Understudy of the Year 2016: Full result

Thomas Dennis has won West End Frame's Understudy of the Year 2016 for alternating the role of Christopher Boone in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Natasha Barnes finishes second for alternating the role of Fanny Brice in Funny Girl whilst Robbie White finishes third for understudying Ray, Dave, Pete and Mick in Sunny Afternoon.

Last year's Understudy of the Year Award was won by Jacqueline Hughes for standing by as Elphaba in Wicked. Zoë Birkett (alternate Rachel/The Bodyguard) finished second whilst Ryan O'Donnell (understudy Ray Davies/Sunny Afternoon) finished third. All three have since gone on to play their respective roles full-time. 

WINNER

Thomas Dennis

Alternate Christopher Boone

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

19% of the final vote

"Christopher would say 'It's the best result' - I would say this is just awesome! To see that five years on, Christopher is still helping audiences 'see the world differently' is a testament to the power of theatre.

Curious Incident's Thomas Dennis wins Understudy of the Year 2016!

We are delighted to announce that Thomas Dennis has won West End Frame's Understudy of the Year 2016 for alternating the role of Christopher Boone in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.

Speaking to West End Frame, Dennis said:  "Christopher would say 'It's the best result' - I would say this is just awesome! To see that five years on, Christopher is still helping audiences 'see the world differently' is a testament to the power of theatre.

"I would like to say a herculean thank you to everyone who has supported me by voting. It is humbling to know that my performance of this amazing young man and his journey is recognised in such a way. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time demands a tight knit ensemble and I feel very blessed to be working with this cast and crew who share the same commitment to Christopher's Journey as I do. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"

VOTE: Understudy of the Year 2016

Voting is open for West End Frame's Understudy of the Year 2016! Voting opened at 1pm on Friday 12th August and closes at 3pm on Monday 29th August 2016. Understudy of the Year is a celebration of standbys, alternates and understudies, without whom the West End wouldn’t be able to function.

'Follow' us on Twitter and Instagram and 'Like' us on Facebook for exclusive updates during the voting period and to be the first to find out when the result is announced on Wednesday 31st August 2016. Please note, the result can be previewed until Friday 19th August.

Nominees announced for Understudy of the Year 2016

The full nominations list has been confirmed for West End Frame's Understudy of the Year 2016. Running as part of the 2016 West End Frame Awards, voting opens tomorrow (Friday 12th August) at 1pm. 

Voting closes on Monday 29th August at 3pm and the result will be announced on Wednesday 31st August. Understudy of the Year is a celebration of standbys, alternates and understudies, without whom the West End wouldn’t be able to function. 

Details announced for Understudy of the Year 2016

We are delighted to announced that voting for Understudy of the Year 2016 will open later this week on Friday 12th August.

The Award will run until Monday 29th August 2016. The full nominations list will be announced on Thursday (11th August), but keep an eye on social media for some teasers! Understudy of the Year is a celebration of standbys, alternates and understudies, without whom the West End wouldn’t be able to function. 

Full casting & additional dates announced for Sunny Afternoon UK tour

Full casting and additional dates have been announced for the national tour of Sunny Afternoon.

Former West End Frame Understudy of the Year runner-up Ryan O'Donnell will star as ‘Ray Davies’.

The cast also includes: Mark Newnham as ‘Dave Davies’, Garmon Rhys as ‘Pete Quaife’ and Andrew Gallo as ‘Mick Avory’. 

Editor's Blog: 5 stagey YouTube videos you should be obsessed with!

It's the beginning of January and theatre news has been slow since the Christmas holidays, so in West End Frame Towers we've been spending lots of time geeking out over stagey YouTube videos. Below are five you should be obsessed with:

5. Everybody say HEAVY METAL

Tim Prottey-Jones is currently appearing in the ensemble of Kinky Boots at the Adelphi Theatre and has recently been uploading heavy metal versions of musical theatre classics such as 'I Still Believe' and 'On My Own' onto YouTube. Listen to his cover of 'Land of Lola' below and check out more of his covers here. I think a musical theatre heavy metal album/concert could go down a storm!

4. Oh what a celebration we'll have today!

Everybody loves a good showmance! On Christmas day Daniel Robinson and Joshua Green - who both play flying monkeys in the Broadway production of Wicked - got engaged onstage at the Gershwin Theatre. After the performance the cast gathered for a company photo before Robinson stood up and proposed to Green in full flying monkey costume! Of course it was all captured on camera and has now gone viral! Watch below:

Review: Jacqueline Hughes Live at Above The Arts

Jacqueline Hughes Live 
Above The Arts
Reviewed on Sunday 29th November 2015
★★★★★

On Sunday afternoon Jacqueline Hughes - winner of West End Frame's 2015 Understudy of the Year Award for standing by as Elphaba on the UK tour of Wicked - made her London solo concert debut at Above The Arts. Long before the sold out show had even begun there was an excited buzz as audience members, who had traveled from all around the UK, took their seats.

Interview: Layla Harrison, currently in The Phantom of the Opera

Having joined the show prior to its 25th anniversary celebrations, Layla Harrison is currently preparing to bid farewell to The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty’s Theatre.

As well as appearing in the ensemble, Layla understudies the role of Meg for which she finished as the second runner-up in West End Frame’s 2014 Understudy of the Year Award.

Layla’s theatre credits include: The Ragged Child (UK Tour/New York/Canada) and the National Youth Music Theatre’s production of Oliver! (Edinburgh Fringe).

Her dance work includes: her professional debut as Young Aurora in Sleeping Beauty (Kirov Ballet Company), Cinderella (Royal Ballet Company), Fireworks (Ballet Ireland UK and Ireland tour), dancing with Adam Cooper and Oxana Panchenko in Peter Darrell’s Jeux (gala), Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Nutcracker, Giselle and Romeo and Juliet (English National Ballet Company), Sleeping Beauty, Carmen, Cheating Lying Stealing, Pennies from Heaven, Rubies, In Light and Shadow, The Nutcracker, Spring Season Fairy in Cinderella and Dormouse in Alice (Scottish Ballet Company) and working with Will Tuckett on a performance at Buckingham Palace for Prince Charles (Royal Opera House and Van Cleef & Arpels collaboration).

On screen Layla has appeared in: Poirot: The Dumb Witness, The South Bank Show, Blue Peter, Ballet Russes, Filth & Wisdom, Margot and 3D feature film Streetdance. She has also worked extensively as a teacher having established Dunsford Performing Arts.

Layla chats to West End Frame about why leaving Phantom is going to be emotional, what it was like to work so closely with Gillian Lynne on the show’s 25th anniversary and what other shows she’s itching to do…

Can you believe that your time in Phantom has almost come to an end?

Not at all! So much has happened in the four years I've been there, yet it feels like it's flown by too. 

What are you going to miss most about the show?

I have some really special friends at the theatre, from different departments, who I will miss seeing every day. Of course I will make sure I see them plenty, but it's never the same as when you work with someone every day. The production itself is so special and I've always been so proud to be a part of it and will miss the feeling of belonging to it. The curtain call is another novelty that never wears off. There's a lot I will miss.

Jacqueline Hughes wins Understudy of the Year 2015!

We are delighted to announce that Jacqueline Hughes has won West End Frame's 2015 Understudy of the Year Award for standing by as Elphaba in the UK and Ireland touring production of Wicked.

Speaking to West End Frame, Hughes said: "I am so completely overwhelmed to have won the 2015 Understudy of the Year Award! I feel so honoured to have been on that list in the first place, especially alongside such incredible talent. 

"The support I've had is beyond words and I want thank you all from the bottom of my heart for voting! The past year has been a dream come true and I am so lucky and proud to have had the opportunity to stand by for the iconic green girl, Elphaba. This really is the icing on the cake to my four and a half year Wicked journey!"

Hughes first joined Wicked as a swing in the West End production. She initially understudied Madame Morrible before becoming second understudy for Elphaba. In 2014 Hughes transferred to the UK and Ireland tour as standby Elphaba for the production's final year, playing the role on countless occasions. This marks the first time a performer from Wicked has won Understudy of the Year.

The incomparable Zoë Birkett finishes second for alternating the role of Rachel Marron in the UK touring production of The Bodyguard. Marking the first time performers from UK touring productions have been eligible, this year's Understudy of the Year has been one of the tightest West End Frame Awards ever - just 2% separated the top two.

Understudy of the Year 2015: Full result

Jacqueline Hughes has won West End Frame's 2015 Understudy of the Year Award for standing by as Elphaba in the UK and Ireland touring production of Wicked. Zoë Birkett finishes second for alternating the role of Rachel Marron in the UK touring production of The Bodyguard. 

Marking the first time performers from UK touring productions have been eligible, this year's Understudy of the Year has been one of the tightest West End Frame Awards ever - just 2% separated the top two! Check out the full result below:

WINNER

Jacqueline Hughes

Standby Elphaba in Wicked UK tour

26% of the final vote

Speaking to West End Frame, Hughes said: "I am so completely overwhelmed to have won the 2015 Understudy of the Year Award! I feel so honoured to have been on that list in the first place, especially alongside such incredible talent. 

Feature: July round-up

Star of the Month

Matt Cardle

Matt Cardle in Memphis / Photo Credit: Matt Crockett

Whoever succeeded Killian Donnelly as Huey Calhoun in Memphis The Musical was going to have a tough act to follow, but former X Factor winner Matt Cardle has made a triumphant West End debut as Huey and made the role his own. Matt showcases strong vocals and has fun with the role, growling and riffing his way through the score whilst highlighting the quirky and goofy side to Huey in his first acting role. Matt's 'Memphis Lives In Me' is impeccable and he has incredible chemistry opposite the insanely talented Beverley Knight throughout.  Read our 5* review of Matt in Memphis and read our big interview with Matt about joining Memphis.

Show of the Month

What's It All About? Bacharach Reimagined

The cast of What's It All About? / Photo Credit: Nobby Clark

VOTE: Understudy of the Year 2015

Voting is now open for West End Frame's Understudy of the Year Award 2015!

Voting opened on Thursday 9th July at 1pm and will close at 3pm on Wednesday 12th August.

The award is a celebration of standbys, alternates and understudies, without whom the West End wouldn't be able to function. Due to public demand, this year for the first time ever 3 understudies/alternates/standbys from UK touring productions have been nominated alongside 25 West End understudies/alternates/standbys.

'Follow' us on Twitter and Instagram and 'Like' us on Facebook for exclusive updates during the voting period and to be the first to find out when the result is announced on Friday 14th August. The result can be previewed until Tuesday 28th July.

Nominees announced for Understudy of the Year 2015

We are delighted to confirm the full list of nominees for West End Frame's Understudy of the Year Award 2015. 

Running as part of the 2015 West End Frame Awards, voting for Understudy of the Year will open tomorrow (Thursday 9th July) at 1pm. Voting closes at 3pm on Wednesday 12th August and the winner will be announced on Friday 14th August.

The award is a celebration of standbys, alternates and understudies, without whom the West End wouldn't be able to function. Due to public demand, this year for the first time ever 3 understudies/alternates/standbys from UK touring productions have been nominated alongside 25 West End understudies/alternates/standbys.

Details announced for Understudy of the Year 2015

We are delighted to confirm details for Understudy of the Year 2015. 

Running as part of the 2015 West End Frame Awards, voting for Understudy of the Year will open later this week at 1pm on Thursday 9th July. Voting closes at 3pm on Wednesday 12th August and the result will be announced on Friday 14th August. 

The award is a celebration of standbys, alternates and understudies, without whom the West End wouldn't be able to function. Due to public demand, this year for the first time ever three understudies/alternates/standbys from UK touring productions have been nominated alongside 25 West End understudies/alternates/standbys. 

Big Interview: Carolyn Maitland

Last year Carolyn Maitland won West End Frame’s Understudy of the Year Award for covering the role of Ellen in the West End revival of Miss Saigon at the Prince Edward Theatre. 

Carolyn will depart the production next month to star as Kathy Selden in Singin’ in the Rain at the Kilworth House Theatre.

Carolyn received huge acclaim for understudying Hannah Waddingham in Kiss Me, Kate at the Chichester Festival Theatre and Old Vic. She has understudied countless roles including Karen Holmes in From Here To Eternity (Shaftesbury), Vivienne & Serena in Legally Blonde (Savoy), Lucy Harris in Jekyll & Hyde (UK Tour), Gabriella & Taylor in High School Musical 2 (UK Tour) and Serena, Mabel & Miss Bell in Fame (UK Tour). 

I recently met with Carolyn to discuss her whirlwind year in Miss Saigon, going on as Ellen with no rehearsal and her experience in Kiss Me, Kate as well as why she was thrilled to win WEF’s Understudy of the Year Award plus much, much more…

How familiar were you with Miss Saigon before being cast in the show?

I had never, ever seen Miss Saigon! My fiancé had worked in the sound team in the original. When I was called in to be seen they had been auditioning for months and months. It was a last minute call in; when we found out From Here To Eternity was going to close they called me and a few other girls in for understudy Ellen, I think that they’d had trouble finding the fit for what they wanted. Everyone always goes on about Ellen but I had never seen it before so turned to YouTube and read about it. After my first audition – where I just did my own songs – they sent through the new song ‘Maybe’ which was actually in a different key to what they use in the show now. It was a very long and hard song to learn until you really broke down the text – I thought the song was just so beautiful. I fell in love with it and it was at that point I really started getting excited about the part. 

Interview: Ashley Day, starring as Curly in Oklahoma!

Ashley as Curly

Today (25th Feb) is West End Frame’s third birthday and we couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate than to catch up with our 2013 Understudy of the Year winner, Ashley Day!

Ashley is currently starring as Curly in Rachel Kavanaugh’s brand new touring production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma!.

In June 2013 West End Frame readers voted Ashley Understudy of the Year for understudying the role of Elder Price in the West End premiere of The Book of Mormon (Prince of Wales). His West End credits also include: understudy Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz (Palladium), Evita directed by Michael Grandage (Adelphi), Mary Poppins directed by Richard Eyre (Prince Edward) and Oliver! (Palladium). 

Ashley’s other theatre work includes: Troy Bolton in High School Musical (UK Tour), Robert Martin in The Drowsy Chaperone (Upstairs at the Gatehouse), The World Goes Round (Castle, Wellingborough), Irving Stone in Babes in Arms (Chichester Festival Theatre), Dream Gabey in On the Town directed by Jude Kelly (English National Opera), Liquorice Man in Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker (Sadler’s Wells), Dream Curly in Oklahoma! (Cardiff & Peacock, London) and Creation (Edinburgh Festival).

I recently spoke to Ashley about why he jumped at the chance to play Curly, being pushed to the limits by Drew McOnie’s choreography and life on the road PLUS he took on WEF’s brand new killer stagey question…

What were your first thoughts when the chance to play Curly came up?

Well my first thought was the score because it is something I haven’t done for a very long time – something legit, big and ‘baritonial’ [laughs] which made me very excited. There’s something about it which is almost very modern, everything just makes sense.

Understudy of the Year 2014: Full Result

Earlier today we announced that Carolyn Maitland has won West End Frame's Understudy of the Year Award 2014 for understudying Ellen in Cameron Mackintosh's West End revival of Miss Saigon. Eighteen understudies, standbys and alternates were nominated, take a look at the full result below:

Carolyn said: "I am extremely proud to have won Understudy of the Year 2014, especially alongside so many strong and incredible understudies, alternates and standbys. It's such a pleasure and an honour to cover Ellen in such an iconic musical. Gaining acknowledgement for this means so much to me. Thank you to all who voted and to everyone supporting all the understudies throughout the theatre world!"

Andrew Tomlins (Editor of West End Frame) said: "The response to Understudy of the Year 2014 has been overwhelming. It has been incredible to see so much support for some of theatre's most talented yet unrecognised stars. Several of the nominees have been in touch and told me they have been working in the industry for over twenty years but, prior to Understudy of the Year, have never been nominated for anything. Thank you to everybody who voted and supported."

Understudy of the Year runs as part of the 2014 West End Frame Awards. Unlike other theatre awards, West End Frame only opens voting for one category at a time and combines male and female actors from musicals and plays into the same categories (where applicable).

** WINNER **

Carolyn Maitland

Understudy Ellen

Miss Saigon

27% of the final vote

Carolyn Maitland wins Understudy of the Year 2014!

Carolyn Maitland

We are thrilled to announce that Carolyn Maitland has won West End Frame's Understudy of the Year Award 2014 for understudying Ellen in Cameron Mackintosh's West End revival of Miss Saigon. 

Over 8,000 votes were counted and Maitland wins with an impressive 27% of the final vote.

Miss Saigon began previews at the Prince Edward Theatre on Saturday 3rd May 2014. Before the production had officially opened Maitland was called on for Ellen at the last minute, performing in front of the creative team with little rehearsal to huge acclaim.

Speaking to West End Frame, Carolyn said: "I am extremely proud to have won Understudy of the Year 2014, especially alongside so many strong and incredible understudies, alternates and standbys. 

"It's such a pleasure and an honour to cover Ellen in such an iconic musical. Gaining acknowledgement for this means so much to me. Thank you to all who voted and to everyone supporting all the understudies throughout the theatre world!"

Maitland received huge acclaim for understudying Hannah Waddingham in Kiss Me Kate (Chichester/Old Vic). She has understudied countless roles including Karen Holmes in From Here To Eternity (Shaftesbury), Vivienne & Serena in Legally Blonde (Savoy), Lucy Harris in Jekyll & Hyde (UK Tour), Gabriella & Taylor in High School Musical 2 (UK Tour) and Serena, Mabel & Miss Bell in Fame (UK Tour).

The actress' co-star Tanya Manalang, who alternates the role of Kim, finishes second - marking only the second time performers from the same show have finished first and second place in a West End Frame Award. The Phantom of the Opera's Layla Harrison (Understudy Meg) comes third alongside Billy Elliot's Gillian Elisa (Alternate Grandma) and Les Miserables' Jade Davies (Understudy Cosette) who finish fourth and fifth respectively. Click here to view the full result. 

VOTE: Understudy of the Year 2014

Voting is now open for West End Frame's 2014 Understudy of the Year Award. 

Understudy of the Year is a celebration of standbys, alternates and understudies, without whom the West End wouldn’t be able to function. For six weeks it is always inspiring to see some of the West End's most talented yet unrecognised stars step into the limelight.

UPDATE: Voting for Understudy of the Year 2014 is now closed. The full result will be announced on Friday 18th July 2014.

Voting for West End Frame's Understudy of the Year 2014 opened at 1pm on Friday 6th June and must close at 3pm on Wednesday 16th July. Scroll down to vote.

Last year the award was won by Ashley Day for understudying Elder Price in The Book of Mormon. Top Hat's Alan Burkitt finished second whilst Wicked's Hayley Gallivan finished third. In 2012 Katy Treharne won Understudy of the Year for alternating Christine in The Phantom of the Opera. Chicago's Jenny Gayner came second and We Will Rock You's Lauren Varnham came third.

Understudy of the Year runs as part of the 2014 West End Frame Awards. Unlike other theatre awards, West End Frame only opens voting for one category at a time and combines male and female actors from musicals and plays into the same categories (where applicable).