The World Goes Round starring Debbie Kurup & Oliver Tompsett transferring to St James Studio

Following its run at the Pheasantry, The World Goes Round: The Songs of Kander & Ebb is transferring to the St James Studio for a limited run between 2nd and 7th February 2016.

Once again the show will star Debbie Kurup (Chicago/The Bodyguard) and Oliver Tompsett (Wicked/We Will Rock You). The cast also includes returning cast members Steffan Lloyd-Evans, Alexandra Da Silva and Sally Samad. Kander and Ebb are best known for writing musicals such as Cabaret, Chicago, Fosse and The Scottsboro Boys.

Scott Alan to release new album with Cynthia Erivo & Oliver Tompsett

Scott Alan has announced that he is releasing his seventh album next month. 

Hot on the heels of his recent residency at the London Hippodrome, the US composer has teamed up with West End stars Cynthia Erivo and Oliver Tompsett to record the album.

Cynthia Erivo and Oliver Tompsett sing Scott Alan will feature six new songs and six re-imagined songs from Alan's back catalogue. The album is due to be released digitally on 6th October 2015. Check out the track listing below:

Oliver Tompsett & Debbie Kurup to star in The World Goes Round

Oliver Tompsett and Debbie Kurup will star in a revival of The World Goes Round: The Songs of Kander & Ebb.

Produced by Speckulation, the show will play for four performances between 5th and 8th July 2015 at the Pheasantry in Chelsea. Kander and Ebb are best known for writing musicals such as Cabaret, Chicago, Fosse and The Scottsboro Boys.

Scott Alan announces September residency at the Hippodrome

Following his recent residency at the St James Theatre, it has been announced that US composer Scott Alan will return to London later this year.

Alan will play a two week residency at the London Hippodrome between 7th and 17th September 2015. 

He will be joined by some of the West End's biggest stars, including Ashleigh Gray, Dean John-Wilson, Rachelle Ann Go, Eva Noblezada and Oliver Tompsett. Newcomer Jennifer Owens, who performed 'Anything Worth Holding Onto' during one of Alan's shows at the St James Studio, will also take to the stage for a special concert whilst a special birthday concert will celebrate theatre critic Mark Shenton. 

Photo Feature: Special guests join Scott Alan for St James Theatre concert

Last Sunday (3rd May 2015) U.S. composer Scott Alan returned to London with a concert at the St James Theatre. Check out pictures from the show below (click image to enlarge).

The stellar line-up included the likes of Cynthia Erivo, Oliver Tompsett, Anna-Jane Casey, Sophie Evans, Carley Stenson, Harriet Jones, Zoë Birkett, Eva Noblezada, Emmi Christensson, Lucy Jones, Katie Paine, Oliver Savile, Danny-Boy Hatchard and Sam Bailey. 

Cynthia Erivo, Oliver Tompsett & Carrie Hope Fletcher join The Night of Electric Voices line-up

The Daily Mail has announced that Cynthia Erivo (I Can't Sing / The Color Purple, pictured right), David Bedella (Sweeney Todd / In The Heights) and Oliver Tompsett (White Christmas / We Will Rock You) will star in The Night of Electric Voices at the London Coliseum on Sunday 1st March 2015.

They join the previously announced Adam Pascal (RENT / Memphis), David Michael Johnson (We Will Rock You) and Kerry Ellis (Wicked / Oliver!) who is known as the first lady of the West End.

UPDATE: It has also been confirmed that the line-up will include: Ricardo Afonso (Women On The Verge / Top Hat), Daniel Boys (Spamalot / Avenue Q), Carrie Hope Fletcher (Les Misérables / The War of the Worlds) and Tiffany Graves (Chicago / Tonight’s The Night).

UPDATE: The West End Frame Award winning Lee Mead, who currently stars in Casualty, has also joined the line-up.

Photo Feature: Scott Alan plays four shows at the Hippodrome

Last week composer Scott Alan played four sold out shows at the Hippodrome. 

Stars of the West End, including Nathan Amzi, Jodie Jacobs, Danielle Hope, Luke Bayer, Katie Paine, Cynthia Erivo, Oliver Tompsett, Savannah Stevenson, Ian Stroughair, Dan Buckley, John Owen-Jones, David Ribi, Laura Pitt-Pulford, Stewart Clarke and Lucie Jones, took to the stage to perform Alan's incredible music.

Editor's Blog: We Will Rock You, I Can't Sing, New Musicals, Cats and The Bridges of Madison County

It's all change in theatreland at the moment! On Wednesday I saw We Will Rock You at the Dominion Theatre for the final time. The Queen musical has divided opinions throughout its twelve year West End run (which ends on Saturday 31st May 2014) and this certainly isn't the last we'll see of it! (Plus there could be a sequel on the way...)

Love it or hate it, We Will Rock You is an extremely important piece of theatre as it has attracted new audiences to the West End for over a decade. There are so many people who would rather stick pins in their eyes than sit through an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, but have seen We Will Rock You countless times.

The musical has been kept alive for all these years by its tremendous casts, and the final company couldn't be stronger. Oliver Tompsett is by far my all-time favourite Galileo, there aren't words to describe his unbelievably incredible vocal talents. It's also nice to see someone bring something new and refreshing to the role.

Interview: Oliver Tompsett

Oliver Tompsett is currently starring as Galileo in the West End production of We Will Rock You at the Dominion Theatre. He is well known for originating the role of Drew in the West End production of Rock Of Ages and for playing Fiyero for three years in the West End production of Wicked. 

His other theatre credits include: Sam in Ghost (workshop), The Royal Hunt of the Sun (National), Mamma Mia (Prince of Wales), Our House (Cambridge), Caliph in Kismet (Arcola), Harry Lytton in Over My Shoulder (Wyndham’s) and Tony in West Side Story (Canizaro Park Festival). 

It was recently announced that Oliver is one of many West End stars supporting a new musical theatre radio station called Stage Door. The station will broadcast 24/7 and be presented by stars of the West End. As well as playing musical theatre songs, Stage Door will broadcast the latest theatre news, backstage gossip and interviews.

Oliver is also an accomplished singer/songwriter. He released his debut album, Sentimental Heart, in 2008 and is currently working with his brother, Ben Tompsett, on the Resolution Project. The project sees the pair release two new songs online on the first of every month. Oliver and his wife, Michelle, recently celebrated the birth of their first child, George. 

Last week I spoke to Oliver about taking on the role of Galileo, his time in Rock of Ages and Wicked as well as his recording career and involvement in Stage Door.

First of all congratulations on the birth of your royal baby!

Thank you very much! He is the real King George! 

How are you managing to balance life as a leading man and being a Dad?

It’s great! It’s not been too bad. We’ve been blessed because he’s a big burly baby so he’s eating well and sleeping really well so I can’t really complain. I’ve been getting up early for the past four years to walk my dog, so my days of lying in are long gone. We’ve had the most incredible support and haven’t had to buy a single piece of clothing for George because all the fans of the show and our friends have bought us so much! It’s been fantastic. 

Oliver Tompsett and Rachel Wooding to join We Will Rock You

Having recently celebrated its 10th birthday, and about to hit its 4,000th performance which is reached 20th September 2012, Queen and Ben Elton’s West End smash show “We Will Rock You” today announces new cast members in the lead roles of Galileo and Scaramouche to join the show from 8th October 2012.

Oliver Tompsett, having originated the role of Drew in “Rock of Ages”, moves across town to take over the role of Galileo from Noel Sullivan, who has played the role in the West End since February, following over 300 touring performances.

Review: Rock Of Ages - The Best Rock Musical In Town?

Rock Of Ages
Shaftesbury Theatre
Performance: 10th March 2012

Rock Of Ages is a good fun show and is perfect for a night out with friends who maybe aren't massive musical theatre fans.

First of all when you walk into the auditorium you can't help but go 'wow' with all the signs and decorations that surround you. As you are waiting for the show to begin this really helps to get you in the mood, a long with the background music, which surprisingly consists of classic rock songs such as Van Halen's Jump.

The only thing that I was not very impressed with was the 'at this performance' sheet which you get in the programme and lists the understudies for the performance. It said there would be understudies on for Drew, Lonny, Constance, Mayer & Waitress when in fact there were only understudies for Drew, Stacee Jaxx, Mayer & Waitress. Also nowhere did it say Natalie Andreou had taken over as Sherrie. I have to say I was disappointed not to see Shayne Ward and I didn't particularly like his understudy, Dylan Turner, who made no connection with the audience what so ever and just didn't convince me to be this massive big rock star.

I loved the way the band are on the stage throughout the show. It doesn't seem weird or distract you from the world created, and I like being able to see the musicians.  Justin Lee Collins was fantastic, I love the way he can't dance and doesn't have a clue what is going on half the time. He made it fresh and made me believe he was doing it for the first time. Also his chemistry with Simon Lipkin who plays Lonny was amazing. There duet was simply hilarious and one of the highlights of the show.

To me Simon Lipkin was simply the star of the show. His relationship with the audience was so so so strong and I left feeling like I actually knew him. I love the way the character pops up dancing with the ensemble on many occasions and I loved the little ab-libs such as shaking the child's hand in the front row, making the rest of the cast shake their heads and laugh.

I was disappointed not to see Oliver Tompsett however Jamie Muscato has such an amazing voice! I imagine he played the role a little more timid that Oliver which I liked and found quite endearing. I enjoyed Natalie Andreou's Sherrie and liked how her more classical, musical theatre voice contrasted with everyone else's rock voice.

Sandy Moffat, Rohan Tickell &
Jodie Jacobs

Sandy Moffat was very over the top and funny as Faanz and Jodie Jacobs  is well cast as Regina, however I wish she had more singing! Rachel McFaalane also had an excellent, underused voice! I was sitting there thinking how great she would be as Oda Mae Brown in Ghost! The over the top rift she sung in her entrance was one of the funniest bits in the show for me. However I wasn't so keen on Justice's story in the show, was quite weak. 

Stand outs from the ensemble included Carly Mercedes Dyer. She was amazing and seemed to be a different character in every single scene. She always stood out when she was on stage and was an amazing dancer. Also Cordelia Faanworth was great, she was on as the Waitress and even though she sung a tiny section we were all talking about her in the interval about how incredible her voice was and what a shame it was that we couldn't get to hear any more of it!

Rock Of Ages is also popular with fans, recently beating musical We Will Rock You to claim to the title of 'Best Rock Musical In Town' with 64% of the vote in our poll. I think both musicals bring something different. Rock Of Ages is more intimate and funnier however We Will Rock You has this amazing energy with its massive set and massive cast.

The music in Rock Of Ages is great, I loved the theatre staff standing in the isles guiding us with the fake lighter things, it was very amusing to watch one guy who clearly was hating every second of his job. With 31 songs in the show it was almost a little overwhelming and too much to take in, in just 1 visit, so I might just have to go again....
_ _ _

Here is what some of West End Frame's readers have had to say so far on the blog (I think they like it...)

"Rock Of Ages is  a great night out, must see!!"

"I have been to see ROA twice and really loved it. Simon Lipkin is amazing - really steals the show! I am dissapointed to have not seen Shayne Ward yet but his understudy does a marvellous job as Staccee Jaxx. Will certainly be going again and again!"

"Rock of Ages, is hilarious. The timing of the plot's weird, it's true, but it is absolutely wonderful at not taking itself seriously and having great music."

"Rock of Ages by far the best. The brilliant cast really make the show & all the understudies are so good too. Jamie Muscato as Drew is sensational. I would vote for ROA just for the quality of cast/understudies alone but the show is amazing too - brilliant!"

"Have been to see ROA twice recently. Oliver Tompsett has an amazing voice, Simon Lipkin is hilarious and if you want to guarantee a fun evening out I would recommend you go see this now-I intend to go again! Still havent seen Shayne Ward perform, which is a shame but his understudy is brill!"

"If I had to choose which Rock Musical I enjoy WATCHING the most i'd say Rock of Ages. It's genuinely laugh out loud funny - Simon Lipkin, Sandy Moffat etc etc make the show for me. I do like We Will Rock You but if i had a choice i'd choose Rock of Ages each time."

"Rock Of Ages illustrates a new trend in alternative musical theatre attracting a new type of audience, Never-the-less the quality of the performances is awesome. Simon Lipkin shines as Lonnie, the narrator, with a huge comedic talent, unmatched anywhere in the West End. Oliver Tompsett's jaw-dropping vocals and uber charm sets a high standard which is complemented by an excellent ensemble. This is a show not to be missed!!!!"

"Simon is hilarious. In my opinion he should have got a What's On Stage Award - even if it was only for running across the stage in his underpants"

"Rock of ages is my all time favourite musical - such a wonderfully talented all-round cast, and Simon Lipkin always steals the show! Never fails to give me a great night :) if you haven't already seen it, I highly recommend a visit... or 10.. plus.."

POLL RESULT: Click here to find out more about Rock Of Ages star Oliver Tompsett coming 3rd in our 'Best Performance Of A Song' Poll for his performance of 'I Wanna Rock'
POLL RESULT: Click here to find out more about Rock Of Ages winning our 'Best Rock Musical In Town' poll

Poll Result: Best Performance Of A Song In A Musical - Top 3!

Below are the top 3 winners from our 'Best Performance Of A Song In A Musical' poll...

3rd Place 

Oliver Tompsett 

I Wanna Rock

Rock Of Ages

Votes - 14%

2nd Place 

Lauren Samuels 

Somebody To Love

We Will Rock You

Votes - 16%

1st Place 

Rachel Tucker 

Defying Gravity

Wicked

Votes - 45%

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...

Poll: Best Performance Of A Song In A Musical

In shows actors come and go all the time. The best thing about theatre is that you will never see the same thing twice. We have some outstanding performers in the West End. All people in this poll are extemely talented people. You watch shows like X Factor and then go and see a West End Show and to me it is pretty obvious where this country's best singers can be found...

Vote below for which performer you think gives the best performance of a song, think about they way ther indervidual performs it. Will give this poll longer before anouncing the results! Thanks guys!

Best Performance Of A Song In A Musical
	Rachel Tucker - Defying Gravity - Wicked
	Carley Stenson - So Much Better - Legally Blonde
	Lauren Samuals - Somebody To Love - WWRY
	Oliver Tompsett - I Wanna Rock - Rock Of Ages
	Sharon D Clarke - Believer - Ghost
	Joanna Monro - Chance On Me - Mamma Mia
	Caroline Sheen - I Dreamed A Dream - Les Mis
	Dean Chisnall - Who I'd Be - Shrek

Poll Result: 'Rock Of Ages Best Rock Musical In Town' says West End Frame Blog Readers!

Nearly 300 people have voted and decided that Rock Of Ages is the best Rock Musical in town!!

A massive comgratualtions to you and a massive thank you to everyone who voted! I did not expect a responce like that! I will try and do more polls in the future as they seem to be popular! Also thank you to everyone who commented on the blog post as even though you were expressing your opinions there was no rudeness and everyone was respectful of both shows which is exactly the kind on community i want to be a part of as the reason i don't often visit fourm's is because of the rudeness!

Also a massive thankyou to Sandy Moffat, Oliver Tompsett and the Rock Of Ages London Twitter page for promoting the poll online! I don't know how you found it but it's great that you did!

You can now follow the blog on twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/westendframe @WestEndFrame.

Love you guys! Rock Of Ages review and more polls on the way soon!