Full casting announced for Twelfth Night starring Ellie Nunn & John Pickard

Full casting has been announced for Grassroots Shakespeare London's production of Twelfth Night.

Marking Grassroots' first production as the resident company at the Leicester Square Theatre, the show stars the previously announced Ellie Nunn (pictured) as Viola. 

Twelfth Night opens at the Leicester Square Theatre on 12th April (previews from 5th April) and runs until 14th May 2016.

The cast also includes John Pickard as Sir Toby Belch, Richard Soames as Feste, Kit Loyd as Sebastian, Louis Labovitch as Duke Orsino, Emily Jane Kerr as Maria, Jim Conway as Malvolio and Benjamin Bonar as Sir Andrew Aguecheek as well as Tamaryn Payne, Chris Thomson and Darrell Davy. 

Natalie Weiss returning to London!

She's back! Having played two sold out concerts at the St James Theatre in 2014, it has been announced that U.S. star Natalie Weiss is returning to London.

The YouTube sensation will perform a solo show at the Leicester Square Theatre on Sunday 1st May 2016 at 8pm. Tickets will be avaliable from www.leicestersquaretheatre.com.

Weiss is expected to sing an array of songs ranging from pop to musical theatre including some of her biggest YouTube hits.

Weiss previously appeared in the Les Misérables 25th anniversary U.S. tour. She understudied the Menonettes in Everyday Rapture on Broadway and covered Elphaba in the 2nd national U.S. tour of Wicked. Weiss was an American Idol season 4 semi-finalist and has performed the National Anthem at Cowboys & Shea Stadiums. 

Review: Audra McDonald Live In Concert at the Leicester Square Theatre

Audra McDonald Live In Concert
Leicester Square Theatre
Reviewed on Sunday 17th January 2016 (evening performance)
★★★★★

Before taking to the stage at the Leicester Square Theatre yesterday for two sold out shows, it had been over fifteen years since six-time Tony winner Audra McDonald had performed a solo concert in London. It's safe to say McDonald made up for lost time, performing a plethora of music from the Great American Musical Theatre Songbook. 

Audra McDonald returning to London for solo concert!

It has been announced that Broadway star Audra McDonald will play a London concert next year.

The Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award winning performer will take to the stage at the Leicester Square Theatre on 17th January 2016. Tickets are on sale from 10am on Wednesday 2nd December.

UPDATE: A matinee concert had been added at 3pm on 17th January.

McDonald will perform a wide range of songs both familiar and lesser known by the likes of Rodgers & Hammerstein, Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Stephen Sondheim and Kate Miller-Heidke.

It has been more than a decade since McDonald has performed in London. She last appeared at the Royal Albert Hall in 2002 when she became only the second American in more than 100 years invited to appear as a guest soloist at the Last Night of the BBC Proms (she also performed at the Proms in 1999 under Simon Rattle with the concert production of Wonderful Town). In 1999, her concerts at the Donmar Warehouse were recorded for television and later released on video by Nonesuch.

Review: Molly Wobbly at the Leicester Square Theatre

Molly Wobbly

Leicester Square Theatre (The Lounge)

Reviewed on Friday 30th January 2015

★★

What to say about Molly Wobbly? It's quite possibly one of the most bizarre and absurd evenings I have spent in a theatre. Reading the programme notes by Paul Boyd, the writer/director, it's clear that the late Christopher Malcolm (the original Brad in The Rocky Horror Show) has had a hand in the nurturing and development of this show: unsurprising as this show has 'cult' written all over it and echoes of that show resound strongly throughout this piece.

Casting announced for Molly Wobbly's run at the Leicester Square Theatre

Casting has been announced for Molly Wobbly's run at the Leicester Square Theatre in The Lounge. The musical begins performances on Tuesday 27th January and runs until Saturday 14th March 2015.

The cast includes: Cassie Compton (Wicked/Les Misérables), Stephanie Fearon (Over the Rainbow/A Chorus Line), Jane Milligan (Mamma Mia!/Return to the Forbidden Planet), Conleth Kane (original Molly Wobbly cast member), Christopher Finn (original Molly Wobbly cast member), Ashley Knight (I Can't Sing/Ghost), Alan Richardson (Iolanthe/Pirates of Penzance) and Russell Morton (original Molly Wobbly cast member).

Molly Wobbly has original book, music and lyrics by Paul Boyd who is also directing this production. Choreography is by Sarah Johnston with musical direction by Matthew Reeve, design by Diego Pitarch and lighting by Tom Kitney.

Competition: Win a pair of tickets to see Slightly Fat Features in VARIETY SOUP at the Leicester Square Theatre

We are giving away a pair of tickets to VARIETY SOUP at the Leicester Square 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 Thursday 4th December 2014 (entries after this time will not be included). The prize is valid until 4th January 2015.

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.

Once considered the pinnacle of family entertainment, the Variety Show packed out theatres and had millions hooked to their television sets. But now, in this modern era of instant, flat screen, comfy sofa viewing, ‘variety’ only appears to exist on ITV1 ©Simon Cowell. Until now.

Review: Stick Man at the Leicester Square Theatre

Stick Man
Leicester Square Theatre
Reviewed on Saturday 15th November 2014
★★★★★

'Stick Man lives in the family tree

With his Stick Lady Love

and their stick children three...’

However, when Stick Man goes for a jog one spring morning he tumbles into one adventure after another, being mistaken for a Pooh Stick, a Nest Twig and even a log for the fire! Will he make it back to his family before Christmas Day or will the outside prove too dangerous?

Summer Strallen, Dianne Pilkington, Hugh Maynard, Daniel Buckley & more star in The Philippine Dream charity concert

It has been announced that Summer Strallen (Top Hat, pictured right), Anton du Beke (Strictly Come Dancing), Dianne Pilkington (Mamma Mia!) and cast members from Miss Saigon will star in The Philippine Dream, a one off gala at the Leicester Square Theatre which takes place on Sunday 17th August.

The event will also see performances from: Hugh Maynard (Miss Saigon), Rachelle Ann Go (Miss Saigon), Charlotte Riby (Billy Elliot), Alicia Beck (Cats), Tyrone Huntley (Memphis), Harry Francis (A Chorus Line), Lady Imelda (Glam Jam) and vintage trio The Dolly Girls as well as  the West End Frame Award winning Daniel Buckley (The Book of Mormon). A special guest host for the evening will be announced shortly.

Photo Feature: Aliens Love Underpants opens at the Leicester Square Theatre

Last Sunday (20th July), Aliens Love Underpants celebrated its London opening a the Leicester Square Theatre with a special gala performance. VIP guests included: Jill Halfpenny, Kate Garraway, Martin Offiah and Vincent Simone as well as members of the creative team.

Check out pictures from the gala performance below (click image to enlarge). Aliens Love Underpants is based on the book by Claire Freedman and Ben Cort. It has been adapted for the stage and directed by Adam Bampton-Smith.

Joan Collins returns to Leicester Square Theatre with One Night With Joan

It has been announced that Joan Collins will once again return to the Leicester Square Theatre with her one woman show entitled Joan Collins: One Night With Joan.

The star will share more stories and secrets of her celebrated life and career as one of the world’s most "glamorous and intriguing personalities." Her husband, Percy Gibson, directs.

Joan Collins: One Night With Joan plays at Leicester Square Theatre for just three performances over two days on Friday 12th September and Saturday 13th September.

According to press material, "Joan Collins will take to the stage with honesty, style and grace and with the same engaging wit and frankness that turned her three memoirs, Past Imperfect, Second Act and Passion for Life, into international best-sellers."

Review: One Night With Joan at the Leicester Square Theatre

One Night With Joan

Leicester Square Theatre

Reviewed on Sunday 2nd February 2014

The dirt is well and truly dished by this Dynasty diva.

There are not many institutions in the world quite like the Collins sisters (Jackie and Joan), and with anecdotes aplenty, more dropped names than a Simon Cowell Christmas party and celebrity goss that could make Look magazine blush, Joan is back in London to bare all in an honest and frank behind the scenes look at her life in Hollywood.

Review: Miranda Sings at the Leicester Square Theatre

Miranda Sings
Leicester Square Theatre
Reviewed on Monday 9th September 2013

Mirfandas - please note this review contains spoilers!

Known for being tone deaf, badly dressed and outrageously cocky, fans of Miranda Sings (aka the Mirfandas) will not be disappointed by this bonkers theatrical experience. "I don't get Miranda Sings" I hear you cry. Miranda Sings is a comedy character created by the very clever Colleen Ballinger. While Miranda is tone deaf, Colleen is actually a classically trained vocalist.

Interview: Miranda Sings

International YouTube sensation Miranda Sings is returning to London next month with her one-woman comedy show 'Miranda Sings Live!' for a limited run at Leicester Square Theatre. 

Miranda Sings is the creation of comedian and singer Colleen Ballinger, and satirises the online phenomenon of bad singers using YouTube as a platform for self promotion, posting cringe-inducing videos with the belief that this will lead to them breaking into show business. Comically talentless, Miranda sings completely off-key, is totally self-absorbed and responds to negative comments on her videos with her catchphrase "Haters back off!". 

With unusually active eyebrows and a crooked smile, Miranda is known for wearing lipstick drawn beyond the borders of her lips, dressing in mismatched clothing and dancing stiffly to the songs she performs. 

Miranda will present her unique brand of comedy in a new show for 2013, which guarantees a hilarious night filled with improvisation, hit songs, onstage voice lessons, magic tricks, and dramatic readings of her own hate mail. 

Miranda chats to West End Frame about receiving negative YouTube comments, who inspired her to start singing and her fashion icons...

Hi Miranda, are you excited about bringing your show to London for a week? 

I am so excited I feel like I might explode with excitedness. I love London so much. My British mirfandas are the best and I can’t wait to meet them all! 

Review: Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens at the Leicester Square Theatre

Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens 
Leicester Square Theatre (Lounge)
Reviewed on Wednesday 7th August

As soon as I stepped into the Lounge space at the Leicester Square Theatre I could tell I was in for a slightly 'different' night at the theatre. Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens premiered at the 1995 Edinburgh Fringe Festival and has since gained a cult following. After seeing this 'unique' show I completely understand why.

The cast of A Chorus Line to star in cabaret show at the Leicester Square Theatre

The cast of the London revival of A Chorus Line will appear in an exclusive cabaret show entitled What We Did For Love at 11pm on Monday 5th August at The Leicester Square Theatre. 

In A Chorus Line, audiences see the “triple-threat” performers tell the heart-rending stories of their characters’ lives after they each hold up their black and white headshots. In What We Did For Love, fans of the show will get to hear songs chosen by the performers themselves, each with a special meaning to them, along with several full-company numbers.

Harry Francis, currently starring as Mark in the musical and conceiver of the show, said: “This cast truly inspires me everyday - they are real triple threats. I wanted to see what different, unique songs they might bring to the table and so there's a great mixture of music, which of course includes musical theatre. Over the past six months you've seen the cast sing about the ‘sweetness and the sorrow’ of their characters’ lives, but now it’s your chance to see the real ‘us’ on stage performing material that we each love – some of which may surprise you."

Review: Patti LuPone at the Leicester Square Theatre

Patti LuPone 

Leicester Square Theatre

Reviewed on Sunday 16th June 2013

Patti LuPone is theatrical royalty. Not only did she win a Tony for playing Eva Perón in Evita on Broadway, create the role of Norma Desmond in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard in the West End and win a second Best Actress Tony Award as Mama Rose in the 2008 Broadway revival of Gypsy, but she also won an Olivier award for creating the role of Fantine in the original London production of Les Miserables, the most successful musical in the world. Therefore it is understandable that the Leicester Square Theatre was buzzing with anticipation last night. It seemed everybody was incredibly excited to witness Patti's triumphant return to London. After two and a half hours and three standing ovations it seemed nobody was left disappointed.

Leslie Jordan returning to West End with brand new one man show

Award-winning Hollywood star Leslie Jordan stormed the West End two years ago, earning rave reviews and nightly standing ovations for his one-man show, Leslie Jordan My Trip Down The Pink Carpet. Now he’s returning to London with his hilarious follow up show, Fruit Fly, acclaimed in New York and Los Angeles. The show gets its European premiere at the Leicester Square Theatre from Tuesday 12th - Saturday 16th March 2013.

He will also make his north of England debut at the Lowry, Salford on Monday 18th March 2013.

This time the pint-sized pixie - labelled “an hysterical spitfire” and “comic gold” - asks the question: “Do gay men really become their Mothers?”. 

What follows over 90 hilarious minutes of jaw-dropping anecdotes, outrageous revelations and revealing family photos is the story of Leslie’s own experience growing up a cissy boy in the red Deep South and how his mother, Miss Peggy Sue, an indomitable steel magnolia, continues to inspire him today.

Review: Christmas With The Supreme Fabulettes at the Leicester Square Theatre

Christmas With The Supreme Fabulettes 

Leicester Square Theatre

Reviewed on Wednesday 19th December 2012

The Supreme Fabulettes are an all-male female close harmony group, made up of Miss Vanilla Lush, Miss Vicki Vivacious and Miss Madisson Lee. Last night the girls celebrated their first Christmas together by throwing a festive feel-good party for 400 special guests at Leicester Square Theatre.

Less than fifteen minutes is all it took for the Supreme Fabulettes to get the audience up on their feet and dancing along to a variety of Christmas classics and contemporary songs, including the likes of Amy Winehouse, Beyoncé and Adele. 

Adult Panto returns to Leicester Square Theatre this Christmas

London’s No1 Adult Panto is back at Leicester Square Theatre - and this Christmas season it is Dick!, starring the legendary international DJ and celebrated nightclub diva, Miss Dusty O making her West End stage debut. Dick! plays a eight-week season from Thursday 29 November to Sunday 20 January. 

Join our hero Dick! and his wallflower cat, 'Dave', on their adventures into London town, seeking fame, fortune and friends with benefits. Along the way meet the heiress to the 'Fitz-Nicely' fortune, 'Alice', with her long lost and debauched relative, 'Sofonda Cox', a faded showgirl with a dark, disgusting and delicious secret. Dick! and his new found friends dare to do battle against the evil-licious and diva-tastic 'Queen Runt', as they set sail upon the Leaky Vessel, journeying up the Streaky Crack on a quest to find the family jewels. Will 'Dave' always be alone? Will 'Alice' ever get Dick!? and what does the legend of the ‘Bell-End' actually mean? All will be uncensored by the new, Lord Mayor of London, as we finally find out if city hall can be run by a Dick!'