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 

Kay Murphy, Matthew Croke & Sophie Linder-Lee set for 'We Are Stagey Like That'

Marking the final Sunday In The Arts With... of 2015, this Sunday (29th November) Anthony Williamson and Emma Ralston will present and star in We Are Stagey Like That at Above The Arts Theatre. 

The concert will celebrate "the best of what has been a hilariously stagey year". Performing alongside Williamson and Ralston will be Kay Murphy (Xanadu/Matilda), Matthew Croke (Funny Girl/Wicked) and Sophie Linder-Lee (Rocky Horror/Wicked).

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.