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 

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.

Patti LuPone for London shows

Two-time Tony and Olivier Award-winning Broadway legend, Patti LuPone is back in the West End for just seven performances at Leicester Square Theatre from Sunday 16th June Sunday 23rd June 2013.

Patti LuPone is best known for her Tony Award-winning performance as Eva Perón in Evita on Broadway and creating the role of Fantine in the original London cast of Les Misérables, for which she was named Best Actress in a Musical at the Oliviers. She created the role of Norma Desmond in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard in the West End and won a second Best Actress Tony Award as Mama Rose in the 2008 Broadway revival of Gypsy. ­

The evening is hosted by the Grammy and Emmy nominated Seth Rudetsky, who is the popular daily Broadway host of Sirius/XM Radio in the United States. Rudetsky accompanies LuPone on the piano and interviews the star about the ups and downs of her distinguished career. The result is an unmissable 75-minute combination of intimate cabaret and revealing conversation in the presence of one of the true greats of musical theatre.