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. 

Editor's Blog: Erich Bergen, Jordan Lee Davies, Wicked Young Writers Award + more

Erich Bergen makes his London debut

Photo Credit: Darren Bell

Earlier this week U.S. performer Erich Bergen made his London debut with two solo shows at the London Hippodrome. The show featured music that inspired Bergen growing up, some material from his albums, as well as a tribute to his theatrical career which most notably saw him play Bob Gaudio in the U.S. touring and Las Vegas productions of Jersey Boys, before reprising his performance for the film adaptation.

Bergen put on a wild evening; he let loose on stage and gave us a taste of what he's all about. Bergen certainly knows how to tell a story and brought all the material together smoothly. Special guests Cassidy Janson and Charl Brown set the stage alight, but the highlight of the evening was when Bergen was joined by former UK Jersey Boys stars Stephen Ashfield, Tim Driesen and Michael Watson to form a Jersey Boys supergroup - many were brought to their feet. Bergen put on a superb evening with a terrific band - let's hope he returns to the UK again soon.

★★★★ | Read our interview with Erich | Visit www.club11.london for information about upcoming concerts at the London Hippodrome.

Wicked Young Writers Award restores faith 

Photo Credit: Matt Crockett

Hours after the EU referendum result was announced, my faith in this country was restored after attending the 2016 Wicked Young Writers Award at the Apollo Victoria Theatre. Now in its 6th year, the Awards are all about inspiring young people to use writing to express themselves by producing unique and original pieces of prose and poetry. Over 100 shortlisted finalists and their families and teachers attended the ceremony, creating an extraordinary buzz in the theatre.

Editor's Blog: Five Aaron Tveit videos you need in your life

On Wednesday our social media went into meltdown when Aaron Tveit took over West End Frame with the release of his #OutOfOz video and the announcement that Grease LIVE will be broadcast on ITV2 next Wednesday (3rd February)!

Lots of you Tweeted us to say you thought "every day should be all about Aaron Tveit" so... check out five Aaron Tveit videos you need in your life below!

Tveit's most recent theatre role saw him make his London theatre debut as John Wilkes Booth in Assassins at the Menier Chocolate Factory. His U.S. theatre credits include: Frank Abagnale, Jr. in Catch Me If You Can (Broadway), Roger in RENT (Hollywood Bowl), Fiyero in Wicked (Broadway), Gabe Goodman in Next to Normal (Broadway) and Link Larkin in Hairspray (U.S. tour/Broadway).

Editor's Blog: 5 stagey YouTube videos you should be obsessed with!

It's the beginning of January and theatre news has been slow since the Christmas holidays, so in West End Frame Towers we've been spending lots of time geeking out over stagey YouTube videos. Below are five you should be obsessed with:

5. Everybody say HEAVY METAL

Tim Prottey-Jones is currently appearing in the ensemble of Kinky Boots at the Adelphi Theatre and has recently been uploading heavy metal versions of musical theatre classics such as 'I Still Believe' and 'On My Own' onto YouTube. Listen to his cover of 'Land of Lola' below and check out more of his covers here. I think a musical theatre heavy metal album/concert could go down a storm!

4. Oh what a celebration we'll have today!

Everybody loves a good showmance! On Christmas day Daniel Robinson and Joshua Green - who both play flying monkeys in the Broadway production of Wicked - got engaged onstage at the Gershwin Theatre. After the performance the cast gathered for a company photo before Robinson stood up and proposed to Green in full flying monkey costume! Of course it was all captured on camera and has now gone viral! Watch below:

Editor's Blog: Top 10 Shows of 2015

10

The Ruling Class

directed by Jamie Lloyd at Trafalgar Studios

Photo by Simon Annand

Wild and unpredictable, The Ruling Class is probably the most bonkers play I saw all year. James McAvoy gave a stellar performance as a paranoid schizophrenic in Peter Barnes' play. Jamie Lloyd's production had absolutely no boundaries, it seemed nothing was off limits. I still can't decide whether I was moved or disturbed by Lloyd's top notch, thought-provokingly enthralling production.

Read our 4* review of The Ruling Class

9

Carrie

directed by Gary Lloyd at the Southwark Playhouse

Photo by Claire Bilyard

Known as the most expensive flop in Broadway history, 2015 saw Carrie The Musical finally make its long-awaited London premiere. As expected there was plenty of death and blood, but - thanks to a strong performance from the perfectly cast Evelyn Hoskins - the production also had a great deal of heart. I have no idea why it took so long to bring Carrie to London; Gary Lloyd's production certainly has potential for future life. Behind the blood and beyond the darkness is a touching story of self-discovery, and I loved every second.

Read our 5* review of Carrie

Check out our interview with Evelyn Hoskins

8

Hangmen

directed by Matthew Dunster at the Royal Court & Wyndham's Theatre

Photo by Helen Maybanks

Editor's Blog: Top 6 Theatrical Highlights of 2015

6

Kay Murphy saves the day!

Back in November I bought a last minute ticket to see Xanadu at the Southwark Playhouse as I enjoyed the show so much first time round. Before the show director Paul Warwick Griffin announced that cast member Alison Jiear was indisposed so actress Kay Murphy had learnt the role in 24 hours and would be stepping in. Murphy threw herself into each and every number and performed the entire show without a script in hand! She had the time of her life; pulling off the choreography and dazzling with her faultless vocals, providing a night to remember! Click here to read more.

5

Bradley Jaden steals show after show

Since taking over as Enjolras in the West End production of Les Miserables back in June, Bradley Jaden has been proving himself as a leading man worth keeping an eye on. I've seen Jaden pop up in various one-night-only Sunday night concerts this year, and each time he has stolen the show. In West End Heroes (click here to read review) Jaden made a huge impression with his performances of 'Who I'd Be' and 'Bohemian Rhapsody' whilst in Kings Of Broadway (click here to read review) he rightfully received one of the evening's biggest applauses for his rendition of  'Maria'. I recently caught Les Mis and Jaden was, without doubt, the strongest Enjolras I have seen for a long time. The future certainly looks bright for Bradley Jaden; if Jason Robert Brown's musical The Bridges of Madison County ever finds its way to London Jaden would make a perfect Robert. Read our interview with Bradley Jaden. 

4

Green girls shine 

Editor's Blog: Top 10 Performances of 2015

Check out my top ten favourite performances of 2015 below! Please note that as I saw Gypsy in Chichester in 2014, Imelda Staunton was included in last year's list.

10

Andrew Scott

for The Dazzle at Found111

Photo by Marc Brenner

I usually start drafting my ‘top ten’ lists in November, but earlier this month - during my final week of reviewing - Andrew Scott reminded my why these lists shouldn’t be finalised until the year is actually through. A temporary theatre on the site of the old Central St Martins School of Art on Charing Cross Road, Scott embraced the intimacy of Found111 where he starred in The Dazzle, performing with such intricate detail and giving a performance to remember!

Read our 4* review of The Dazzle

Andrew Scott is in "advanced discussions" to play Hamlet

9

Amy Lennox

for Kinky Boots at the Adelphi Theatre

Photo by Matt Crockett

Amy Lennox is an absolute revelation as Lauren in Kinky Boots. As her character develops a crush on her new boss Charlie, Lennox brings the house down with her rendition of 'The History of Wrong Guys' - I have never witnessed so many mid-song applauses during a musical number. She is silly, weird and wacky and the audience couldn't get enough of her impeccably delivered one-liners. 

Read our 5* review of Kinky Boots

Check out our previous interview with Amy Lennox

8

Michael Urie

for Buyer and Cellar at the Menier Chocolate Factory

Photo by Joan Marcus

Editor's Blog: Stagey guide to Christmas TV

Presents wrapped? Mulled wine at the ready? Stagey TV planned and set to record...? Here's West End Frame's guide to what you should be watching this Christmas!

TOP PICKS

The Sound Of Music Live Sun 20th Dec at 7:30pm on ITV1 Following NBC's event in 2013, ITV are broadcasting a live TV production of The Sound of Music starring Kara Tointon, Julian Ovenden, Katherine Kelly, Alexander Armstrong, Maria Friedman, Mel Giedroyc and Evelyn Hoskins. Make sure you watch out for lots of West End talent popping up in the ensemble! Join us on Twitter during the Broadcast (@West_End_Frame) on 20th December for live Tweeting. Click here for more info.

Gypsy starring Imelda Staunton Sun 27th Dec at 9.00pm on BBC4 Imelda Staunton's performance in Gypsy is already part of theatrical history. During the show's run at the Savoy Theatre, three performances were filmed. The wait is finally over as the production will be broadcast on 27th December ahead of a rumoured DVD release. Joining Staunton as Momma Rose are Lara Pulver as Louise, Peter Davison as Herbie, Gemma Sutton as June and Dan Burton as Tulsa. Click here for more info.

Editor's Blog: The 2015 S&S Award Gala

Janie Dee & Simon Greiff

On Sunday evening (15th November) Nigel Harman took to the stage at the St James Theatre to host the 2015 S&S Award Gala which provides a platform for new musical theatre writing.

This year writers submitted a record breaking number of new musicals which went through round after round, with just three shows being selected for the gala: Here by Alex Young and Kate Marlais, After Lydia by Christine Denniston and Gwyneth Herbert plus The Last Word by Brett Sullivan.

I wouldn't have enjoyed being in the position of Nice Burns, Nikolai Foster or Kent Nicholson whose job it was to decide the overall winner. Both Here and After Lydia are interesting pieces whilst I adored the quirkiness of The Last Word - there was more to all three musicals than first met the eye.

The first act saw Scott Gilmore and Claire McKenzie's musical Forest Boy, which won the S&S Award in 2013, being presented whilst in the second half extracts from all three of this year's finalists were performed by stellar casts of West End talent including the likes of Matthew Wycliffe, Michael Matus, Rebecca Caine, West End Frame Award winner Daniel Buckley, Nathan Amzi and Hayley Flaherty who all gave commendable performances.

Editor's Blog: Kay Murphy saves the day!

Last Monday (2nd November) West End actress Kay Murphy innocently attended press night of Xanadu at the Southwark Playhouse, enjoyed the show and made a remark to a friend about how she loved Alison Jiear's character Melpomene. Seven days later Murphy is told Jiear is unwell and is asked to learn the role in 24 hours...

Last month I was taken aback by the craziness of roller skating Broadway musical Xanadu which is currently receiving its UK premiere at the Southwark Playhouse. Following a magical Greek muse sent from the heavens of Mount Olympus to inspire a struggling artist in California, Xanadu is "bold, bizarre and camper than Christmas".

I was keen to see the show again so yesterday bought a last minute ticket to the evening performance. After being let into the theatre a little late, director Paul Warwick Griffin took to the stage and first explained that there had been some technical issues with the lighting. 

Editor's Blog: Glenn Close discusses Sunset Boulevard, Soft Lad released on DVD & Memphis bids farewell

Glenn Close has revealed that she is "getting on the treadmill" ahead of her West End debut next year. 

"It's not something I really love to do, but really I know how much energy it takes. You have to be in good shape and take care of your voice" said Close, who will reprise her performance as Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard for a limited run at the London Coliseum between 1st April and 7th May 2016. 

Having first played Norma in LA, Close went on to win Tony, Drama Desk and Dramalogue awards for originating the role on Broadway under the direction of Trevor Nunn. This new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Don Black and Christopher Hampton's musical marks the second show produced by the English National Opera and the GradeLinnit Company. Lonny Price directs.

Editor's Blog: Another standing ovation for Cynthia Erivo, Connie Fisher sings once more & Wicked launches For Good programme

Cynthia Erivo

Yesterday (19th July), Cynthia Erivo took to the stage at the Charing Cross Theatre for her final London solo concert appearance before heading off to Broadway. Following in the footsteps of Gavin Creel, Janie Dee, Louise Dearman and Kerry Ellis, Erivo's show was part of the ongoing Singular Sensations series which sees West End stars perform a selection of songs and being interviewed by Edward Seckerson.

Kicking things off with 'Don't Rain On My Parade' from Funny Girl (Erivo later admitted Fanny Brice is a role she would love to sink her teeth into), the West End and soon-to-be Broadway star was on top form (as usual). Being interviewed live in a spotlight in front of a packed audience must be a little daunting, yet Erivo took it all in her stride and soon warmed to the atmosphere. She is a beautiful storyteller, bouncing off the audience who were engaged throughout.

Editor's Blog: West End Frame readers pick 2014 theatrical highlights

Earlier this week, as I found myself struggling to write my top ten shows and performances features, I took to Twitter to ask all of you about your 2014 theatrical highlights. I thought this might help me narrow down my own personal list, but in fact it only made it harder! However, as we received hundreds of Tweets I thought it would nice to put some of them together into a special feature. Find out what everyone had to say below:

Editor's Blog: Top 10 shows of 2014

2014 has been an incredibly diverse year for theatre. Producers have taken some risks and it's great that several off-West End productions managed to make it into the West End. In 2014 I went to the theatre 257 times and, out of everything I have seen (in the West End and on Broadway as well as in off-West End, regional and fringe theatres), below I have highlighted my top ten personal favourite shows...

10

Assassins

Menier Chocolate Factory

"I don't think I breathed once"

Photo Credit: Nobby Clark

Assassins is probably the most intense piece of theatre ever written and Jamie Lloyd's production at the Menier has set theatreland alight (it sold out shortly after opening). I don't think I breathed once for the entire hour and forty-five minutes. The ensemble cast - featuring the likes of Catherine Tate, Simon Lipkin and Aaron Tveit - are remarkably strong. I am still digesting the piece and am hugely looking forward to seeing it a second time next year (I ensured I bought a ticket before publishing my review).

Editor's Blog: Top 5 theatrical events of 2014

Every year we seem to be more and more spoilt for choice when it comes to theatrical events. This year has seen iconic shows close, productions broadcast around the world and performers returning to shows to recreate their celebrated performances. A certain theatre star also went mainstream and various concerts have left theatreland buzzing! Below are five theatrical events which particularly stood out for me this year...

5

We Will Rock You Closes

When We Will Rock You opened to negative reviews few predicted that it would go on to run in the West End for twelve years, rocking over 6.5 million people! Queen and Ben Elton's musical was so important as it attracted and created new theatregoers. Of course the final show was emotional and, although I wasn't in attendance, I have heard that it was an electrifying evening!

Editor's Blog: Top 10 performances of 2014

2014 has been an incredible year for theatre. Established stars have reminded us why they are known as theatrical legends whilst some new faces have stepped into the limelight for the first time. After looking back at every single show I have seen this year (including West End, Broadway, off-West End, fringe and regional theatre), below I have highlighted ten performances which particularly stood out for me...

10

Angela Lansbury

Blithe Spirit

Gielgud Theatre

Photo Credit: Johan Persson

In March Angela Lansbury returned to the West End stage for the first time in over thirty years to reprise her role as Madame Arcati in Noel Coward's masterpiece, Blithe Spirit. She didn't hold back one bit, I have never seen a performance like it! A true legend, Lansbury received huge applause each time she entered and exited the stage - she was utterly sensational.

Editor's Blog: Christmas telly picks + odds & ends

Turkey? Check. Presents? Check. Stagey TV planned and set to record...?

Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without some stagey TV. Highlights on Christmas Day include Kiss Me, Kate at the Proms (BBC2 / 14.45) starring Ben Davis, Tony Yazbeck, Alexandra Silber and Louise Dearman, as well as The Sound of Music Live (Channel 5 / 12.35) which was originally broadcast live on US TV. It stars Carrie Underwood, Stephen Moyer, Christian Borle and Audra McDonald.

Louise Dearman in Kiss Me, Kate at the Proms

If you're looking for a classic musical movie there's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Channel 5 / 15.25) or documentary-wise there's Frozen at Christmas (Channel 4 / 20.00) and Tim Rice - A Life In Song (BBC2 / 22.30).

Editor's Blog: New openings, career defining performances & a trip to Chichester

Michael Flatley, Christina Bianco, Jacqueline Hughes, Cynthia Erivo, Drew McOnie & Sophie Thompson take centre stage...

August is always a strange month in theatreland. As the focus moved to Edinburgh, few shows opened in London, but suddenly September has crept up on us and the West End is kicking into action. Two of this month's biggest openings include the West End transfers of Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games and Forbidden Broadway.

Editor's Blog: "Keep supporting theatre, it's where we still have magic!"

Michael Xavier & Joanna Riding
Photo Credit:  Tristram Kenton

The last few weeks have been a little quieter in terms of openings so I've had the chance to catch up with some new faces in familiar shows.

Last week I saw Gary Wilmot in The Pajama Game at the Shaftesbury Theatre who has taken over from Peter Polycarpou as Vernon Hines. It was fantastic to see how Wilmot has put his own stamp on the role, performing with great charm and striking stage presence. The Pajama Game is such a fun show and I enjoyed it even more second time round.

Joanna Riding continues to shine as Babe whilst relishing every moment. Michael Xavier was unwell meaning Understudy of the Year nominee Dan Burton stepped into the role of Sid. Burton played the part very differently but is equally as strong as Xavier. He really stood out for being an incredible dancer and belted out a tremendous rendition of 'Hey There'.

Those thinking of booking a trip to see The Pajama Game must sort out their tickets soon as the musical's limited run ends on Saturday 13th September 2014 to make way for the West End premiere of Memphis starring Beverley Knight (more on her shortly!).

Last week I finally caught up with Imelda Staunton's phenomenal performance in Good People at the Noel Coward Theatre. The play, which transferred to the West End from the Hampstead Theatre and closes tomorrow, gets off to a slow start. The first act is good, whilst the second half is hysterically funny yet also very moving. Staunton doesn't leave the stage at all throughout the play's entirety but showed no sign of tiredness; she gives the performance of a lifetime! I'm now even more excited to see her star in Chichester’s production of Gypsy later this year!

Editor's Blog: Saying goodbye to We Will Rock You

We Will Rock You ends its triumphant twelve year West End run at the Dominion Theatre today (Saturday 31st May 2014). Over the past few years we've spoken to several of We Will Rock You's incredibly talented stars, take a look at what they had to say about the show below:

Oliver Tompsett

Stars as Galileo in the final cast

"I had seen the show several times over the past ten years and seen some amazing people play Galileo but honestly never thought I would get to play it because I’m too tall. Thankfully over the years the part has stretched – literally. Queen has a very distinctive sound with good technique behind it, so going into the show was great because it still pushed me but didn’t break me.

"At first I went into the show thinking “how am I going to portray this troubled teen when I’m 6’4” and approaching 30?”. During rehearsals I found that playing him a bit more like a rebel, rather than a ‘dweeb’, worked better for me. Sometimes directors will expect you to play a role exactly the same as the person before, which, in my opinion, is when shows and characters become tired and lose their punch. But in Rock You I was able to develop the role over the first few months, I didn’t just go into the show trying to completely re-write the part.

"We Will Rock You is a beast of a show. There are so many people in the cast but myself and Scaramouche don’t encounter many other cast members throughout the show. This means you have to go out of your way to hang out with people and to say hello. Everyone is lovely and I love spending time in wardrobe village. The cast can make or break a show but I’m so lucky to be part of such a strong, friendly company.