Lesley Garrett & Ruthie Henshall to star in Some Enchanted Evening at Cadogan Hall

It has been announced that Lesley Garrett and Ruthie Henshall will star in Some Enchanted Evening at Cadogan Hall.

Celebrating the music of Richard Rodgers, Some Enchanted Evening runs for four performances between 18th and 20th August 2016. Garret and Henshall will be joined by special West End guests, the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra and ArtsEd Ensemble, under conductor Richard Balcombe.

During a career spanning more than six decades, Richard Rodgers wrote more than 900 published songs - many of which are now considered 'standards' - and 43 musicals, as well as composing for Hollywood films and television. He won every accolade possible in his field, including numerous Tony and Grammy awards, an Emmy, two Pulitzer Prizes and even an Oscar - becoming one of only two people to have ever won all five prestigious awards. He was even honoured posthumously by having a theatre on Broadway named after him.

Lea Salonga, Ramin Karimloo, Collabro + more set for Lytham Festival’s Last Night of the Proms

West End and Broadway stars are set to perform to crowds at Lytham Festival’s Last Night of the Proms next summer.

The week-long festival in August 2016 will see in excess of 70 thousand people visit the town on the North West’s Fylde Coast. 

West End Proms will be staged as the final act of the festival on Sunday 7th August. 

The stellar line-up of West End and Broadway talent includes: Lea Salonga (Miss Saigon/Allegiance), Ramin Karimloo (Les Miserables/Love Never Dies), Collabro (Britain's Got Talent) and Ruthie Henshall (Billy Elliot/Chicago). This will mark Salonga's only UK concert appearance in 2016.

John Owen-Jones, Kerry Ellis & Ruthie Henshall + more set for Broadway to the Bay at the Wales Millennium Centre

The full line-up has been announced for Broadway to the Bay. Bringing the Wales Millennium Centre’s tenth anniversary celebrations to a close, the production will showcase the best of musical theatre.

For three nights between 23rd and 25th October 2015, some of the biggest stars in musical theatre will perform a selection of hand-picked Broadway and West End favourites shows including Miss Saigon, Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, West Side Story, Hairspray and Mamma Mia.

Headlining stars include: John Owen-Jones (Phantom of the Opera/Sweeney Todd), Kerry Ellis (Cats/Wicked), Ruthie Henshall (Chicago/Billy Elliot), Sophie Evans (The Wizard of Oz), Lucie Jones (Ghost/We Will Rock You), David Thaxton (Les Misérables/Love Never Dies), Shân Cothi (Phantom of the Opera), Rhydian Roberts (We Will Rock You/The Rocky Horror Show), Caroline Sheen (Mary Poppins/Les Misérables), Russell Grant (The Wizard of Oz/Grease) and Madalena Alberto (Les Misérables/Evita). They will be joined by Tenors of Rock.

Billy Elliot confirms new West End cast

The West End production of Billy Elliot The Musical has confirmed its new West End cast. Ruthie Henshall and Deka Walmsley will continue to lead the show as Mrs Wilkinson and Dad respectively.

Also continuing in their roles are Chris Grahamson as Tony, Gillian Elisa as Grandma, Howard Crossley as George and Claudia Bradley as Dead Mum. 

Phil Snowdon is taking over as Mr Braithwaite whilst James Butcher is returning to the musical as Older Billy from tonight (18th May).

Follies to be staged at the Royal Albert Hall in April

Follies is to receive a concert staging at the Royal Albert Hall on 28th April, coinciding with Sondheim's 85th birthday.

The stellar cast includes: Christine Baranski, Ruthie Henshall, Anita Dobson, Anita Harris, Roy Hudd and Russell Watson. Craig Revel Horwood directs with choreography by Andrew Wright. The production will be supported by the City of London Philharmonic Orchestra.

Billy Elliot extends booking period and welcomes new Billy

Ollie Jochim

It has been announced that Billy Elliot The Musical has extended its booking period at the Victoria Palace Theatre until Saturday 19th December 2015. 375,000 new tickets are now on-sale.

Ollie Jochim from Chelmsford, Essex joins the cast tonight (Mon 14th July), alternating the title role. Ollie, who is the seventy-fifth boy to perform the part worldwide, joins Ruthie Henshall as Mrs Wilkinson, Deka Walmsley as Dad, Chris Grahamson as Tony and Ann Emery as Grandma.

Ollie said: “I am twelve years old and from Chelmsford in Essex. I have always loved dancing - when I was younger I used to teach myself to dance from Michael Jackson YouTube videos! 

"I joined Essex Dance Theatre in Chelmsford when I was nine to learn ballet, tap and modern and later joined their performance group. A couple of years ago my mum took me to see Billy Elliot the Musical and when I saw it I knew I wanted to be Billy. I was so overjoyed when I found out I had got the part and now I am living my dream.”

Editor's Blog: "Keep supporting theatre, it's where we still have magic!"

Michael Xavier & Joanna Riding
Photo Credit:  Tristram Kenton

The last few weeks have been a little quieter in terms of openings so I've had the chance to catch up with some new faces in familiar shows.

Last week I saw Gary Wilmot in The Pajama Game at the Shaftesbury Theatre who has taken over from Peter Polycarpou as Vernon Hines. It was fantastic to see how Wilmot has put his own stamp on the role, performing with great charm and striking stage presence. The Pajama Game is such a fun show and I enjoyed it even more second time round.

Joanna Riding continues to shine as Babe whilst relishing every moment. Michael Xavier was unwell meaning Understudy of the Year nominee Dan Burton stepped into the role of Sid. Burton played the part very differently but is equally as strong as Xavier. He really stood out for being an incredible dancer and belted out a tremendous rendition of 'Hey There'.

Those thinking of booking a trip to see The Pajama Game must sort out their tickets soon as the musical's limited run ends on Saturday 13th September 2014 to make way for the West End premiere of Memphis starring Beverley Knight (more on her shortly!).

Last week I finally caught up with Imelda Staunton's phenomenal performance in Good People at the Noel Coward Theatre. The play, which transferred to the West End from the Hampstead Theatre and closes tomorrow, gets off to a slow start. The first act is good, whilst the second half is hysterically funny yet also very moving. Staunton doesn't leave the stage at all throughout the play's entirety but showed no sign of tiredness; she gives the performance of a lifetime! I'm now even more excited to see her star in Chichester’s production of Gypsy later this year!

Interview: Ruthie Henshall talks all things Billy Elliot

West End and Broadway star Ruthie Henshall recently joined Billy Elliot The Musical at the Victoria Palace Theatre as dance teacher Mrs Wilkinson.

The internationally celebrated show, which has now been seen by over 9.5 million people worldwide, is currently booking at the Victoria Palace Theatre to 16th May 2015.  

Featuring music by Elton John and book and lyrics by Lee Hall, Billy Elliot is directed by Stephen Daldry with choreography by Peter Darling.

Ruthie’s first major stage role came when she was cast as Maggie in the UK Tour of A Chorus Line which was followed by her West End debut in Cats. 

Just a few of Ruthie’s other West End credits include starring in Crazy For You, Miss Saigon, Oliver!, The Woman In White, Peggy Sue Got Married, She Loves Me and Marguerite. She played Fantine in Les Misérables at the Palace Theatre and, as part of the tenth anniversary concert, at the Royal Albert Hall. 

Ruthie has starred as both Roxie and Velma in Chicago in the West End and on Broadway. Her other appearances in New York include The Vagina Monologues, Miss Saigon and Putting It Together. Ruthie has been nominated for five Olivier Awards, winning Best Actress in a Musical for her role in Peggy Sue Got Married. 

Last year she released her latest studio album entitled I’ve Loved These Days and toured the UK with her solo concert tour, An Intimate Evening with Ruthie Henshall. Ruthie appeared as a judge on ITV1’s Dancing On Ice between 2008 and 2009.

I recently spoke to Ruthie about her West End return, cartwheels, the magic of Billy Elliot and first night dramas…

There was so much excitement when it was announced you were returning to the West End and joining the cast of Billy Elliot! How’s everything going? Have you settled in?

It’s a total joy to do every night! The children have such an incredible energy, if you’re feeling tired shame on you if you say it out loud because they’re all so amazing. I’m really crazy about these kids; I wasn’t prepared for how much I was going to care about them! It’s a joy to be in a show that is a huge hit and receives enormous reactions and standing ovations every night. It’s nuts!

GOSSIP: Billy Elliot to be screened in over 300 cinemas in September; Ruthie Henshall to star alongside special guests

According to Baz Bamigboye, a performance of the West End production of Billy Elliot will be screened in over 300 cinemas. 

A special matinee on Sunday 28th September 2014 will be broadcast live, with a repeat showing to be broadcast in the evening. Ruthie Henshall, who recently joined the cast as Mrs Wilkinson, will star in performance alongside some special guests. 

Billy Elliot the Musical features music by Elton John and book and lyrics by Lee Hall. Stephen Daldry directs with choreography by Peter Darling.

Photo Feature: Ruthie Henshall & Matteo Zecca join Billy Elliot

Eleven year old Matteo Zecca (Billy) and ten year old Kyria Cooper (Debbie) join Billy Elliot tonight (nine years to the day since the production opened) alongside Ruthie Henshall as Billy’s dance teacher Mrs Wilkinson.

Chris Grahamson is also joining the cast as Billy’s brother Tony and Barnaby Meredith returns to the production at the Victoria Palace Theatre as Older Billy. Take a look at pictures of Matteo Zecca and Ruthie Henshall in action below (click on image to enlarge).

Ruthie Henshall joins Billy Elliot as Mrs Wilkinson; new cast confirmed

Olivier award-winning actor Ruthie Henshall is to join the cast of Billy Elliot the Musical as Billy’s dance teacher Mrs Wilkinson. Henshall’s first performance will be 12th May 2014, nine years to the day since Billy Elliot the Musical officially opened at the Victoria Palace Theatre. 

Also joining the cast in May is Chris Grahamson who will play Billy’s brother Tony and Barnaby Meredith returns to play Older Billy. Ann Emery will continue to play Grandma, a role she created on stage when the show premiered in 2005, and Deka Walmsley will continue as Billy’s dad.

The internationally celebrated show which has now been seen by over 9.5 million people worldwide is currently booking to 16th May 2015 and features music by Elton John, book and lyrics by Lee Hall. Stephen Daldry directs with choreography by Peter Darling.

'An Intimate Evening with Ruthie Henshall' to return in 2014

It has been announced that West End legend Ruthie Henshall will return in 2014 with 'An Intimate Evening with Ruthie Henshall'. The show, which also toured earlier this year, will visit new cities around the UK. According to press material, 'An Intimate Evening with Ruthie Henshall' will offer audiences "a unique opportunity to spend an evening with one of the world’s best-loved and most captivating performers".

The tour begins on 8th February in Lincoln before visiting Milton Keynes, Bristol, Chipping Norton, Clacton on Sea, Bury St Edmunds, Wimbourne, Malvern, Didcot, Wakefield, Stafford, Radlett, Shrewsbury, Merseyside, Horsham, Epsom, Cambridge and Dunstable.

Album Review: I've Loved These Days by Ruthie Henshall

I've Loved These Days

Ruthie Henshall

Three Pin Productions

Ruthie Henshall's latest album I've Loved These Days contains a stunning variety of songs which allow Ruthie to showcase an incredible amount of versatility. Paul Scofield and Lewis Andrews' arrangements successfully reinvent some classic songs.

Ruthie Henshall announces 2013 intimate UK tour

Olivier winning actress Ruthie Henshall has announced tour dates for her UK tour of 'An Intimate Evening with Ruthie Henshall'. Starting on Jan. 19, 2013, she will tour Norwich, Hereford, Wellingborough, Chelmsford, Durham, Basingstoke, High Wycombe, Warwick, Caernarfon, Barry, Newport, and the Daphne Du Maurier Festival in Cornwall.

Ruthie will be joined by musical director Paul Schofield on piano, Lewis Andrews on guitar/bass and Stephen Maclachlan on drums.

Ruthie Henshall is a long established star of the West End and Broadway. She played Maggie in the UK tour of A Chorus Line, followed by her West End debut in Cats. Other appearances in the West End include the original casts of Crazy For You, Miss Saigon, Oliver!, The Woman In White, Peggy Sue Got Married, She Loves Me and Marguerite. She played Fantine in Les Misérables at the Palace Theatre and as part of the tenth anniversary concert at the Royal Albert Hall. She has starred in both leading roles in Chicago in the West End and on Broadway. Other appearances in New York include The Vagina Monologues, Miss Saigon and Stephen Sondheim’s Putting It Together. Ruthie’s TV appearances include Curb Your Enthusiasm, Law & Order, The Sound of Musicals and Dancing On Ice. Ruthie’s solo recordings include: Love Is Here To Stay, The Ruthie Henshall Album and Pilgrim.

Chicago to close at the Garrick Theatre on 1st September 2012

After a record run for a musical revival, producers announced that Chicago will take its final bow at the Garrick Theatre on Saturday, September 1. The final Billy Flynn will be British Olympic ice-skating champion Robin Cousins, who joins the show next week. Sarah Soetaert plays Roxie Hart and Rachel McDowall is Velma Kelly.