Big Interview: Ramin Karimloo

Ramin Karimloo is preparing to headline the London Palladium with his band on Saturday 16th July 2016.

Having played two sold out concerts at Islington’s Union Chapel and the Assembly Hall earlier this year, Ramin will perform his Broadgrass material including songs from Broadway, Bluegrass and beyond. 

Wicked legend Louise Dearman will join Ramin for a "duet or two." The band includes Sergio Ortega, Hadley Fraser and Alan Markley with backing vocals from Katie Birtill. 

After understudying Joe Gillis in the 2002 UK tour of Sunset Boulevard, the Iranian-Canadian performer went on to make his West End debut the same year as understudy Marius and Enjolras in Les Miserables at the Palace Theatre. He then starred as Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty's Theatre before returning to the West End production of Les Miserables as full-time Enjolras.

Ramin played Chris in the 2005 UK tour of Miss Saigon. He returned to the West End in 2007, this time taking on the title role in The Phantom of the Opera. He later originated the role of The Phantom in Andrew Lloyd Webber's new musical Love Never Dies at the Adelphi Theatre. He starred in the 25th Anniversary concerts for Les Miserables (O2 Arena) and The Phantom of the Opera (Royal Albert Hall), playing Enjolras and The Phantom respectively. 

Ramin first played Jean Valjean - arguably the most challenging male role in musical theatre - in the West End production of Les Miserables. He went on to reprise his performance in Toronto and then on Broadway where he received a Tony nomination for Best Leading Actor in a Musical. 

Big Interview: Katy Secombe

Katy Secombe is currently playing Mrs Beaver in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at the Rose Theatre Kingston which is one of the most successful selling productions in the Rose’s history, second only to A Midsummer Night’s Dream starring Judi Dench.

Katy’s West End credits include playing Brenda in I Can't Sing (London Palladium), Madame Thénardier in Les Misérables (Queen’s/Palace) and Rosie in Mamma Mia! (Prince of Wales). She recently appeared in Tom Hooper’s Oscar winning film adaptation of Les Mis. 

At the National Theatre Katy has been in Mother Clap's Molly House, A Winter's Tale, Twelfth Night and Guys and Dolls. Her theatre credits also include: Mama Morton in Chicago (UK Tour), The Lyons (Menier Chocolate Factory), Alice Challice in Darling of the Day (Union), Cinderella The Midnight Princess and Hay Fever (both Rose Theatre Kingston), Hannah in A Chorus of Disapproval (New Wolsey) and The Music Man (Chichester).

I recently spoke to Katy about her latest stage role, why she loved working on I Can’t Sing and how she managed to secure so much screen time in the Les Mis movie…

The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe is breaking records at the Rose Theatre Kingston. Are you feeling the buzz?

Yes! It’s lovely to play to a packed audience, especially when the kids are so wrapped up in the story! There’s very little shuffling about which is lovely for us. They’re very involved! We’re telling a fantastic story anyway so we’re on the right track before we even start. Everyone has done an amazing job and we’re all very proud of the kids in the show.

Interview: Daniel Koek - "I’m sure Les Mis isn't a closed chapter for me..."

Daniel Koek most recently starred as Jean Valjean in the West End production of Les Miserables at the Palace Theatre.

His theatre credits also include: Joseph Cable in South Pacific (Barbican/UK Tour/Sydney Opera House/ Australian Tour), Anatoly in Chess (Tour), Tony in West Side Story (50th Anniversary Tour). He has also appeared in Saturday Night Fever, Jason And The Argonauts and Pacific Overtures.

Following his departure from Les Mis, Dan has released his second studio album which is entitled High. Tracks include 'Bring Him Home', 'Oceano' and 'February Song' as well as duets with Jonathan Ansell and his former Les Mis co-star Carrie Hope Fletcher.

Have you been keen to do a second album for a while?

Yes, definitely. The last album was done over five years ago and it was more musical theatre material to coincide with me playing Tony in West Side Story. Obviously I’m very proud of it, but the new album is more of a commercial venture in keeping with the aim of becoming a recording artist which is the next step I want to take in my career.

Most Inspiring West End Show: 6th - 12th Place

6th

Billy Elliot

Victoria Palace Theatre

Interview: Sierra Boggess, currently playing Fantine in Les Misérables

Broadway and West End Star Sierra Boggess is currently playing Fantine in Les Misérables at the Queen's Theatre. Next year Sierra will return to Broadway to join the cast of The Phantom Of The Opera for a limited engagement as Christine Daaé. Her appearance will coincide with the long-running musical's 25th anniversary. 

Sierra recently returned to the London stage for the 25th Anniversary Gala of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera, playing Christine Daaé. She has also played the role in the Las Vegas Production. Sierra created the role of Christine Daaé in Love Never Dies for which she received an Olivier Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical. Her other theatre credits include Master Class (Broadway revival), Disney's The Little Mermaid (Broadway) and Love, Loss and What I Wore (Off-Broadway).

Sierra chats to West End Frame about Les Misérables, returning to Broadway next year and what shows she would like to be part of in the future...

Les Miserables and The Phantom of the Opera extend booking period into 2013

Les Miserables and The Phantom of the Opera have both extended their booking periods until 26th October 2013. The West End production of Les Miserables is the world’s longest running musical having played 7,602 productions at the Palace before transferring to its current home, the Queen’s Theatre, in 2004. The musical, written by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg with lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer, tells a story of love and bravery in 19th-century France during the revolution.

Interview: Alice Fearn, currently playing Gingy/Sugar Plum Fairy in Shrek The Musical

Alice Fearn is currently playing Gingy and the Sugar Plum Fairy in Shrek The Musical at the Theatre Royal Dury Lane. She also understudies Princess Fiona. Alice's many theatre credits include The Woman In White, Les Misérables and the Regent’s Park Open Air's production of Into The Woods. She also recently played Shazzer in the workshops for Bridget Jones the Musical. Alice will appear in the upcoming film adaptation of Les Misérables. Throughout her career she has worked as a vocalist on many feature films including Sweeney Todd, Mamma Mia, Alice in Wonderland, How to Train Your Dragon and Pirates of the Caribbean. Alice talks to West End Frame about all things Shrek, what it was like working on the film adaptation of Les Misérables and what we can expect from Bridget Jones the Musical...

You have been playing Gingy/Sugar Plum Fairy in Shrek The Musical for nearly a year and a half now, are you still enjoying it?

To play such a loved part is always going to be enjoyable! If I'm ever having a trying day or feel in need of a break I can guarantee there will be a child in the audience that day who laughs so loud and so clearly at that puppet that it can't help but bring me back to realising how special the part is and how much joy it brings. It's lovely to get the reaction I get so it's been a really wonderful opportunity for me. Having said that, by the time my current contract is up I will have played the role for almost 2 years and I think that will be enough. It can, quite often, be very tiring on my voice and a rest will be on the cards when January 2013 comes round.

Casts of Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera to play charity football match in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support

This Sunday the casts of Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera will compete in a charity football match in support of Les Miserables wig mistress Melanie Oakley-Dow who is courageously battling cancer. All the money will go to Macmillan Cancer Support. The match itself will be part of a fun day with all sorts of entertainment and some celebrity guests and some ex-professional footballers (to be announced).

While the full team lists are yet to be announced Gareth Gates, Hollyoaks actors Danny Mac and Craig Vye and Superstar contestant Niall Sheehy have all been confirmed as players.

Alexandra Burke to sing 'On My Own' in Les Misérables for Children In Need

Earlier this week it was announced that former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, X Factor winner Alexandra Burke, R&B singer Macy Gray and boy band Blue will all join a West End Musical for one night only later this year to raise money for Children In Need and now we have some more details!

Geri Halliwell, Alexandra Burke, Macy Gray & Blue join West End Shows for Children In Need 2012

Former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, X Factor winner Alexandra Burke, R&B singer Macy Gray and boy band Blue will all join a West End Musical for one night only later this year to raise money for Children In Need. 50% of the £80 ticket price for each show will go to Children in Need.

Review: Les Miserables at The Queen's Theatre

Les Miserables
Queens Theatre
Performance: Wednesday 1st August 2012 (matinee)

There is no doubt about it, Les Miserables is the musical of all musicals. While the show has good set, lighting and costumes it is the story, music and talent of the performers which carry the show and make it the most successful West End musical of all time.

More cast changes at Les Miserables

Sierra Boggess will play ‘Fantine’ and Samantha Dorsey will play ‘Cosette’, joining the previously announced Geronimo Rauch as ‘Jean Valjean’, Tam Mutu as ‘Javert ‘ and Danielle Hope as ‘Eponine’. Craig Mather will continue to star as ‘Marius’, Cameron Blakely as ‘Monsieur Thenardier’ and Liam Tamne as ‘Enjolras’. Linzi Hateley will also join the company as ‘Madame Thénardier’ on Monday 10 September. Until Saturday 8 September, the role of ‘Madame Thénardier’ will continue to be played by Katy Secombe.

Linzi Hateley is no stranger to “Les Misérables”, having played ‘Eponine’ at the Palace Theatre in 1988. Linzi will also be appearing in the forthcoming film of “Les Misérables” starring Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe.

As well as celebrating its 25th Birthday in October 2010, the legendary musical made theatrical history with an international first - three different productions playing in London simultaneously. The Original Production at the Queen’s Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue, the acclaimed New 25th Anniversary Production at the Barbican (where the show originally premiered in 1985) and the celebratory concert at The O2.

Les Miserables originally opened in London at the Barbican Theatre on 8 October 1985, transferred to the Palace Theatre on 4 December 1985 and moved to its current home at the Queen’s Theatre on 3 April 2004. When “LES MISÉRABLES” celebrated its 21stLondon birthday on 8 October 2006, it became the World’s Longest Running Musical, surpassing the record previously held by “Cats” inLondon’sWest End. In January 2010, theWest End production broke another record by celebrating its historic 10,000th performance.

Visit http://www.lesmis.com/ for information and to book tickets!

Everything you need to know about West End Live 2012

This years West End Live will take place in Trafalgar Square on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th of June. As usual all the top West End Musicals will be performing including the casts of Top Hat, Wicked, Billy Elliot, Sweeney Todd, Singin' In The Rain, Phantom Of The Opera, Les Mis, Ghost, We Will Rock You, Shrek, Matilda and Blood Brothers just to name a few.

Presented by Westminster City Council and the Society of London Theatre in association with MasterCard, West End LIVE showcases the quality and diversity of entertainment on offer in the heart of London, promoting the West End as an exciting venue for all the family – all live, all for free in the iconic setting of Trafalgar Square.

As well as featuring showcase performances from every West End musical there will also be performances from live bands and a wonderful array of interactive exhibits from many of London’s top museums, galleries and cultural institutions – West End LIVE is a unique event that has grown to become a hugely popular fixture in London’s entertainment calendar .

Where: Trafalgar Square
When: Saturday 23 – Sunday 24 June
Cost: Free Entry
Nearest Tube: Leicester Square/Charing Cross/Embankment

There will also be exciting performances from West End Stars who are currently promoting new albums and singles. Louise Dearman will be performing songs from her latest album 'Here Comes The Sun' which we recently reviewed, giving a 5 star rating. Mark Evans will be performing songs from the upcoming English version of his debut album 'The Journey Home'. They will be joined by Alex Gaumond who will perform his new single entitled 'Here I Am'

Finally there will also be special performances from the new concept musical 'The In-Bewtween'. Perfoming the new music from this show are West End Stars Sabrina Aloueche, Hannah Jane Fox, Scott Garnham and Lauren Samuels. Click here to read our full article about The In-Between's performances at West End Live.

Here is the full schedule for West End Live 2012. For more information visit http://www.westendlive.co.uk/

Olivier Awards: The Winners List 2012

The Matilda's after winning Best Actress in a Musical

Mastercard best new play

Collaborators at the Cottesloe

Best revival

Anna Christie at the Donmar Warehouse

Best entertainment and family

Derren Brown – Svengali at the Shaftesbury

Best actress

Ruth Wilson for Anna Christie at the Donmar Warehouse

Best actor

Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller for Frankenstein at the Olivier

Best performance in a supporting role

Sheridan Smith for Flare Path at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket

Best actress in a musical

The Matildas for Matilda the Musical at the Cambridge (Cleo Demetriou, Kerry Ingram, Sophia Kiely and Eleanor Worthington Cox)

Best actor in a musical

Bertie Carvel for Matilda the Musical at the Cambridge

Best performance in a supporting role in a musical

Nigel Harman for Shrek the Musical at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane

Best new musical

Matilda the Musical at the Cambridge

Best musical revival

Crazy for You at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre

Best director

Matthew Warchus for Matilda the Musical at the Cambridge

Best theatre choreographer

Peter Darling for Matilda the Musical at the Cambridge

Best lighting design

Frankenstein, designed by Bruno Poet at the Olivier

XL Video award for best set design

Matilda the Musical, designed by Rob Howell at the Cambridge

Best costume design

Crazy for You, designed by Peter McKintosh at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre

Best sound design

Matilda the Musical, designed by Simon Baker at the Cambridge

Outstanding achievement in an affiliate theatre

Theatre Royal, Stratford East in association with the Barbican and Traverse Theatre for Roadkill

Best new opera production

English National Opera's Castor and Pollux at the London Coliseum

Outstanding achievement in opera

ENO, for the breadth and diversity of its artistic programme

Outstanding achievement in dance

Edward Watson for his performance in The Metamorphosis at the Linbury Studio at the Royal Opera House

Best new dance production

Desh by Akram Khan Company at Sadler's Wells, choreographed by Akram Khan

BBC Radio 2 Olivier audience award

Les Misérables

Poll Result: Rachel Tucker wins 'Best Performance Of A Song In A Musical' for her performance of 'Defying Gravity'

Hundreds of you have voted and decided that Rachel Tucker is the winner of our 'Best Performance Of A Song In A Musical' poll. She won for her performance of the incredible song 'Defying Gravity' in long running West End Show Wicked!!

Below is a countdown of the result:

8th Place 

Joanna Monro 

Take A Chance On Me

Mamma Mia

Votes - 1%

7th Place 

Sharon D Clarke

Believer

Ghost The Musical 

Votes - 2%

6th Place 

Carley Stenson

So Much Better

Legally Blonde The Musical 

Votes - 4%

5th Place 

Dean Chisnall

Who I'd Be

Shrek The Musical 

Votes - 9%

4th Place 

Caroline Sheen

I Dreamed A Dream

Les Misérables

 Votes -10%

click here to find out who the top 3 are...