In The Heights to welcome Aimie Atkinson as Daniela!

Tell me something I don't know! Aimie Atkinson is joining the London production of In The Heights to star as Daniela. 

Atkinson takes over from Philippa Stefani who recently left the show. The role of Daniela was originated in the UK by Victoria Hamilton-Barritt. Atkinson is expected to join the show when performances resume at the King's Cross Theatre this Friday (16th September).

Atkinson's credits include: Serena in Legally Blonde (Kilworth House), Teresa in Blockbuster (UK tour), Penny Lane in Carnaby Street (UK tour), Shelby Stevens in Steel Pier (Union), Chloe in Never Forget (UK tour), Luisa in Zorro the Musical (UK tour), Elizabeth in Dirty Dancing (tour), Amber in Legacy Falls (Charing Cross) and Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz (Brighton).

In The Heights announces new cast & final extension

In The Heights has extended its booking for the final time at the King's Cross Theatre to 8th January 2017.

Joining the cast from Friday 16th September are Arun Blair-Mangat as ‘Benny’, Juliet Gough as ‘Camilla’ and Stephanie Rojas as ‘Carla’.

Sarah Naudi, who has been with the show since it opened at the Southwark Playhouse in 2014, is taking over as ‘Vanessa’ and Damian Buhagiar returns to the production as ‘Sonny’, having played the role in 2014.

Emma Kingston returns to In The Heights as emergency cover Vanessa

Tonight Emma Kingston is returning to In The Heights to play Vanessa due to a shortage of cast members. 

Kingston originated the role in the musical's UK premiere at the Southwark Playhouse in 2014. This will be the first time she's played Vanessa at the King's Cross Theatre. 

Kingston recently left the West End production of Les Miserables where she understudied Éponine. Christine Allado currently plays Vanessa.

In The Heights is currently booking at the King's Cross Theatre to 30th October 2016. The musical has music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda. 

The London production, which premiered at the Southwark Playhouse in 2014 before transferring to the King's Cross Theatre the following year, is directed by Luke Sheppard with choreography by Drew McOnie and musical supervision by Tom Deering. 

In The Heights releases new production pics; Dex Lee takes over as Benny

New production images have been released for In The Heights via the musical's official Facebook Page.

In The Heights is currently booking at the King's Cross Theatre to 30th October 2016. The musical has music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda. 

The London production, which premiered at the Southwark Playhouse in 2014 before transferring to the King's Cross Theatre the following year, is directed by Luke Sheppard with choreography by Drew McOnie and musical supervision by Tom Deering. 

GOSSIP: Film adaptation of In The Heights in the works with Harvey Weinstein

Sam Mackay in In The Heights

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Harvey Weinstein has acquired the rights for a film adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda's musical In The Heights. 

Producer Scott Sanders is said to also be on board for the long-rumoured project. 

Universal previous had the rights for the movie; Kenny Ortega was rumoured to be directing the movie with a screenplay by Marc Klein and a budget of $37 million. 

Following Universal’s departure, Miranda said he was aiming for a “scrappy,” scaled-back production “keeping in spirit with the show.” A new director is yet to be announced. 

Line-up announced for The Musical Marathon at the King’s Cross Theatre

King’s Cross Theatre, home of In The Heights, will host The Musical Marathon this Sunday 17th April, a one-off charity concert in aid of male cancer charity Orchid. 

Producer Paul Taylor-Mills is running the London Marathon on Sunday 24th April, and will bring together a host of his theatrical friends to raise vital funds for his chosen charity, Orchid.

There will be performances from Zizi Strallen (Mary Poppins), Evelyn Hoskins (Carrie), Jodie Steele (Fame), Sandra Marvin (Show Boat), Jodie Jacobs (Rock Of Ages), Liam Doyle (Ghost), Nathan Amzi (Aladdin), Kim Criswell (Carrie), Ross William Wild (Bare), Michael Vinsen (Kinky Boots), Emma Kingston (Les Miserables) and Shaun McCourt (Joseph). Ben Hewis hosts.

In The Heights announces new cast

In The Heights has announced its new cast.

Christine Allado has taken over as Vanessa with Norma Atallah and Jonathan Bishop joining the cast as Abuela and Graffiti Pete. New cast members also include Kimmy Edwards (pictured) and Ryan Reid.

David Bedella, Josie Benson, Vas Constanti, Lily Frazer, Sam Mackay, Sarah Naudi, Joe Aaron Reid, Cleve September and Philippa Stefani will continue to star in the show, with the cast being completed by Jocasta Almgill, Courtney-Mae Briggs, Michael Cortez, Gabriela Garcia, Reiss Hinds and Spin.

In the Heights recently won three Olivier Awards including Outstanding Achievement in Music, Best Theatre Choreographer for Drew McOnie and Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical for David Bedella.

In The Heights extends London booking to October 2016!

In The Heights has once again extended its run at the King's Cross Theatre! The musical is now booking to 30th October 2016, with additional tickets on sale now.

Following its sell out run at the Southwark Playhouse last year, In The Heights transferred to the King's Cross Theatre in October 2015. The Railway Children will continue to play in REP with In The Heights.

The musical currently stars David Bedella as Kevin, Josie Benson, as Camila, Vas Constanti as Piragua Guy, Jade Ewen as Vanessa, Lily Frazer as Nina, Philippa Stefani as Daniela, Sam Mackay as Usnavi, Antoine Murray-Straughan as Graffiti Pete, Sarah Naudi as Carla, Eve Polycarpou as Abuela, Joe Aaron Reid as Benny and Cleve September as Sonny.

Big Interview: Joe Aaron Reid

Broadway star Joe Aaron Reid is currently making his London theatre debut as Benny in In The Heights at the King’s Cross Theatre.

Last year Lin-Manuel Miranda and Quiara Alegría Hudes' musical transferred to the King’s Cross Theatre following its UK premiere at the Southwark Playhouse in 2014. Directed by Luke Sheppard with choreography by Drew McOnie, In The Heights has extended its run several times.

Joe‘s Broadway credits include: Stephen in IF/THEN alongside Idina Menzel, Fred Casely in Chicago, Ronnie Driscoll in Curtains, understudy Willie Lopez in Ghost The Musical, ensemble in Catch Me If You Can and understudy Howard in Finian's Rainbow. 

His off-Broadway credits feature: Daniel in Once On This Island, Howard in Finian's Rainbow, The Tin Pan Alley Rag, Kismet, Why We Tell the Story and Lines. Joe’s U.S. regional theatre credits include: Gaby in On The Town (5th Avenue Theater), Gymnasia in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Williamstown), understudy Coalhouse in Ragtime (Paper Mill Playhouse), Ronnie Driscoll in Curtains (Ahmanson Theatre) and Munkustrap in Cats (Northern Stage).

In addition, Joe appeared in both seasons of U.S. musical drama Smash and played DJ Shaggy in Jerry Mitchell's workshop of Legally Blonde The Musical. I recently spoke to Joe about what makes In The Heights a dream job, the differences between working in New York and London plus his experiences with IF/THEN, Smash and more.

In The Heights marks your London theatre debut, how did your casting come about?

I moved here last March; a friend put me in touch with an agent and I was auditioning for a couple of shows. I actually booked another show that ended up getting cancelled (Stardust Road). Two days after I found out it was cancelled I had an audition for In The Heights, I think they had been re-casting for quite some time and I was brought in when it was final call backs. I truly believe that everything happens for a reason because the other show was only supposed to run for a couple of weeks whereas In The Heights was going to run for a month… but it has kept extending and extending. It has been a blessing, for sure!

Competition: Win tickets to see IN THE HEIGHTS at the King's Cross Theatre!

Lights up on Washington Heights! We are giving away a pair of tickets to IN THE HEIGHTS at the King's Cross Theatre. To enter the competition, simply sign up to West End Frame's mailing list below.

The winner will be randomly selected at 10am on Monday 25th January 2016 (entries after this time will not be included). The prize is valid  Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evening performances until 11th February 2016.

Even if you already subscribe to West End Frame's newsletter you still have to input your details below to enter this particular competition. You will not receive our newsletter twice (assuming you enter the same email address). Please read the terms and conditions below.

Victoria Hamilton-Barritt announces In The Heights maternity leave

Victoria Hamilton-Barritt has announced that she is now on maternity leave from In The Heights. 

The stand out star, who won tremendous acclaim for her portrayal of Daniela, played her final show this week at eight months pregnant.

Writing on Twitter, Hamilton-Barritt said: "A beautiful time I had returning to In The Heights for the King's Cross Theatre run! I am officially on maternity leave folks at eight months #notlong. 

"Thanks to all who came to support me and the show whilst I've been pregnant, you've all made the experience so special! Will miss all at In The Heights impossible to forget the best experience of my life... now new memories, doing what's best for the babe."

WhatsOnStage Awards 2016: Full nominations list

This afternoon nominations for the 2016 WhatsOnStage Awards were announced at Café de Paris. 

Voting is now open and will close on 31st January before the winners are announced at the Prince of Wales Theatre on 21st February. Kinky Boots, In the Heights and Hamlet starring Benedict Cumberbatch lead the nominations with 9 each, whilst Gypsy secured 8 nominations.

Best Actor in a Play

· Benedict Cumberbatch, Hamlet

· James McAvoy, The Ruling Class

· Bradley Cooper, The Elephant Man

· Mark Rylance, Farinelli and the King

· Alex Hassell, Henry V

Nathan Amzi returning to In The Heights

Nathan Amzi is returning to In The Heights for a limited two-week run.

Amzi will reprise his performance as Piragua Guy, performing in place of Vas Constanti, from Monday 21st December 2015 to Sunday 3rd January 2016. 

Amzi originated the role in the London production which premiered at the Southwark Playhouse in 2014. 

In The Heights recently extended its run at King’s Cross Theatre for a second time, now booking for an additional 3 months until Sunday 10th April 2016.

In The Heights extends to April 2016

In The Heights has extended its run at the King's Cross Theatre to 10th April 2016. 

Following its sell out run at the Southwark Playhouse last year, In The Heights transferred to the King's Cross Theatre in October 2015. 

The musical was previously booking to 3rd January 2016. The Railway Children will continue to play in REP with In The Heights. The play has also extended its run to 10th April 2016.

The current cast includes David Bedella as Kevin, Josie Benson as Camila, Vas Constanti as Piragua Guy, Jade Ewen as Vanessa, Lily Frazer as Nina, Victoria Hamilton-Barritt as Daniela, Sam Mackay as Usnavi, Antoine Murray-Straughan as Graffiti Pete, Sarah Naudi as Carla, Eve Polycarpou as Abuela, Joe Aaron Reid as Benny and Cleve September as Sonny.

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.

Review: In The Heights at the King's Cross Theatre

In The Heights
King's Cross Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday 13th October 2015
★★★★★

Jade Ewen

Last May In The Heights set theatreland on fire when it made its UK premiere at the Southwark Playhouse. 

Seventeen months later Luke Sheppard's production has returned to London, playing in rep with The Railway Children at the newly built King's Cross Theatre. 

In The Heights is quite simply a musical like no other. With his new show Hamilton currently revolutionising Broadway, it seems audiences on both side of the pond can't get enough of Lin-Manuel Miranda. His writing hits you like a breath of fresh air and makes an almighty impression.

In The Heights, which premiered off-Broadway in 2007 before moving to the Great White Way for a triumphant three year run, provides a snapshot into the lives of an ensemble of characters living in the Washington Heights. Sacrifices are made, dreams are achieved and hearts are at risk of being broken. In The Heights is brought to life with energy and culture, introducing characters who aren't usually represented in musical theatre.

In The Heights extends booking to January 2016

WhatsOnStage have announced that In The Heights, which is currently booking to 1st November 2015, has extended its run at the King's Cross Theatre to 3rd January 2016.

First images of the production have been released, see below (click picture to enlarge).

Following its sell out run at the Southwark Playhouse last year, In The Heights has transferred to the King's Cross Theatre, running in REP with The Railway Children. 

The current cast includes Sam Mackay (Usnavi), Jade Ewen (Vanessa), David Bedella (Kevin), Josie Benson (Camila), Victoria Hamilton-Barritt (Daniela), Sarah Naudi (Carla), Eve Polycarpou (Abuela), Lily Frazer (Nina), Antoine Murray-Straughan (Graffiti Pete), Joe Aaron Reid (Benny) and Cleve September (Sonny). 

Completing the cast are: Jocasta Almgill, Courtney-Mae Briggs, Michael Cortez, Gabriela Garcia, Reiss Hinds, Alexandra Sarmiento and Spin.

Big Interview: David Bedella

David Bedella is currently reprising his performance as Kevin in In The Heights.

Luke Sheppard's production has transferred to the King's Cross Theatre following its triumphant sell out run at the Southwark Playhouse last year.

David recently reprised his celebrated portrayal of Frank N. Furter in The Rocky Horror Show at the Playhouse Theatre, starring alongside the show’s creator Richard O’Brien. He has previously played the role on and off to huge acclaim in the West End, on tour around the UK and in the US with Meatloaf since 1992.

David created the role of Satan/Warm-up Man in Jerry Springer The Opera first at the Edinburgh Festival, then at the National Theatre, in the West End and on film for the BBC. For his performance, he won the 2004 Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical. He later reprised the role at the Sydney Opera House and at New York’s Carnegie Hall.

David’s extensive theatre credits also include: Roger De Bris in The Producers (UK tour), title character in Sweeney Todd (Twickenham Theatre), Putting It Together (St James Theatre), Arnold in Torch Song Trilogy & Wilson Mizner in Road Show (both Menier Chocolate Factory), Billy Flynn in Chicago (West End), Molokov in Chess In Concert (Royal Albert Hall), Maxwell Fortune in Chasing Fate (Birmingham Hippodrome), title character in Hedwig And The Angry Inch (Heaven), Smokey Joe’s Cafe (Broadway) and Ciaphas in Jesus Christ Superstar (US Tour).

I recently spoke to David about why In The Heights is such a special show, what makes the creative team so incredible and how it felt to step back out on stage as Frank N. Furter...

Was it an easy decision when you were asked to return to In The Heights?

Absolutely! It was a very easy yes! Most of us were involved from the beginning because we loved the piece, loved the message, loved the cast and loved the music so everything was from the heart. It was a small production and we made no money so it wasn’t about furthering our careers or about financial gain, it was all about our love for the show. Second time around we’re faced with many of those same issues [laughs], we’re in another small theatre and none of us are going to get rich doing this but we get to revisit a show which has touched our hearts to the core and I’m thrilled to be doing it a second time.

In The Heights transferring to the King's Cross Theatre

Following its sell out run at the Southwark Playhouse last year, In The Heights will transfer to the King's Cross Theatre later this year.

The musical will run in rep with The Railway Children between 3rd October and 1st November 2015. Tickets go on sale at 10am tomorrow.

The show is directed by Luke Sheppard with choreography by Drew McOnie and musical supervision by Tom Deering. Casting is to be announced. In The Heights has music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda and book by Quiara Alegría Hudes. 

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).