Big Interview: Frances Ruffelle

Frances Ruffelle is bringing her new solo show I Say Yeh-Yeh to the London Hippodrome on 5th May.

Having premiered I Say Yeh-Yeh at Crazy Coqs last year, Frances recently took the show to the Kennedy Center in Washinton D.C. The show takes the same name as Frances’ most recent album. 

Frances famously created the role of Eponine in the West End production of Les Miserables. She reprised her performance for the musical’s Broadway premiere, winning the 1987 Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical.

Her additional West End credits include: Roxie Hart in Chicago (Adelphi), Yonah in Children of Eden (Prince Edward), Dinah in Starlight Express (Apollo Victoria) and Princess Louisa in The Sleeping Prince (Theatre Royal Haymarket)

Frances’ theatre credits also include: title role in Piaf (Curve), Fastrada in Pippin (Menier Chocolate Factory), Narrator in Joseph (UK Tour), Candy in Whistle Down The Wind & Betty Shaefer in Sunset Boulevard (both at Andrew Lloyd Webber's Sydmonton Festival), Delilah in Apples (Royal Court), Paula in Bend it like Beckham (workshop) and The A-Z of Mrs P (Southwark Playhouse).

Her previous solo shows include Paris Original and Beneath The Dress whilst her previous albums include Imperfectly Me, Showgirl, Frances Ruffelle and Fragile. On screen Frances has appeared in Birds of a Feather, The Road to Ithaca, The Invitation, Secrets and Lies, Long Forgotten Fields, Devil's Tower and Tom Hooper's film adaptation of Les Miserables. She represented the UK in the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest with the song 'Lonely Symphony (We Will Be Free)', finishing 10th.

I recently spoke to Frances about bringing I Say Yeh-Yeh to the Hippodrome, her upcoming return to the West End and why she’s learnt to embrace Les Mis…

You have so much going on at the moment! You’ve just been performing in America, you have a new album out, your London solo show is coming up and you just directed Evelyn Hoskins’ concert. How do you manage it all?!

[laughs] Well the show I’m doing at the Hippodrome I just did in Washington D.C., so I’m pretty confident with that which is good. When I was directing Evie’s show I was waking up in the night going through her show rather than my own! It has been quite nice in a way. Although I still have a bit of anxiety, it’s just nice to have been able to focus on something else. When you’re directing someone else’s show you feel very responsible in a different way. I always like to keep busy – last week I recorded a new track for an EP which is coming out in a few weeks.

Tituss Burgess to play London Hippodrome

Broadway's Tituss Burgess will make his London debut with solo shows at the London Hippodrome on 22nd and 23rd September 2016.

Burgess made his Broadway debut in Good Vibrations before going on to appear in Jersey Boys. He went on to originate the role of Sebastian in Disney's The Little Mermaid opposite Sierra Boggess and later returned to Broadway as Nicely-Nicely Johnson in Guys and Dolls.

Rachel Potter to play the London Hippodrome

Club11 have announced that Broadway star Rachel Potter will play the London Hippodrome on 11th July 2016. Tickets are on sale now.

Potter originated the role of Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family on Broadway and went on to play The Mistress in the Broadway revival of Evita, having previously understudied Glinda in the U.S. tour of Wicked.

On screen, Potter competed on the U.S. version of The X Factor and MTV's The Search for Elle Woods.

Erich Bergen to play the London Hippodrome

Oh what a night! Erich Bergen will make his UK solo concert debut at the London Hippodrome as part of Club 11's season at the venue.

The concerts, which will feature songs and stories from Bergen's twenty year career, take place on Monday 27th June 2016 at 8pm and 11pm with tickets on sale now. 

Bergen played Bob Gaudio in Clint Eastwood's film adaptation of Jersey Boys, having played the role on stage in the U.S. He stars in American drama Madam Secretary which was recently renewed for its third season and is currently airing on Sky Living in the UK. 

Interview: Bonnie Langford

West End icon Bonnie Langford is currently preparing to play her solo show An Evening With Bonnie Langford at the London Hippodrome on 31st March 2016. 

Bonnie will be accompanied by the Winston Rollins Band with musical direction by Anthony England. Bonnie is currently starring as Carmel Kazemi in BBC One's EastEnders. Her most recent West End roles include Lady of the Lake in Spamalot (Playhouse) and Muriel Eubanks in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Savoy).

Just a few of Bonnie’s extensive theatre credits include 9 to 5, Chicago, Guys and Dolls, Sweet Charity, Oklahoma!, 42nd Street, Me and My Girl, The Pirates of Penzance, Cats, Gypsy and Gone with the Wind. On screen she has starred in Opportunity Knocks, Bugsy Malone, Just William, The Hot Shoe Show, Doctor Who and Dancing on Ice.

I recently caught up with Bonnie to discuss why she’s shaking things up for her new solo show, her special guests and what she enjoys about performing in such an intimate venue. We also spoke about EastEnders’ new found staginess and what people have been saying to her in the street…

On 31st March you’re having a night off from Walford to play a solo show at the London Hippodrome! Was it an easy “yes” when you were asked?

Oh yes! I’ve done my solo show many times before, but I haven’t done one in London for a while. They asked me ages ago but I couldn’t fit it in… then they asked me again and I decided I really wanted to do it because I’m not doing any music at the moment. I had a couple of weeks off in January and started thinking “I’ll add in this and I’ll do that instead” and of course now I’m working all hours trying to put it together! I know it will come together, I’m totally overworked and stressing but I didn’t want to just do what I’ve done before. I’ve decided to do some nice new stuff and I’ve been changing things up a bit. 

Frances Ruffelle brings solo show to the London Hippodrome

Frances Ruffelle will play a solo show at the London Hippodrome as part of Club11's upcoming season.

The Tony Award winner, who originated the role of Éponine in Les Miserables, brings her latest show I Say Yeh-Yeh to the Hippodrome on Thursday 5th May at 8pm

The show offers a comic insight to Ruffelle's own true life story from heartbreak to empowerment and brings a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ to songs you thought you knew! 

The show includes a brand new version of 'On My Own' arranged by Gwyneth Herbert who will also be performing with Ruffelle in this unique evening, with a French twist.

Anna-Jane Casey to play solo show at the London Hippodrome

Anna-Jane Casey is the latest star to be announced to play a solo show as part of Club11 London's season at the Hippodrome.

Performing music by the likes of Bruno Mars, Jerry Herman, Stiles and Drewe, Edith Piaf and Amy Winehouse, Casey's concert will take place at 8pm on Friday 15th April 2016.

Casey will perform with her jazz trio under the musical direction of Paul Herbert with special guests to be announced. 

Last night it was announced that Casey will star in Annie Get Your Gun at the Sheffield Crucible this Christmas. Her previous credits in Sheffield include Company, Sweet Charity and Piaf. 

New improv supergroup featuring Josie Lawrence to play the London Hippodrome

A new improv supergroup will be launched at the London Hippodrome on 24th March 2016.

The improv supergroup will feature Josie Lawrence (Whose Line Is It Anyway?/Comedy Store Players)and  Cariad Lloyd (Austentatious) as well as Pippa Evans and Ruth Bratt (both from Showstopper!). 

Described as a "fabulous night of improvised comedy and song", the show - created entirely from audience suggestions - will have musical direction from Yshani Perinpanayagam. 

Josie Lawrence is one of Britain's best loved actresses and comediennes. She first became a household name in WHO'S LINE IS IT ANYWAY? for Channel 4, and is a founder member of The Comedy Store Players with whom she still performs.

Kerry Ellis to play the Hippodrome in April

It has been announced that Kerry Ellis - the first lady of the West End - will play a solo concert at the London Hippodrome at 8pm on 29th April 2016.

Ellis is about to tour Italy and East Europe alongside Queen's Brian May with their One Voice show ahead of the release of their upcoming album. In recent years Ellis has performed solo shows at the Pheasantry, Delfont Room, London Palladium, Cadogan Hall and Leicester Curve to name but a few.

Ellis' theatre credits include: Grizabella in Cats (London Palladium), Helene in Sweet Charity (Cadogan Hall), Meat in We Will Rock You (Dominion), Nancy in Oliver! (Drury Lane), Fantine in Les Miserables (Queen’s), Ellen in Miss Saigon (UK Tour), Beth in The War of the Worlds (World Arena Tour), Svetlana Sergievsky in Chess (Royal Albert Hall), Mimi in RENT (UK Tour), West End Men (Vaudeville), Tell Me on a Sunday (RCCL) and understudy Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady (National/Drury Lane).

Bonnie Langford to play London Hippodrome

It has been announced that West End legend Bonnie Langford will play the London Hippodrome on 31st March 2016 at 8pm.

An Evening With Bonnie Langford will see the star singing songs and telling stories alongside some to-be-announced special guests. Langford will be accompanied by the Winston Rollins Band with musical direction by Anthony England.

Langford is currently starring as Carmel Kazemi in the BBC One's EastEnders. Her most recent West End roles include Lady of the Lake in Spamalot (Playhouse) and Muriel Eubanks in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Savoy).

Daniel Koek to play London Hippodrome

Daniel Koek will kick off the New Year with a concert at the London Hippodrome on 15th January.

Koek recently played Jean Valjean in the West End production of Les Miserables at the Queen's Theatre and released his second album High.

His theatre credits also include: Joseph Cable in South Pacific (Barbican/UK Tour/Sydney Opera House/Australian Tour), Anatoly in Chess (Tour) and Tony in West Side Story (50th Anniversary Tour). 

Review: Julia Murney Live at the London Hippodrome

Julia Murney Live
London Hippodrome
Reviewed on Monday 2nd November 2015 (11pm show)
★★★★

Last night Broadway actress Julia Murney made her London solo concert debut, playing two shows at the Hippodrome in Leicester Square. There aren't many people who can own a room like Julia Murney; as well as falling in love with her voice I found myself howling with laughter at her stories and quick wit. 

Cynthia Erivo announces Farewell London concert

It has been announced that Cynthia Erivo will perform a 'Farewell London' concert at the London Hippodrome on 21st September 2015 at 11pm.

Two days before flying off to New York to recreate her performance as Celie in The Color Purple, Erivo will perform alongside a selection of special guests.

Erivo first played Celie in The Color Purple's UK premiere at the Menier Chocolate Factory. In the Broadway revival she will star alongside Jennifer Hudson as Shug Avery and Danielle Brooks as Sofia. The show opens at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on 3rd December 2015 (previews from 9th November).

Beverley Knight & Matt Cardle to lead Live From Memphis charity concert

Beverley Knight, Matt Cardle and their fellow Memphis The Musical cast members will take to the stage at the London Hippodrome at 11.00pm on Thursday 24th September to raise funds for the Terrence Higgins Trust.

Entitled Live From Memphis, the up close and personal concert will feature a live band and an array of music with a few surprises. A silent auction will also take place.

Cardle recently took over as Huey in Memphis The Musical, joining Knight as Felicia. The show runs at the Shaftesbury Theatre until 31st October 2015. 

Knight said: “As a long time supporter of Terrence Higgins Trust, I am delighted that myself and my fellow Memphis cast members have this opportunity to raise money for the charity, while having a fantastic time! This will be a night to treasure”

Julia Murney announces London concerts

It has been announced that Broadway star Julia Murney will play two concerts in London later this year.

Murney will bring her solo show to the London Hippodrome on Monday 2nd November 2015 at 8pm and 11pm. The late-night performance will feature duets West End stars (to be announced).

Best known for starring as Elphaba in the Broadway and U.S. touring productions of Wicked, Murney's theatre credits also include: Lennon (Broadway), The Wild Party (Manhattan Theatre Club), Falling (Minetta Lane Theatre), The Vagina Monologues (WestSide), The Landing (Vineyard) and Time and Again (Manhattan Theatre Club).

Scott Alan announces September residency at the Hippodrome

Following his recent residency at the St James Theatre, it has been announced that US composer Scott Alan will return to London later this year.

Alan will play a two week residency at the London Hippodrome between 7th and 17th September 2015. 

He will be joined by some of the West End's biggest stars, including Ashleigh Gray, Dean John-Wilson, Rachelle Ann Go, Eva Noblezada and Oliver Tompsett. Newcomer Jennifer Owens, who performed 'Anything Worth Holding Onto' during one of Alan's shows at the St James Studio, will also take to the stage for a special concert whilst a special birthday concert will celebrate theatre critic Mark Shenton. 

Shoshana Bean announces 11pm London concert

Shoshana Bean has added a late-night concert to her upcoming residency at the London Hippodrome. 

In addition to playing 8pm shows on the 3rd, 4th and 5th June, Bean will play a special 11pm show on 4th June. At the extra show she will duet with some exciting guests including a handful of Elphabas and some you may not expect.

Confirmed special guests include current London Elphaba Emma Hatton and the West End's longest-serving Elphaba Rachel Tucker as well as Adrian Hansel (Hairspray), Eva Noblezada (Miss Saigon) and Jodie Jacobs (Carrie The Musical). Please note all guests are subject to change. 

UPDATE: Also joining the line-up are: Marcus Collins (Kinky Boots), Tyrone Huntley (Memphis) and, fresh from her appearance on Britain's Got Talent, Alison Jiear (Jerry Springer The Opera).

Big Interview: Shoshana Bean

Shoshana Bean is returning to the UK next month for a limited run of solo concerts at the London Hippodrome between 3rd and 5th June. The Broadway diva and chart topping artist will also play the Church Hill Theatre in Edinburgh on 14th June. 

Shoshana made her Broadway debut in the original cast of Hairspray, understudying the roles of Tracy Turnblad and Velma Von Tussle. 

She was then cast as Idina Menzel's standby in Wicked before becoming the first actress to take over the role of Elphaba on Broadway. She later reprised her portrayal of Elphaba in Wicked's first U.S. Tour.

Shoshana sang back up for Michael Jackson at his 30th anniversary concert at Madison Square Garden and arranged vocals for Jennifer Lopez’s American Idol performance of “I Luh Ya Papi.” Known for her powerhouse vocals, impressive range and energetic and emotional performances, Shoshana’s independent solo releases have topped the iTunes R&B and Blues charts in the US and UK in peak positions 5 and 3; her latest EP Shadows to Light reached #1.

Most recently Shoshana has become a YouTube sensation, collaborating with other artists and releasing covers, receiving millions of hits in just weeks.

I recently sat down for a chat with Shoshana (via the wonders of Skype) to discuss her return to the UK, her crazy schedule and why she’s learnt to embrace her association with Wicked…

How excited are you to be returning to London and playing Edinburgh for the first time?!

Beyond! Beyond excited! London’s my favourite and everyone keeps telling me how spectacular Edinburgh is so I can’t wait!

Ann Hampton Callaway & Liz Callaway returning to London with 'Sibling Revelry'

Ann Hampton Callaway and her sister Liz Callaway are bringing their show Sibling Revelry back to London for the first time in nineteen years.

They will play a five-day residency at the Hippodrome Casino between Tuesday 7th July and Saturday 11th July 2015. Dan Foster directs.

Liz is an Emmy Award-winning actress, singer and recording artist, who made her Broadway debut in Sondheim’s Merrily We Roll Along, received a Tony Award nomination for her performance in the musical Baby, she co-starred in the original Broadway production of Miss Saigon and for five years won acclaim starring as Grizabella in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats. 

Shoshana Bean to play three shows at the Hippodrome in June!

She's back! It has been confirmed that Shoshana Bean will return to London later this year.

The Broadway diva will play a limited three night engagement at the Hippodrome Casino between 3rd and 5th June 2015. Bean will also play shows in Edinburgh and Vienna.

Three people will win the chance to sing with Bean at her concerts, follow her on Twitter for further info (@shoshanabean).

Bean made her Broadway debut in the original cast of Hairspray. She was Idina Menzel's standby in Wicked before becoming the first actress to take over the role on Broadway. Bean later played Elphaba in Wicked's first U.S. Tour.