Listen to Alistair Brammer's Stage Door radio show

Earlier this month Stage Door - a global on-demand radio service for fans of musical theatre - was launched online. So far some of the West End's biggest stars, including Louise Dearman (Wicked), Richard Fleeshman (Urinetown) and Killian Donnelly (Memphis), have hosted exclusive shows.

The latest presenter is Alistair Brammer who is currently playing Chris in the West End revival of Miss Saigon at the Prince Edward Theatre. Listen to his show below:

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. 

Interview: Louise Dearman

Last year Louise Dearman made theatre history when it was announced she would star as Elphaba in Wicked, making her the first actress in the show's history to have played both Elphaba and Glinda, two of the biggest and most desired roles in musical theatre. 

Louise's incredible theatre career has seen her take on many other iconic roles, including Eva Peron in Evita (national tour), Grizabella in Cats (Cyprus), Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls (national tour), Lucy Harris in Jekyll and Hyde (national tour), The Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (national tour) and Jan in Grease (national tour and Victoria Palace).

Wicked is already the 16th longest-running West End musical of all time and has now been seen by over 5 million people since its London premiere in 2006. 

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

Earlier this week, I had the honour of speaking to Louise about what goes through her head before she defies gravity, why she wanted to become involved with Stage Door and if it is possible for her to have any more dream roles...

How does it feel to be playing one of the most iconic roles in musical theatre right now?

Incredible, it’s really odd because sometimes I have to remind myself that I’m doing it. I still can’t quite believe that I’m actually playing Elphaba and the weeks and months are flying by. It is a lot of pressure and requires a lot of dedication, no staying up late or partying – I have to go straight home and straight to bed. In this heat it’s also particularly hard! Of course I get to sing the amazing songs, but also I adore the character, I love performing the scenes more than anything. My hair is constantly stained green, but it’s a very small price to pay for such an incredible role, I’m very lucky. My career has been quite a slow, steady climb. It’s been fairly consistent but I’ve slowly had to work my way up to this. Playing Elphaba is almost like the cherry on the top of the cake, but now I feel like ‘where do I go from here’, it’s wonderful!

Louise Dearman, Kerry Ellis & Ramin Karimloo help launch new musical theatre radio station

Wise Buddah and Mothership Management have announced plans to launch a brand new online online radio station, Stage Door, for fans of musical theatre. An Indiegogo campaign has been launched today (19th June) to help make Stage Door a reality. Some of the biggest West End stars have already agreed to present programmes which, as well as playing musical theatre songs, would broadcast the latest news, backstage gossip and interviews.

Louise Bowden (Singin’ In The Rain), Louise Dearman (Wicked), Kerry Ellis (Wicked), Mark Evans (The Book of Mormon), Hadley Fraser (Les Misérables), Alex Gaumond (Top Hat), Ramin Karimloo (The Phantom of the Opera) and Oliver Tompsett (We Will Rock You) have already signed up to host a show on Stage Door when it launches.