Rachelle Ann Go wins Best Performance of a Song 2016!

We're delighted to announce that Rachelle Ann Go has won West End Frame's 2016 Best Performance of a Song award for her rendition of ‘I Dreamed A Dream’ in Les Miserables.

Speaking to West End Frame, Ann Go said: "Wow! Thank you West End Frame! I'd like to thank all those who voted for me. It's an honour to be performing and appreciated here in beautiful London's West End. I owe this great award to you, guys! 

"And to the whole Les Miserables company, thank you for being so amazing and for all the support and encouragement! What a dream come true to be part of this phenomenal long running show. I am so blessed! Cheers!"

Les Miserables announces new West End cast

The West End production of Les Miserables has announced some upcoming casting changes.

Joining the cast from Monday 15th February 2016 are Patrice Tipoki (pictured) as ‘Fantine’; Craig Mather as ‘Marius’ and Danielle Hope as ‘Eponine.’ From Monday 4th April Eva Noblezada will star as ‘Eponine’.

Peter Lockyer will continue to star as ‘Jean Valjean’, Jeremy Secomb as ‘Javert’, Phil Daniels as ‘Thénardier’, Katy Secombe as ‘Madame Thénardier’; Zoë Doano as ‘Cosette’ and Bradley Jaden as ‘Enjolras’.   

Rachelle Ann Go’s final performance as ‘Fantine’ in London is on Saturday 30th January 2016 before she continues the role in Manila, where the new Asian tour begins. She will return to the role at the Queen’s Theatre on Monday 9th May 2016. 

Patrice Tipoki will play Fantine from Monday 15th February until Saturday 23rd April 2016. Rob Houchen and Carrie Hope Fletcher’s final performance as ‘Marius’ and ‘Eponine’ is on Saturday 13th February 2016 at the end of their contracts and over two and half years with the show.

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 

Rachelle Ann Go, Earl Carpenter & Simon Gleeson to star in Asian Tour of Les Miserables

It has been announced that the current Australian production of Les Miserables will tour Asia next year. The production will open in Manila in March 2016.

The cast will include Rachelle Ann Go (pictured right), Earl Carpenter and Simon Gleeson who are all currently starring in different productions of Les Mis around the world.

Ann Go is playing Fantine in the West End, Carpenter is playing Javert on Broadway and Gleeson is playing as Jean Valjean in Australia.

Watch Rachelle Ann Go & Carrie Hope Fletcher perform at Les Mis V Phantom

Yesterday (2nd August 2015), West End stars played alongside celebrities and professional footballers in the Les Mis V Phantom charity football match. The Phantom of the Opera beat Les Miserables 6-2.

Killian Donnelly (Kinky Boots), Kerry Ellis (Cats), Rachelle Ann Go (Miss Saigon), Carrie Hope Fletcher (Les Miserables), John Owen-Jones (Sweeney Todd), Gerónimo Rauch (The Phantom of the Opera) and Boys of the Barricade performed during the pre-match concert. Watch Rachelle Ann Go and Carrie Hope Fletcher's performances below.

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. 

Killian Donnelly, Kerry Ellis, Rachelle Ann Go, Carrie Hope Fletcher + more confirmed to perform at Les Mis V Phantom

Killian Donnelly (Kinky Boots), Kerry Ellis (Cats), Rachelle Ann Go (Miss Saigon), Carrie Hope Fletcher (Les Miserables), John Owen-Jones (Sweeney Todd) and Gerónimo Rauch (The Phantom of the Opera) are set to perform at this year's Les Mis V Phantom charity football match.

The family fun day will take place at Bromley Arena on Sunday 2nd August 2015. Confirmed players include Francis Benali, Paul Jones, Paul McVeigh and special guest James Ward-Prowse.

Claude-Michel Schönberg & Alain Boublil writing duet for Rachelle Ann Go & Lea Salonga?

According to CBN News, Les Miserables and Miss Saigon composers Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil could be writing a special duet for Rachelle Ann Go and Lea Salonga.

Ann Go recently starred as Gigi in the West End revival of Miss Saigon and is currently in rehearsals to play Fantine in the West End production of Les Mis.

Salonga starred as Kim in the original West End and Broadway productions of Miss Saigon and has played both Éponine and Fantine in Les Mis.

Performers announced for 2015 WhatsOnStage Awards Concert

It has been announced that Miss Saigon’s Eva Noblezada and Rachelle Ann Go (pictured right) will perform 'The Movie In My Mind' at the 15th Annual WhatsOnStage Awards at the Prince of Wales Theatre on 15th February 2015.

Also taking to the stage will be Michael Watson (Jersey Boys), Lauren Samuels (Bend it Like Beckham), Laura Tebbutt (Forbidden Broadway) and Sophia Ragavelas (Cats) who will perform a tribute to Rodgers and Hammerstein. 

The casts of Dogfight, In the Heights and Sweeney Todd will also perform. In addition, there will be a specially commissioned song to mark the 15th anniversary of the awards.