Interview: Bill Deamer

Bill Deamer is one of UK theatre’s leading choreographers. 

Bill won both the Olivier and Broadway World Awards for Best Choreographer in 2013 for Top Hat, which also won the Olivier Award for Best New Musical. His latest show Miss Atomic Bomb, which he co-directed and choreographed, is currently coming to the end of its run at the St James Theatre.

His current productions also include The Glenn Miller Story (UK tour) and The Sound of Music (UK tour) as well as Cats (Palladium/international tour) for which Bill created additional tap choreography. He recently choreographed the West End revival of Evita at the Dominion Theatre and directed and choreographed the 85th Anniversary Sondheim Concert at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. 

Bill’s screen credits include choreography for So You Think You Can Dance group and duet routines in the semi-final & final and Strictly Come Dancing specialist choreography; including Charleston routines, pro group routines, a guest star appearance from the Top Hat company & the Christmas special.

I recently spoke to Bill about the challenges of staging a new musical like Miss Atomic Bomb, why Top Hat was one of the highlights of his career and what he thinks is one of the greatest pieces of dance music ever written…

When did Miss Atomic Bomb first come onto your radar?

Well Top Hat was on its last tour and I went to the St James Theatre and said to my agent, “I love this space, I wouldn’t mind working here”. Then out of the blue this script for Miss Atomic Bomb arrived on my doorstep. I actually read it on the way to Tokyo to open Top Hat. My associate Kylie (Anne Cruikshanks) was in the seat next to me and asked “What do you keep laughing at?” I said, “This script is really funny – it’s really different!” I met the writers and they asked me to be co-director and choreographer and I agreed to do it as long as I could put my mark on it. It is a really good book with great music, but nobody had put it onstage before which is a challenge.

Big Interview: Martin Ball

Martin Ball is playing Scrooge in Ciaran McConville’s production of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens at the Rose Theatre Kingston.

Martin recently completed a two year run as Monsieur André in the West End production of The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty’s Theatre after originating the role of Horace Hardwick in Top Hat at the Aldwych Theatre. 

His extensive theatre credits also include: Thénardier in Les Misérables (West End), George Banks in Mary Poppins (national tour), Dr. Dillamond in Wicked (original West End cast), Harry Bright in Mamma Mia (West End), Dead Funny (Nottingham Playhouse), Charley’s Aunt (Sheffield Crucible), The Taming of the Shrew (Nuffield Southampton) and The Importance of Being Earnest (national tour). 

On screen Martin has appeared in Doomsday, Pappadopolous & Son, Flood, Ali G Indahouse, Bernard’s Watch, Home Farm Twins, Keeping Mum, Chalk, Little Lord Fauntleroy, Down To Earth, My Family and The Thick of It to name but a few.

I recently spoke to Martin about approaching A Christmas Carol with a fresh pair of eyes, why reading the script left him with tears streaming down his cheeks plus his experiences in The Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables and Top Hat…

What drew you to this production of A Christmas Carol?

I don’t really remember A Christmas Carol, it wasn’t part of my childhood for some reason. I think I thought it was probably ‘just a bit dull’ and I had never seen any of the films either. When Ciaran (McConville, director & adapter) sent me the script I read it and was blown away by what a lovely story it is. Although I would probably have been able to briefly describe the plot, I came to it with fresh eyes. I sat there and, as I got to the end, tears were running down my cheeks. I thought it was absolutely delightful and wanted to be a part of it. 

Interview: Matthew White

Matthew White is currently starring in the first London revival of Bat Boy. The musical begins performances at the Southwark Playhouse tonight (9th January) and runs until Saturday 31st January 2015.

Bat Boy was inspired by an article run by American tabloid The Weekly World News; a paper of fabricated stories that many unsuspecting readers believed to be real. The musical won New York’s Outer Critics Circle and Lucille Lortel Awards for Best Off-Broadway Musical in 2001. It received its UK premiere in 2004 at West Yorkshire Playhouse prior to a West End run at the Shaftesbury Theatre.

Matthew’s theatre credits include Ragtime (Piccadilly, Olivier Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor), Chicago (Adelphi), The Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty’s), Kiss of the Spider Woman (Shaftesbury) and Les Misérables (Palace). 

Matthew is also a hugely successful director. His work includes: Top Hat (Aldwych/UK Tour), Sweet Charity (Menier Chocolate Factory/Theatre Royal, Haymarket) and Little Shop of Horrors (Menier Chocolate Factory/Duke of York’s Theatre). He is also directing the upcoming UK Tour of The Producers starring Jason Manford, Louie Spence and Ross Noble.

I recently spoke to Matthew about what people can expect from Bat Boy and what first attracted him to the production as well as Top Hat’s huge success and why he’s so thrilled to be directing The Producers…

Over recent years you have been best known for your work as a director, so what attracted you to starring in Bat Boy?

Well I have never actually given up acting, I’ve always carried on doing it – just maybe not in a very high profile way. I thought Bat Boy was a fascinating piece, I didn’t know it very well. I liked the character, Dr Parker. He’s pretty dark and I generally tend to be drawn to darker characters… I don’t really know why [laughs]. I really like the Southwark Playhouse, I love these smaller fringe venues that are popping up around London. They tend to put on some really good stuff. I just thought it would be a nice job and it’s just a short contract which, for me, works really well. So it appealed to me on lots of different levels, plus I recently saw Luke’s production of Carousel and thought he looked like an interesting young director to work with!

Review: Top Hat (UK Tour) at the New Wimbledon Theatre

Top Hat (UK Tour) 
New Wimbledon Theatre
Reviewed on Thursday 14th August 2014
★★★★★

Following its triumphant Olivier Award winning West End run, Top Hat is back on tour bringing the West End to your doorstep. Taking the audience back to Hollywood’s golden age, Top Hat follows famous American tap dancer Jerry Travers as he travels to London to make his West End debut, but becomes distracted when he meets the girl of his dreams, Dale Tremont.

Casting announced for Top Hat UK Tour

Casting has been announced for the UK Tour of Top Hat which begins on 12th August 2014 at the New Wimbledon Theatre.

Alan Burkitt will star as Jerry Travers opposite Charlotte Gooch as Dale Tremont. Burkitt previously understudied the role in the West End production and last year finished second in West End Frame's Understudy of the Year Award. Gooch, who recently starred in Dirty Dancing, reprises the role she played in the West End.

The cast also includes: Clive Hayward as Horace Hardwick, Rebecca Thornhill as Madge Hardwick, Sebastien Torkia as Alberto Beddini and John Conroy as Horace's valet Bates. 

Interview: Alan Burkitt, currently in Top Hat

Alan Burkitt is currently in the West End production of Top Hat at the Aldwych Theatre. As well as being part of the musical’s ensemble, Alan also understudies Jerry Travers and was recently voted second place in West End Frame’s Understudy of the Year Award.

Alan’s other theatre credits include: Singin’ in the Rain (Chichester Festival Theatre), Ol’ Blue Eyes (Alhambra, Dunfermline), Andy Lee in 42nd Street (Chichester Festival Theatre/Curve, Leicester), the Prince in Adam Cooper’s Shall We Dance (Sadler’s Wells), understudy Rum Tum Tugger and Munkustrap in Cats (German tour), We Will Rock You (Dominion), understudy Tony in Movin’ Out (Apollo Victoria), understudy Bobby Child in Crazy for You (UK tour) and Children Will Listen (Theatre Royal, Drury Lane).

Top Hat received it’s London Premiere in May 2012 and recently won three Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical. The show tells the story of famous tap dancer Jerry Travers and his attempt to woo the irresistible Dale Tremont. It was recently announced that Top Hat will close on 26th October 2013 to make way for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new musical, Stephen Ward.

I recently met Alan to discuss Top Hat’s success, what it’s like understudying Jerry Travers and how it felt to receive so much overwhelming support during the Understudy of the Year voting period...

Are you enjoying your time in Top Hat?

I am loving it! I can honestly say that it’s probably one of my favourite musicals that I’ve ever done. When I was in Chichester doing Singin’ in the Rain, Top Hat had just begun. Myself and some of the other cast knew people in Top Hat so when we had a day off we decided to go to Milton Keynes and see the show. I just remember sitting right at the top of the theatre and thinking that it was one of the most beautiful things I had ever seen. I love the time period, the costumes and the music, I hold that style dear to my heart. Afterwards I really wanted to do the show and then found out that the Jerry (Travers) cover was up for grabs. After I auditioned I really had my heart set on getting the job so eventually when I got it I was made up!

Editor's Blog: Theatre firsts, Top Hat & super musicals

Last Sunday I went to Shakespeare's Globe for the first time, something I have been meaning to do for some time! Although I had heard a lot about The Globe, I was a little unsure what to expect. The entrance and box office area is very modern and spacious, a complete contrast to the stunning historic theatre.

The staff could not have been more friendly and helpful. While many people stand to watch the performance, I was sat in the middle balcony. The benches are fairly uncomfortable so hiring a cushion is advisable! Any theatre lover must see a production at The Globe, I have never experienced anything like it.  Click here to read my review of Macbeth (which was breathtakingly brilliant). 

On Tuesday evening I went to the London Coliseum, also for the first time. The Coliseum is beautiful and I couldn't believe I hadn't been there before. Unfortunately the show (Los Vivancos, seven flamenco dancing brothers) became extremely dull and repetitive, if it wasn't for the amazing theatre the evening would have been a disaster. You can read my review of Los Vivancos by clicking here.

Top Hat to close on 26th October, followed by 2014/15 UK Tour

After months of rumours, it has been confirmed that the West End production of Top Hat will close at the Aldwych Theatre on 26th October 2013, apparently making way for the world premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber's new musical, Stephen Ward. There are plans for 2014/15 UK Tour.

Top Hat’s producer Kenny Wax said "It has been such a great privilege to have produced the first ever stage adaptation of Top Hat. We look forward to taking the production out on an 18 month national and international tour and over the years to come I have no doubt that the stage musical will be performed by both professional and amateur companies all over the world. I hope they have as much fun as we're having."

Theatre Gossip: Top Hat to close and be replaced by National Theatre's This House, followed by Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Stephen Ward

According to the Daily Mail, Top Hat will close later this year and the National Theatre's "political powerhouse of a play" This House will replace the musical in September for a 16 week season. Top Hat won Best New Musical at the Olivier Awards and recently celebrated its first birthday in the West End. We would like to make it very clear that this news has not yet been confirmed by the show's producers.

Seventy seven years after its movie release which saw Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers playing the roles of Jerry Travers and Dale Tremont, Matthew White's production arrived in the West End in April 2012 having completed a 20 week sell-out UK tour. 

Kristen Beth Williams, Alex Gaumond & Clive Hayward to join cast of Top Hat

From 5th February 2013, joining the previously announced Gavin Lee who will play Jerry Travers in the West End hit musical Top Hat are Broadway actress Kristen Beth Williams as Dale Tremont, Olivier award nominee Alex Gaumond as Alberto Beddini and Clive Hayward as Horace Hardwick. Vivien Parry continues as Madge Hardwick and Stephen Boswell as Horace's valet Bates. In addition, on 28th January 2013, over 275,0000 tickets will be released for sale taking bookings for Top Hat at the Aldwych Theatre to 27th April 2014.

Funniest Performance in a West End Show: 9 - 12th Place

9th Place

Michael Simkins 

Sir Humphrey Appleby

Yes, Prime Minister

1%

Michael grew up in Brighton and trained at RADA. A familiar face on stage and TV, his recent leading West End roles include Sam Carmichael in Mamma Mia!, Billy Flynn in Chicago and David Buckle in Michael Frayn’s comedy Donkeys’ Years. Michael is hilarious in Yes, Prime Minister, a show everyone should see before it closes at the Trafalgar Studios in January. Click here to read our 4 star review of Yes, Prime Minister.

Gavin Lee and Charlotte Gooch to take over from Tom Chambers and Summer Strallen in Top Hat

From 5th February 2013 Gavin Lee will join the cast of the hit West End production of Top Hat to play Jerry Travers. Top Hat is currently booking at the Aldwych Theatre until 28th September 2013 having recently released a further 180,000 new tickets for sale. Seventy seven years after its movie release, Matthew White’s production arrived in the West End earlier this year having completed a 20 week sell-out UK tour. 

From 27th November 2012, Charlotte Gooch will join the cast to play Dale Tremont alongside Tom Chambers who continues in the role of Jerry Travers until 2nd February 2013. 

Review: Top Hat at the Aldwych Theatre

Top Hat
Aldwych Theatre
Performance: Thursday 18th October 2012

Jerry Travers, the famous American tap dancer, arrives in London to appear in his first West End show. Travers meets the irresistible Dale Tremont, the girl of his dreams, and follows her across Europe in an attempt to win her heart. Performed by a cast of 31 and accompanied by a live band of 15, this new musical comedy includes Irving Berlin classics from the original movie. A further ten numbers have been interpolated from Berlin’s 1200 strong back catalogue.

Top Hat extends booking to September 2013

Over 180,000 new tickets are now on sale for Top Hat at the Aldwych Theatre as it extends its booking period to 28th September 2012. Seventy seven years after its movie release, Matthew White’s production arrived in the West End earlier this year having completed a 20 week sell-out UK tour. 

The show follows Jerry Travers, the famous American tap dancer, as he arrives in London to appear in his first West End show. Travers meets the irresistible Dale Tremont, the girl of his dreams, and follows her across Europe in an attempt to win her heart.

Performed by a cast of 31 and accompanied by a live band of 15, this new musical comedy includes Irving Berlin classics from the original movie. A further ten numbers have been interpolated from Berlin’s 1200 strong back catalogue.

Album Review: Top Hat (original London cast recording)

Top Hat
Original London Cast Recording
First Night Records

Reviewing the original London cast recoding of Top Hat The Musical has been an interesting experience for me as I haven't seen the show... yet and I have not seen the film. After one listen I was not convinced however over the last week it has grown on me. Sometimes this can be the case with music, after one listen the music is forgettable but after a few listens you suddenly realise you are whistling the songs while doing the washing up. I was also surprised that I knew quite a few of the songs already.

Everything you need to know about West End Live 2012

This years West End Live will take place in Trafalgar Square on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th of June. As usual all the top West End Musicals will be performing including the casts of Top Hat, Wicked, Billy Elliot, Sweeney Todd, Singin' In The Rain, Phantom Of The Opera, Les Mis, Ghost, We Will Rock You, Shrek, Matilda and Blood Brothers just to name a few.

Presented by Westminster City Council and the Society of London Theatre in association with MasterCard, West End LIVE showcases the quality and diversity of entertainment on offer in the heart of London, promoting the West End as an exciting venue for all the family – all live, all for free in the iconic setting of Trafalgar Square.

As well as featuring showcase performances from every West End musical there will also be performances from live bands and a wonderful array of interactive exhibits from many of London’s top museums, galleries and cultural institutions – West End LIVE is a unique event that has grown to become a hugely popular fixture in London’s entertainment calendar .

Where: Trafalgar Square
When: Saturday 23 – Sunday 24 June
Cost: Free Entry
Nearest Tube: Leicester Square/Charing Cross/Embankment

There will also be exciting performances from West End Stars who are currently promoting new albums and singles. Louise Dearman will be performing songs from her latest album 'Here Comes The Sun' which we recently reviewed, giving a 5 star rating. Mark Evans will be performing songs from the upcoming English version of his debut album 'The Journey Home'. They will be joined by Alex Gaumond who will perform his new single entitled 'Here I Am'

Finally there will also be special performances from the new concept musical 'The In-Bewtween'. Perfoming the new music from this show are West End Stars Sabrina Aloueche, Hannah Jane Fox, Scott Garnham and Lauren Samuels. Click here to read our full article about The In-Between's performances at West End Live.

Here is the full schedule for West End Live 2012. For more information visit http://www.westendlive.co.uk/