Casting announced for The Hired Man

Casting has been announced for the upcoming concert staging of The Hired Man. Howard Goodall and Melvyn Bragg’s musical will play London’s Cadogan Hall on 22nd September 2016.

The cast will be led by Jenna Russell and John Owen-Jones as John and Emily. Russell most recently starred in Jamie Lloyd’s production of Doctor Faustus whilst Owen-Jones is currently performing as Jean Valjean in Les Miserables on Broadway, 

Big Interview: Jenna Russell

Jenna Russell is currently starring as Mephistopheles in Doctor Faustus at the Duke of York’s Theatre.

Directed by Jamie Lloyd, Jenna stars alongside Kit Harington in the title role. This production marks the London premiere of Colin Teevan’s version of Christopher Marlowe’s classic play.

Jenna most recently starred as Little Edie/Edith opposite Sheila Hancock in Grey Gardens at the Southwark Playhouse. Her recent credits also include: Woman 2 in Songs for a New World (St James), Rose in Di and Viv and Rose (Vaudeville), Pennywise in Urinetown (St James/Apollo), Coleen and Bart in Mr Burns (Almeida) and Mary Flynn in Merrily We Roll Along (Menier/Harold Pinter).

A renowned West End icon, Jenna famously won an Olivier Award for her portrayal of Dot/Marie in the 2007 West End revival of Sunday in the Park with George, later receiving a Tony nomination when she reprised her performance on Broadway.

Just a few of Jenna’s extensive theatre credits feature: Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls (Piccadilly), Cinderella in Into the Woods (Donmar), Marilyn in Soho Cinders (Soho), Enid in Victoria Wood’s That Day We Sang (Manchester), Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods, Nellie in The Card & Hermia in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (all Regent’s Park), Amy in Amy’s View (Garrick), Natasha in Three Sisters (Royal Court), Young Sally in Follies (Shaftesbury) and Les Miserables (Palace). For the RSC she has played Phoebe in As You Like It, Iras in Antony and Cleopatra, Dorcas in The Winter’s Tale, Susan in Misha’s Party, Rick in Wildest Dreams and Lucy Lockit in The Beggar’s Opera. 

On screen Jenna has appeared in Call the Midwife, The Paradise, Holby City, Petra in Minder, Doctor Who, Deborah Gilder in Born and Bred, Men Only, Peak Practice, Bernadette in Picking Up the Pieces, Maggie in On the Up, Mortdecai and The Fear.

I recently spoke to Jenna about reuniting with Jamie Lloyd on Doctor Faustus, why she is still hopeful Grey Gardens will transfer to the West End and what song she used to freak out to in her living room whilst growing up…

First of all, I can’t believe this is your first ever West End Frame interview!

I know! I was just thinking that, have I never done one before? Oh my gosh. We’ve broken the back, this is a good day [laughs].

Review: Doctor Faustus starring Kit Harington at the Duke of York's Theatre

Doctor Faustus 
Duke of York's Theatre
Reviewed on Friday 22nd April 2016
★★★

Breaking away from their usual home of Trafalgar Studios, the Jamie Lloyd Company have taken over the Duke of York's Theatre with their production of Christopher Marlowe's Doctor Faustus (using Using Colin Teevan's adaptation). In true Jamie Lloyd style some courageous ideas have been thrown into the mix, with the exploration of celebrity culture providing the evening's most compelling moments.

Game of Thrones actor Kit Harington takes on the title role, giving a sturdy performance. There was talk in the interval of some girls almost passing out when Harington took his clothes off; but there's more to Harington than his six pack - he's at ease on stage and throws himself into Faustus' complex mindset, performing intensely gory scene after intensely gory scene.

Harington stars opposite the sensational Jenna Russell as Mephistopheles - I couldn't take my eyes off Russell, once again she gives a faultless performance in an entirely different role. There truly is nothing she cannot do. The ensemble are in sync, performing Polly Bennett's eerie movement direction.

PICS: Kit Harington & Jenna Russell rehearse Doctor Faustus

Rehearsal images have been released for Jamie Lloyd's production of Doctor Faustus starring Kit Harington in the title role. Check out the pictures below (click picture to enlarge).

The cast also includes Jenna Russell (Mephistopheles), Jade Anouka (Wagner), Tom Edden (Good Angel), Danielle Flett (Valdes), Brian Gilligan (Cornelius), Forbes Masson (Lucifer), Craig Stein (Evil Angel) and ensemble member Gabby Wong.

Jenna Russell & Brian Gilligan join Kit Harington in Doctor Faustus

Full casting has been announced for Jamie Lloyd's production of Doctor Faustus.

Jenna Russell joins the previously announced Kit Harington, taking on the role of Mephistopheles.

The cast also includes: Jade Anouka (Wagner), Tom Edden (Good Angel), Danielle Flett (Valdes), Brian Gilligan (Cornelius), Forbes Masson (Lucifer), Craig Stein (Evil Angel) and ensemble member Gabby Wong.

The play opens at the Duke of York’s Theatre on 25th April (previews from 9th April) and has extended its run for an additional three weeks to 25th June 2016. 

Line-up confirmed for 2016 WhatsOnStage Awards

The line-up has been confirmed for the 2016 WhatsOnStage Awards which take place on 21st February at the Prince of Wales Theatre.

Hosts Mel Giedroyc and Steve Furst will kick off the evening by performing an original song called 'The Greatest Show of All'.

Later in the evening Pixie Lott will sing 'Moon River' ahead of starring in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. 

The line-up also includes Jenna Russell who will perform a number from Grey Gardens whilst Emma Williams and Tracie Bennett will treat the audience to a duet from Mrs Henderson Presents.

Review: Grey Gardens at the Southwark Playhouse

Grey Gardens

Southwark Playhouse

Reviewed on Thursday 7th January 2016
★★★★

Adapted from the 1975 documentary, Grey Gardens is an unusual musical which explores the relationship between a mother and daughter - Edith Bouvier Beale and Little Edie - as they spiral down the social ladder and become reclusive outcasts living in horrific conditions (surrounded by cats).

The month ahead: January 2016

Keep an eye on...

Noma Dumezweni

Noma Dumezweni's career is currently soaring from strength to strength. This week she is giving her final performances as the title character in Linda at the Royal Court, a role she took over from Kim Cattrall two weeks before opening night. She is also preparing to make her directorial debut, helming I See You by Mongiwekhaya which begins performances at the Royal Court in February. Later this year she will take on the role of a lifetime, starring as Hermione in J.K. Rowling's play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Dumezweni is certainly one to watch!

Sheila Hancock & Jenna Russell

Later this week (7th Jan) the European première of Grey Gardens opens to press at the Southwark Playhouse. Thom Southerland's production stars Sheila Hancock and Jenna Russell, both of whom are Olivier Award winning actresses. In 2007 Hancock won Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical for playing Fraulein Schneider in Cabaret whilst Russell won Best Actress in a Musical in 2006 for playing Dot in Sunday in the Park with George. There's already talk in theatreland about both stars giving performances to remember; Grey Gardens plays until 6th February 2016.

Shows that should be on your radar...

Production Pics: Grey Gardens starring Sheila Hancock & Jenna Russell

Production images have been released for the European première of Grey Gardens. Check out the pictures below (click image to enlarge).

Starring Olivier Award winning actresses Sheila Hancock and Jenna Russell, the musical currently in previews ahead of press night on 7th January 2016. The cast also includes Aaron Sidwell as Joe/Jerry, Billy Boyle as Major Bouvier/Norman Vincent Peale, Jeremy Legat as Gould, Ako Mitchell as Brooks Sr and Jr and Rachel Anne Rayham as young Edie. 

PICS: Sheila Hancock & Jenna Russell rehearse Grey Gardens

Rehearsal images have been released for the European première of Grey Gardens. The musical stars Olivier Award winning actresses Sheila Hancock and Jenna Russell as Edith “Big Edie” Ewing Bouvier Beale and Edith “Little Edie” Bouvier Beale. Check out the pictures below (click image to enlarge). 

Based on an iconic 1975 documentary, Grey Gardens tells the spectacular real life rise and fall of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’s aunt and cousin, Edith and Edie Bouvier Beale. Directed by Thom Southerland, the musical opens at the Southwark Playhouse on 7th January 2016 (previews from 2nd January) for a limited run until 6th February 2016. 

Stellar cast announced for Almeida's The Iliad

A company of more than 60 artists will bring The Iliad to life in a durational reading on Friday 14th August. 

The reading will begin at the British Museum and culminate on the Almeida stage. 

The marathon reading is the latest event in the theatre’s Almeida Greeks Festival which has so far seen Robert Icke’s critically acclaimed production of Oresteia transfer to Trafalgar Studios in the West End and James Macdonald’s production of Bakkhai play to sold out houses at the Almeida.

Homer’s The Iliad is the source myth of Greek drama and the greatest story of heroism, betrayal and war in literature. 

Review: Songs For A New World at the St James Theatre

Songs For A New World 
St James Theatre
Reviewed on Friday 24th July 2015
★★★★

Written by Jason Robert Brown when he was only twenty-five, Songs For A New World has become truly iconic. I had forgotten just how many incredibly written numbers are in the show, which is celebrating twenty years since its off-Broadway premiere.

GOSSIP: Could Sheila Hancock & Jenna Russell star in Grey Gardens?

According to the Daily Mail's Baz Bamigboye, Sheila Hancock and Jenna Russell are in early discussions about the possibility of starring in Grey Gardens.

Directed by Thom Southerland, Bamigboye reports that the musical will run at the Southwark Playhouse in early 2016.

Grey Gardens premiered off-Broadway in 2006 before transferring to Broadway and winning three Tony Awards.

Cynthia Erivo, Jenna Russell, Damian Humbley & Dean-John Wilson to star in Songs for a New World

Casting has been announced for the London revival of Songs for a New World by Jason Robert Brown.

Directed by Adam Lenson, the musical runs at the St. James Theatre between 22nd July and 8th August 2015.

The cast includes Cynthia Erivo, Jenna Russell, Damian Humbley and Dean-John Wilson, alongside a five piece band.

Cynthia Erivo is set to reprise her performance in The Colour Purple on Broadway this autumn, starring alongside Jennifer Hudson. Her other theatre credits include Henry IV (Donmar Warehouse); Dessa Rose (Trafalgar Studios); Sister Act: The Musical (UK Tour); The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (Gielgud Theatre). Her television credits include The Tunnel (Kudos) and Mr Selfridge (ITV).

Review: Di and Viv and Rose at the Vaudeville Theatre

Di and Viv and Rose
Vaudeville Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday 3rd February 2015
★★★★

Plays like Di and Viv and Rose don't come along very often. Playwright Amelia Bullmore allows her audience to live and breathe the friendship shared between these three women from when they join forces at uni aged eighteen right through to facing the troubles of adulthood.

Review: Urinetown at the Apollo Theatre

Urinetown

Apollo Theatre

Reviewed on Wednesday 8th October 2014

★★★★★

Jonathan Slinger

For the past few months I've been telling everyone who missed Urinetown during its sell-out run at the St James Theatre to make sure they catch the musical in its new West End home. Of course the reply I always receive is, "What on earth is that about?" 

To put it simply, instead of retelling a love story or following a journey to self-discovery as many musicals do, Urinetown looks into how the world would cope if we lost the privilege to pee. Those who break the rules are sent to Urinetown but, of course, there is a rebellion.

It's important to point out that Mark Hollmann and Greg Kotis' show is a satirical musical comedy. The tone is perfect with the Narrator, Officer Lockstock (Jonathan Slinger) and Little Sally (Karis Jack) making fun of musicals in general as well as Urinetown's dark story and peculiar title. The piece is written cleverly and it's so refreshing to see it in the West End. The satirical humour makes Urinetown totally unique and I am confident it could build up a hugely dedicated audience.

Tamzin Outhwaite, Samantha Spiro & Jenna Russell star in West End transfer of Di And Viv And Rose

It has been announced that the Hampstead Theatre’s production Di and Viv and Rose will transfer to the Vaudeville Theatre.

The show opens on 29th January 2015 (previews from 22nd January). Anna Mackmin returns to direct Amelia Bullmore’s funny and insightful comedy about female friendship. Tamzin Outhwaite reprises her role as Di and will be joined by Samantha Spiro as Viv and Jenna Russell as Rose.

Urinetown confirms further casting for West End transfer

Producers of Urinetown have confirmed casting details for the musical's West End transfer. As we reported last night, Jenna Russell (pictured right) and Jonathan Slinger will reprise their performances as Penelope Pennywise and Officer Lockstock

Marc Elliott, Rosanna Hyland and Karis Jack will also reprise their performances as Mr. McQueen, Hope Cladwell and Little Sally.

Further confirmed casting (from Urinetown’s original UK premiere run at the St James Theatre) includes: Chris Bennett (Swing), Katie Bernstein (Little Becky Two Shoes/Mrs. Millennium), Cory English (Old Man Strong/Hot Blades Harry), Madeleine Harland (Soupy Sue), Julie Jupp (Old Woman/ Josephine Strong), Aaron Lee Lambert (Billy Boy Bill/ UGC Executive), Mark Meadows (Senator Fipp), Joel Montague (Swing) and Jeff Nicholson (Tiny Tom/ Dr. Billeaux).

Gossip: Urinetown confirms return

Producers of Urinetown, which ends its run at the St James Theatre this week, have seemingly confirmed that the production will return.

An advert was run in yesterday's Evening Standard which read "Back in town. Following a critically acclaimed and sold-out run at the St James Theatre, Urinetown The Musical will return." Readers were asked to sign up to the show's newsletter for further information.

Urinetown had previously been tipped for a West End transfer which could happen later this year, unless Jamie Lloyd's production returns to the St James Theatre for a second season.

Jenna Russell to star in Mr Burns at the Almeida; casting announced

It has been confirmed that Jenna Russell will star in Mr Burns at the Almeida Theatre.

The European premiere of Anne Washburn’s play will be directed by the Almeida's associate director Robert Icke (who recently he wrote and directed 1984 with Duncan Macmillan).

The company also includes Fiona Digney, Adrian der Gregorian, Demetri Goritsas, Adey Grummet, Michael Henry, Justine Mitchell, Wunmi Mosaku, Annabel Scholey and Michael Shaeffer.

Mr Burns will be designed by Tom Scutt who most recently worked on the Almeida’s current production of King Charles III. Philip Gladwell will design the lighting, sound design will be by Tom Gibbons, with joint composition and musical direction by Orlando Gough and Michael Henry.