Cynthia Erivo, Oliver Tompsett, Anna-Jane Casey, Sophie Evans, Carley Stenson, Harriet Jones, Zoë Birkett, Eva Noblezada, Emmi Christensson, Lucy Jones, Katie Paine, Oliver Savile, Danny-Boy Hatchard and Sam Bailey. 

Joe Pasquale returns to Spamalot

Actor and comedian Joe Pasquale, who was recently seen on Dancing On Ice, will return to Spamalot as King Arthur from Monday 20th January 2014. Carley Stenson, who joined the Monty Python musical last November, continues as The Lady of The Lake.

Joe said: "I loved my time as playing King Arthur in Spamalot last year. I am very excited to have been asked to return. I will be joining a fantastic cast and can't wait to get started later this month."

Lovingly ripped off from the classic film comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Spamalot tells the legendary tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table and features a bevy (or possibly a brace) of beautiful show girls, witch burnings (cancelled due to health and safety) not to mention cows, killer rabbits and French people. 

Carley Stenson joins Spamalot as The Lady of the Lake

Carley Stenson (pictured right) joins the West End production of Spamalot at the Playhouse Theatre from tonight (4th November) as The Lady of the Lake, taking over from Bonnie Langford. 

The former Hollyoaks star has previously played Elle Woods in Legally Blonde (Savoy), Princess Fiona in Shrek (Theatre Royal, Drury Lane) and most recently made her Edinburgh Fringe debut in the UK premiere of [title of show].

Carley: “I’ve always enjoyed performing on the West End stage and I’m very much looking forward to joining the Spamalot cast and being part of such a much loved production.”

Edinburgh Review: [title of show] at Assembly Checkpoint

[title of show]

Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Assembly Checkpoint 

Reviewed on Saturday 10th August 2013

Before you complain I have not made an error, this show's name is [title of show]. There is no simple way to describe [title of show], it is a musical about two guys writing a musical about two guys writing a musical. This may sound hugely complicated but don't let it put you off because, due to clever writing, [title of show] is very easy to follow. 

Interview: Carley Stenson

Following a ten year stint playing Steph Cunningham in Hollyoaks, Carley Stenson has become an established West End star. 

After leaving Hollyoaks she joined the West End production of Legally Blonde The Musical at the Savoy Theatre, playing Elle Wood’s ditzy friend Margot. Carley then took over the lead role when Susan McFadden left the show, playing Elle until the production closed in April 2012. 

She then went straight into the West End production of Shrek The Musical at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane to play Princess Fiona, taking over from Kimberley Walsh. Most recently Carley starred in The West End Men at the Vaudeville Theatre.

Carley is currently starring in the UK premiere of [title of show] at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Carley plays Susan in the hilarious multi award-winning Broadway musical which is about two guys writing a musical about two guys writing a musical.

I recently spoke to Carley about what attracted her to the project, her time in Legally Blonde and what she would like to do next…

How are rehearsals going for [title of show]?
They're going really well! We have done a lot of laughing and had some nice bonding sessions!

You are starring in the UK premiere of the show, is it nice to have the opportunity to create a role instead of joining an established show?
Oh definitely! It’s something that I've never had the chance to do on stage before so this is a step in the right direction for me. Although I must admit, it is a little bit more nerve wracking!

Carley Stenson to star in [title of show] at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival

It has been announced that West End and Hollyoaks star, Carley Stenson will appear as Susan in the UK professional premiere of [title of show] at this years Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Three Weeks. Two friends. One original musical. [title of show] is a wickedly hilarious musical comedy about Hunter and Jeff, two struggling writers who decide to create a new musical for the inaugural New York Musical Theatre Festival. With a three week deadline looming but nothing to lose, they decide to try and create the show of their dreams, but soon realise that their mad dash to put pen to paper is infinitely more entertaining than the show they are writing. Their struggle to write a hit becomes the subject of the show, and so [title of show] is born, taking its name from the ominous space on the festival’s application form. Chronicling its own creation and the real life story of Hunter and Jeff’s journey to seeing their musical produced, [title of show] is a love letter to musical theatre, following your dreams, and daring to believe that you can actually get paid to do what you love.

Carley's West End credits include playing Princess Fiona in Shrek The Musical at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane and Elle Woods in Legally Blonde at the Savoy Theatre. She most recently starred in The West End Men at the Vaudeville Theatre and is well known for playing Steph Cunningham in Channel 4’s Hollyoaks for over ten years. 

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.

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...

Review: Legally Blonde The Musical - A Must See Before 7 April 2012

Legally Blonde The Musical
The Savoy Theatre

In August 2010 I was practically bullied into going by a friend. Arriving at the incredible Savoy Theatre I was planning to sit there and make it clear I was not enjoying it, however from beginning to end I sat there with the biggest smile on my face and left walking down the stand singing 'oh my god, oh my god you guys' (I would have said I was holding it in but that would be a lie). It has to be said though that for me, the reason it was so amazing was because of the incredibly talented Sheridan Smith. Not because of her strong voice or comic timing but because of that relationship she created with the audience and the way she completely understood the character she was playing. The best thing about her portrayal of Elle was that because she is nothing like her in real life, she played her in a way, where it was like she was almost taking the mickey out of her. This is why I think British people loved her because they related with her and were almost laughing at the Americans. Also other actors in the show did this and it was as if they were taking the mickey out of there own characters.

Susan McFadden as Elle

Once Susan McFadden took over the role, that extra omph Sheridan brought left the show. Susan was the best vocalist to ever play Elle in my opinion and her acting was also good, I loved her sarcasm, however she didn't lead the show and didn't create that relationship with the audience. However I do think Carley has started to bring this back to the show. Also I think Tamara Wall and  Denise Van Outen were also good at creating that relationship with the audience.

I also love the three friends who follow Elle round in the show. I once saw, Pilar, Lucy & Emma together and they were soooo funny together, adding lots of bits in. Legally Blonde also has tones of great songs across all different genres! I thought it would just be poppy music and when 'oh-my-god' started I feared the whole show would be like that however I love how funny 'Serious' is. 'What You Want' is also great and I love how so much time passes during that song. It also includes a bit of rap. The 'Gay Or European' is so so funny and is just like Old British Theatre.

Something else that shows that Legally Blonde is so great is that all three Elle's have gone on to do great things. Since leaving Legally Blonde Sheridan smith has filmed 6 films and is Currently filming a new ITV drama in which she plays the title role 'Mrs Biggs'. Susan McFadden is currently touring America having joined 'Celtic Woman'. And as I previously wrote about on the blog Carley Stenson is joining the cast of Shrek and is to perform in her first cabaret. Also I'm pleased for Swing Ruthie Stephenson who is to be the Dance Captain on the new Starlight Express UK Tour!

If you haven't seen Legally Blonde you must see it before it closes in a few weeks! The whole cast always put all their effort into every performance and I grantee you will leave feeling uplifted!

Ben Freeman & Carley Stenson will star as 
Warner & Elle until the end of the current west end run

Poll: Best Performance Of A Song In A Musical

In shows actors come and go all the time. The best thing about theatre is that you will never see the same thing twice. We have some outstanding performers in the West End. All people in this poll are extemely talented people. You watch shows like X Factor and then go and see a West End Show and to me it is pretty obvious where this country's best singers can be found...

Vote below for which performer you think gives the best performance of a song, think about they way ther indervidual performs it. Will give this poll longer before anouncing the results! Thanks guys!

Best Performance Of A Song In A Musical
	Rachel Tucker - Defying Gravity - Wicked
	Carley Stenson - So Much Better - Legally Blonde
	Lauren Samuals - Somebody To Love - WWRY
	Oliver Tompsett - I Wanna Rock - Rock Of Ages
	Sharon D Clarke - Believer - Ghost
	Joanna Monro - Chance On Me - Mamma Mia
	Caroline Sheen - I Dreamed A Dream - Les Mis
	Dean Chisnall - Who I'd Be - Shrek

Carley Stenson takes over the west end! (and yes, I am still alive)

There will be no rest for Carley Stenson after she finishes her successful stint playing Elle Woods in Legally Blonde the Musical next month as she is to star in her first Cabaret and and cross the swamp to take over as the green girl in Shrek The Musical!!!  

Carley as Elle Woods

The first time I saw Carley was when she played Margot in Legally Blonde (and was 2nd Cover Elle) and I have to say I thought she was very weak. Her voice was noticeably not as strong as everyone else's and her acting was just OK. So when she got the role of Elle I was quite shocked and presumed she would be terrible! The first time I saw her as Elle I was surprised as she was great! Her voice was still weak which was a massive floor as it was the only thing that prevented her from leading the company as she acted the role amazingly and created a great relationship with the audience. However when I saw her this January it was like a completely different person! She really led the company and her singing had massively improved. I think she brought back something to the show that had been lost once Sheridan left - she made the audience really care for Elle which gets you much more into the show. 

This is something I hope she can really bring to Shrek as I felt Amanda Holden really led the cast, especially through out 'Morning Person'. I wish Carley the best of luck and the details of her cabaret are below.

Listen to how good Carley is these days singing So Much Better in Legally Blonde...