Interview: Rolan Bell

Rolan Bell is currently starring as King Gerard in Rapunzel at the Park Theatre.

Marking the Park Theatre’s third Christmas show, Rapunzel has book, music and lyrics by Jez Bond and Mark Cameron. The show runs until 2nd January 2016. 

Rolan was recently nominated for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical at the 2015 Olivier Awards for his performance as Delray in Memphis The Musical at the Shaftesbury Theatre. He previously played Brit in the world arena tour of We Will Rock You before joining the London production as part of the final West End cast at the Dominion Theatre.

His theatre credits include: Coalhouse Walker in Ragtime & Flute in A Midsummer Night's Dream (both Regent's Park Open Air Theatre), title role in Fela (National Theatre), Jessie Owens in 1936 (Arcola Theatre), Ivan in The Harder They Come (Barbican/Playhouse/Theatre Royal Stratford East), Mr Haywood in An African Cargo (Greenwich Theatre), Morrell/Huskly Miller in Carmen Jones (Royal Festival Hall), Scar in The Lion King (Paris) and Wayne/Sergeant in The Canterbury Ghost (Southwark Playhouse).

On screen Rolan played Theo in 22 episodes of EastEnders and has also made appearances in Doctors and WPC 56. I recently spoke to Rolan about what drew him to Rapunzel, his whirlwind year in Memphis and what it was like to be part of We Will Rock You’s final West End cast…

Panto at the Park Theatre is always crazy! The show is completely different to what you’ve been up to recently, what drew you to the project?

After my first audition… actually after reading the script for the first time and looking at the role of King Gerard the lines just flew off the page. My imagination got going straight away and as soon as I starting reading the script I fell in love with the role, it felt so natural. When I met the guys in my audition it was so fun and laid back – it almost felt like we were enjoying ourselves as children. I knew that I would have a good time doing this, so how could I pass up an opportunity like that? It has been a lot of fun! It’s nice to work with people who are engaging their inner child to create something which entertains children.

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.

Rachel John to take over as Felicia Farrell in Memphis The Musical

It has been confirmed that Rachel John will take over as Felicia Farrell in Memphis The Musical from 19th October for the final two weeks of the musical's West End run.

As previously announced, Beverley Knight plays her final performance as Felicia on 17th October. Memphis runs at the Shaftesbury Theatre until 31st October 2015. 

The cast also includes Matt Cardle as Huey, Rolan Bell as Delray, Claire Machin as Gladys, Jason Pennycooke as Bobby, Mark Roper as Mr. Simmons and Tyrone Huntley as Gator.

Beverley Knight & Matt Cardle to lead Live From Memphis charity concert

Beverley Knight, Matt Cardle and their fellow Memphis The Musical cast members will take to the stage at the London Hippodrome at 11.00pm on Thursday 24th September to raise funds for the Terrence Higgins Trust.

Entitled Live From Memphis, the up close and personal concert will feature a live band and an array of music with a few surprises. A silent auction will also take place.

Cardle recently took over as Huey in Memphis The Musical, joining Knight as Felicia. The show runs at the Shaftesbury Theatre until 31st October 2015. 

Knight said: “As a long time supporter of Terrence Higgins Trust, I am delighted that myself and my fellow Memphis cast members have this opportunity to raise money for the charity, while having a fantastic time! This will be a night to treasure”

Big Interview: Matt Cardle, starring as Huey Calhoun in Memphis The Musical

Matt Cardle recently took over from Killian Donnelly as Huey Calhoun in the West End production of Memphis The Musical at the Shaftesbury Theatre, joining Beverley Knight as Felicia Farrell.

Inspired by true events from the underground dance clubs of 1950s Memphis, Tennessee, David Bryan and Joe DiPietro’s musical follows the fame and forbidden love of a radio DJ who wants to change the world and a club singer who is ready for her big break.

Memphis marks Matt’s West End and acting debuts. Since winning the seventh series of The X Factor in 2010, Matt has gone on to become a multi-platinum recording artist who has sold over 2.2 million records in the UK and completed five sell-out tours. 

A talented vocalist, songwriter, guitarist, pianist and drummer, Matt’s debut single ‘When We Collide’ sold over one million copies and has just been named as one of the Top 40 biggest selling singles of the past decade. The song spent three weeks at #1 and was nominated for Best British Single at the 2011 Brit Awards. Gary Barlow wrote Matt’s next Top 10 hit ‘Run For Your Life’ which was followed by the release of his platinum selling debut album Letters. 

Matt’s other albums, which have charted in the Top 10, include The Fire and Porcelain. He most recently entered the Top 10 singles chart with ‘Loving You’, a duet with Spice Girl Melanie C. Matt completed his fifth sold-out UK tour in April 2014 and is currently writing and recording his fourth studio album which is due for release later this year. 

Yesterday I popped into the Shaftesbury Theatre and spoke to Matt about why Huey is a gift of a role, the supreme talents of Beverley Knight and why he found taking over from Killian Donnelly a little daunting…

A few months ago you got a call about Memphis, what happened next?

Well I came down and saw the show because initially it was just an invite to come down, see the show and see if I liked it. I took the evening out the studio, came down and saw it with my manager and was totally blown away by Beverley and Killian – they’re both just so ridiculously talented. The whole show and whole cast and everything and the music – I was like, how have I not seen this already and why have I not heard more about it?!’ Then it was a case of ‘Do you like it?’ and I was like, ‘Yeah I absolutely love it, who wouldn’t?’ So then it was a case of, ‘Well ok, if we send you through some scenes and a couple of songs would you learn a bit?’ So I did that and went and sang a couple of songs for Nick Finlow (UK Musical Supervisor) and did some script read-throughs with Tara Wilkinson (UK Associate Director). 

Review: Matt Cardle joins Beverley Knight in Memphis at the Shaftesbury Theatre

Memphis The Musical

Shaftesbury Theatre

Reviewed on Thursday 16th July 2015

★★★★★

Last October I was blown away when Memphis The Musical first opened its doors at the Shaftesbury Theatre. 

David Bryan and Joe DiPietro's musical - which is inspired by true events from the underground dance clubs of 1950s Memphis, Tennessee - came to London following a three year run on Broadway, during which it won the Tony Award for Best Musical. 

Telling a story of forbidden love, the casting of the two leads is vital to the show's success. Producers struck gold by casting soul queen Beverley Knight, fresh from her West End debut in The Bodyguard, as aspiring singer Felicia Farrell alongside renowned West End actor Killian Donnelly as radio DJ Huey Calhoun. The duo set the stage on fire and received Olivier Award nominations for their performances. 

As Memphis enters its final months, Donnelly has departed the production to prepare for his new role in Kinky Boots. Therefore Knight has handpicked Matt Cardle, the latest X Factor winner to make his West End debut, as her new Huey. 

The Illusionists to open at the Shaftesbury Theatre in November

It has been announced that The Illusionists will open at the Shaftesbury Theatre later this year.

Britain’s Got Talent magician Jamie Raven will lead the cast of the show which is the most successful magic show in Broadway history.

Described as the world’s best-selling touring magic show, The Illusionists has played to 71 cities across 17 countries. The production's fifth West End engagement opens on 16th November 2015 (previews from 14th November) for a limited run until 3rd January 2016.

UPDATED: Motown The Musical to open at the Shaftesbury Theatre on 11th February 2016

Producers have confirmed that tickets for Motown The Musical will go on sale today (15th May).

The production will open at the Shaftesbury Theatre on 8th March 2016 (previews from 11th February) and is booking until 22nd October 2016. Casting and further information about Motown The Musical will be released shortly.

Producer Berry Gordy said: "I am thrilled to be bringing Motown back to the UK fifty years after our first visit back in 1965 when Diana Ross and The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson and The Miracles, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas and I came to London for our very first UK tour. Half a century later we are delighted to be returning, this time bringing our story and the Motown sound on stage at the Shaftesbury Theatre in the legendary West End."

It's official... X Factor winner Matt Cardle to take over from Killian Donnelly in Memphis The Musical

It has been confirmed that former X Factor winner Matt Cardle will take over from Killian Donnelly as Huey in the West End production of Memphis The Musical at the Shaftesbury Theatre this summer.

Cardle will play his first performance on Monday 6th July. Donnelly plays his final performance on Saturday 4th July to begin rehearsals for the West End premiere of Kinky Boots.

Cardle will join Beverley Knight who stars as Felicia Farrell in the musical. Knight has extended her run in the production to October. Memphis continues to the end of its scheduled run in the West End on 31st October 2015. Producers claim there are "early plans in progress" for a major tour of the UK and Ireland from late 2016.

Killian Donnelly confirms Memphis leaving date

West End actor Killian Donnelly has confirmed that he will play his final performance as Huey in Memphis The Musical at the Shaftesbury Theatre on Saturday 4th July 2015.

Donnelly will then begin rehearsals for his new role as Charlie Price in Kinky Boots on Monday 6th July 2015. Kinky Boots opens at the Adelphi Theatre on 15th September 2015 (previews from 21st August).

Donnelly's previous West End credits include: Deco in The Commitments (Palace), Tony in Billy Elliot (Victoria Palace), Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty's Theatre) and Enjolras in Les Misérables (Queen's Theatre).

GOSSIP: Motown The Musical to open at the Shaftesbury Theatre in March 2016?

According to the Daily Mail's Baz Bamigboye, Motown The Musical could open at the Shaftesbury Theatre in March 2016. Director Charles Randolph-Wright will apparently fly to the UK in May for auditions. 

Bamigboye explains that producers of Memphis, which is currently booking at the Shaftesbury until October, are in discussions about extending the musical's run. Bamigboye writes, "The show did well early in its run, but now it just about breaks even each week - although it is hoping for a boost from the Olivier Awards." 

Sunny Afternoon named Most Inspiring West End Show; full result announced

John Dagleish in Sunny Afternoon

Sunny Afternoon has been voted Most Inspiring West End Show by the readers of West End Frame. Marking the first West End Frame Award of 2015, theatregoers chose the musical out of twenty nominated productions. 

Sunny Afternoon, which tells the story of the early life of Ray Davies and the rise to stardom of The Kinks, transferred to the West End last year following its premiere at the Hampstead Theatre. 

Currently booking at the Harold Pinter Theatre to 24th October 2015, the acclaimed cast of Sunny Afternoon includes John Dagleish as Ray Davies, George Maguire as Dave Davies, Ned Derrington as Pete Quaife and Adam Sopp as Mick Avory.

Broadway musical Memphis, which opened at the Shaftesbury Theatre last year with Beverley Knight and Killian Donnelly in starring roles, finishes second place whilst the West End revival of Miss Saigon at the Prince Edward Theatre finishes third.

Completing the runners-up are Les Miserables (Queen’s) and Cats (London Palladium). Check out the full result below. London is home to some of the most inspiring theatre in the world. This award was a celebration of all those shows which leave audiences with a spring in their step - whether people are left with tears of joy or sadness, all the nominated shows make a mark on their audiences.

Hockadoo! Beverley Knight extends run in Memphis!

Producers of Memphis have announced that Beverley Knight has extended her run in the show until July 2015.

Knight stars as ‘Felicia Farrell’ alongside Killian Donnelly as ‘Huey Calhoun’,  The production continues to book through to 31st October 2015. 

The Memphis Original London Cast Album is now available to purchase online for download. The CD will be available from 9th February at the Shaftesbury Theatre and via First Night Records.

The Original London Cast Album is produced by First Night Records and Grammy® Award-winning David Bryan. Mr. Bryan, a founding member of Bon Jovi, wrote the original score to Memphis with Joe DiPietro who wrote the book. The Memphis cast also includes: Rolan Bell as ‘Delray’, Tyrone Huntley as ‘Gator’, Claire Machin as ‘Gladys’, Jason Pennycooke as ‘Bobby’ and Mark Roper as ‘Mr. Simmons’.

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).

Guest Blog: A change in the air…

Jonathan Slinger in Urinetown

For many years, London's West End was known for being full of Jukebox Musicals. Shows such as We Will Rock You, Jersey Boys, Mamma Mia and Rock of Ages dominated theatreland, bringing audiences to their feet night after night. However, jukebox musicals aren’t for everyone as there are many who would prefer to see something totally new. 

2014 has been very different, there seems to be a change in the air – there has been a sudden influx of original shows. New plays and musicals are taking the West End by storm and proving that you don't need a famous well known score to send audiences out from a theatre with smiles on their faces.

I was very lucky to witness three of these brand new original shows in a recent visit to the capital and they all made an impact on me in very different ways. 

Do musicals always have to have a happy ending? Well - not that I will be spoiling anything here… but over in Urinetown (currently at the Apollo Theatre) you are certainly made to question that idea. Jamie Lloyd's brilliant production of the Broadway musical, which had a sell-out run at the St James Theatre earlier this year, is continuing to pull in the crowds since its West End transfer back in September. 

West End cast of Memphis recording cast album!

It has been revealed that the London cast of Memphis are in the studio recording an original West End cast album (hooray)! Further information, including a release date, is yet to be announced. 

Cast member Joseph Davenport posted the following picture of the cast in the recording studio on Twitter earlier today (1st December):

Memphis extends West End run to October 2015!

The West End production of Memphis has extended its booking period at the Shaftesbury Theatre to Saturday 31st October 2015. Tickets for the new booking period will go on sale from 9am on Friday (7th November 2014). 

The show stars Beverley Knight (Felicia Farrell) and Killian Donnelly (Huey Calhoun). The cast also includes Rolan Bell (Delray), Tyrone Huntley (Gator), Claire Machin (Gladys), Jason Pennycooke (Bobby) and Mark Roper (Mr Simmons). 

Review: Memphis at the Shaftesbury Theatre starring Beverley Knight & Killian Donnelly

Memphis
Shaftesbury Theatre
Reviewed on Friday 24th October 2014
★★★★★

Memphis has set the West End on fire! 

David Bryan and Joe DiPietro's musical - which is inspired by true events from the underground dance clubs of 1950s Memphis, Tennessee - opened on Broadway in 2009 where it ran for three years, winning four Tony Awards including Best Musical. It tells a story of dreams and forbidden love. 

Sneak peek at... Memphis

Producers of Memphis have released the show's production images. Check out the pictures below (click image to enlarge). The show, which is currently in previews, officially opens at the Shaftesbury Theatre on Thursday 23rd October 2014 starring Beverley Knight (Felicia Farrell) and Killian Donnelly (Huey Calhoun).

The cast also includes Rolan Bell (Delray), Tyrone Huntley (Gator), Claire Machin (Gladys),Jason Pennycooke (Bobby) and Mark Roper (Mr Simmons). The company is completed by: Keisha Atwell, Arielle Campbell, Mark Carroll, Joseph Davenport, Momar Diagne, Carly Mercedes Dyer, Kimmy Edwards, Hillary Elk, Laura Ellis, Charlotte Gorton, Benjamin Harrold, Waylon Jacobs, Rachel John, Dean Maynard, Devon McKenzie-Smith, Tim Newman, Simon Ray-Harvey, Jon Robyns, Ashley Rumble, Kyle Seeley, Helen Siveter, Dawnita Smith and Alex Thomas.

Sneak peek at... the cast of Memphis in rehearsals

Producers of Memphis have released images of the cast in rehearsals. Check out the pictures below (click image to enlarge) The show opens at the Shaftesbury Theatre on Thursday 23rd October 2014 (previews from 9th October) starring Beverley Knight (Felicia Farrell) and Killian Donnelly (Huey Calhoun).

The cast also includes Rolan Bell (Delray), Tyrone Huntley (Gator), Claire Machin (Gladys), Jason Pennycooke (Bobby) and Mark Roper (Mr Simmons). The company is completed by: Keisha Atwell, Arielle Campbell, Mark Carroll, Joseph Davenport, Momar Diagne, Carly Mercedes Dyer, Kimmy Edwards, Hillary Elk, Laura Ellis, Charlotte Gorton, Benjamin Harrold, Waylon Jacobs, Rachel John, Dean Maynard, Devon McKenzie-Smith, Tim Newman, Simon Ray-Harvey, Jon Robyns, Ashley Rumble, Kyle Seeley, Helen Siveter, Dawnita Smith and Alex Thomas.