Big Interview: Katie Bernstein

Katie Bernstein is currently playing Peggy in Mrs Henderson Presents at the Noel Coward Theatre, having originated the role last year at the Theatre Royal Bath. 

Her theatre credits include: Little Becky Two Shoes in Urinetown (St James/West End), Isobel in Payback (Riverside Studios), understudy Mimi/Maureen in Rent (UK tour), Nancy in Run (Polka), Pilar in Goodbye Barcelona (Arcola), Godspell (Manchester Palace) and Helen Shapiro in 20th Century Boy (New Wolsey). 

In addition, Katie regularly works as a session singer. She previously supported Katie Melua at BBC Proms in the Park and performed backing vocals for Belgium at last year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

I recently sat down with Katie to discuss what it’s like to take on a new musical, how audiences have been responding to Mrs Henderson Presents and what everyone’s like to work with. We also discussed Urinetown, playing Amy Winehouse in a musical and how she fell into musical theatre…

Mrs Henderson Presents is such a beautiful new British musical! How much did you know about it at first?

Well we weren’t actually sent that much material, so I went into it quite blind. I had seen the film and knew the premise of the story so knew it would have a comic element to it. I knew it had heart because of how British it is. I just had to read one or two scenes and didn’t know any of the music – I sang my own song when I auditioned. I just went with it!

Interview: Rosanna Hyland, starring in world stage premiere of Shock Treatment

Rosanna Hyland is starring as Betty Hapschatt in the world stage premiere of Shock Treatment, the sequel to The Rocky Horror Show.

Directed by Benji Sperring, the show opens at the King’s Head Theatre tonight (21st April) and runs until 9th May 2015. Shock Treatment has music and lyrics by Richard Hartley and Richard O'Brien. It is based on the 1981 movie.

Rosanna recently starred as Hope Cladwell in Jamie Lloyd’s production of Urinetown which transferred to the West End’s Apollo Theatre following a run at the St James Theatre. 

Her credits also include: understudy Julie Jordan in Carousel (Savoy), Sister Act (Palladium), understudy Princess Fiona in Shrek The Musical (Drury Lane), Helga in Cabaret (Singapore) and the workshop of Stephen Ward (Sydmonton Festival).

I recently spoke to Rosanna about why she’s had so much fun working on Shock Treatment, what advice Richard O'Brien gave the cast and what it’s like to look back on her time in Urinetown… 

Did you know anything about Shock Treatment previously?

Yes – I already knew about it because I’m a big Rocky Horror fan… to the point of writing my college pieces about it [laughs]. I’d seen the film years ago so knew quite a lot, when I found out about this it was exciting news because I knew it was the first time it had ever been staged!

Editor's Blog: Top 10 shows of 2014

2014 has been an incredibly diverse year for theatre. Producers have taken some risks and it's great that several off-West End productions managed to make it into the West End. In 2014 I went to the theatre 257 times and, out of everything I have seen (in the West End and on Broadway as well as in off-West End, regional and fringe theatres), below I have highlighted my top ten personal favourite shows...

10

Assassins

Menier Chocolate Factory

"I don't think I breathed once"

Photo Credit: Nobby Clark

Assassins is probably the most intense piece of theatre ever written and Jamie Lloyd's production at the Menier has set theatreland alight (it sold out shortly after opening). I don't think I breathed once for the entire hour and forty-five minutes. The ensemble cast - featuring the likes of Catherine Tate, Simon Lipkin and Aaron Tveit - are remarkably strong. I am still digesting the piece and am hugely looking forward to seeing it a second time next year (I ensured I bought a ticket before publishing my review).

Urinetown to close 3rd Jan 2015

Urinetown will conclude its West End run at the Apollo Theatre an extra week earlier than planned. 

The production was originally booking until 24th January 2015 but later set its closing date as 10th January to make way for the West End transfer of My Night With Reg. However, Urinetown will now conclude its run on Saturday 3rd January 2015.

Directed by Jamie Lloyd, Urinetown looks into how the world would cope if we lost the privilege to pee. The satirical musical comedy ran on Broadway to great acclaim between 2001 and 2004, receiving ten Tony Award nominations. It won for Best Book, Best Score and Best Direction.

Guest Blog: A change in the air…

Jonathan Slinger in Urinetown

For many years, London's West End was known for being full of Jukebox Musicals. Shows such as We Will Rock You, Jersey Boys, Mamma Mia and Rock of Ages dominated theatreland, bringing audiences to their feet night after night. However, jukebox musicals aren’t for everyone as there are many who would prefer to see something totally new. 

2014 has been very different, there seems to be a change in the air – there has been a sudden influx of original shows. New plays and musicals are taking the West End by storm and proving that you don't need a famous well known score to send audiences out from a theatre with smiles on their faces.

I was very lucky to witness three of these brand new original shows in a recent visit to the capital and they all made an impact on me in very different ways. 

Do musicals always have to have a happy ending? Well - not that I will be spoiling anything here… but over in Urinetown (currently at the Apollo Theatre) you are certainly made to question that idea. Jamie Lloyd's brilliant production of the Broadway musical, which had a sell-out run at the St James Theatre earlier this year, is continuing to pull in the crowds since its West End transfer back in September. 

Phill Jupitus replaces Simon Paisley Day in Urinetown; further casting revealed

Phill Jupitus will replace Simon Paisley Day as Caldwell B.Cladwell in the West End production of Urinetown from 1st December.

Jupitus has previously played roles in Hairspray and Spamalot. Speaking to the Standard, the Never Mind The Buzzcocks star revealed that he first auditioned for the role before Urinetown opened. However, director Jamie Lloyd told Jupitus that he was too young to play Caldwell.

Urinetown celebrates Halloween...

To celebrate Halloween, Urinetown have announced a special one-night-only offer and competition. Check out full details below and watch the video for further info!

On this most hallowed of eves, the bloodiest musical in the West End, Urinetown, is offering one costume clad audience member the chance to be BLOOD SPLATTERED ON STAGE. 

Big Interview: Matthew Seadon-Young, starring as Bobby Strong in Urinetown

Matthew Seadon-Young is currently starring as Bobby Strong in the West End transfer of Urinetown. He previously understudied the role during Urinetown’s run at the St James Theatre.

Directed by Jamie Lloyd, Urinetown looks into how the world would cope if we lost the privilege to pee. The satirical musical comedy ran on Broadway to great acclaim between 2001 until 2004, receiving ten Tony Award nominations. It won for Best Book, Best Score and Best Direction.

Matthew’s theatre credits include: The Architects (Shunt) and Les Miserables (Queens Theatre). He previously worked with Jamie Lloyd on School For Scandal (Theatre Royal Bath) and She Stoops To Conquer (National).

His screen credits include Matthew Warchus’ Pride as well as the film adaptation of Les Misérables directed by Tom Hooper. Matthew also sang at the 85th Academy Awards (Oscars – 2013) and The 25th Anniversary Concert for Les Miserables at the O2 Arena.

I recently spoke to Matthew about playing such an almighty role, bringing the house down night after night with the show stopping number ‘Run Freedom Run’, Urinetown’s cult following and a certain voicemail Jamie Lloyd left on his phone… 

How did you find out that you would be taking over as Bobby?

It was actually via voicemail. Jamie Lloyd, the director, had left me a voicemail. I woke up to a missed call and I thought, ‘oh, what’s this about then?’ because it’s not every day you get a call from the director! Obviously I had missed the call and he had left me a voicemail, but instead of listening to the voicemail – like any normal person would – I just tried ringing him back. I just thought it would be one of those short voicemails like “just give me a call back” or something like that, so I didn’t listen to it for about half an hour!

Review: Urinetown at the Apollo Theatre

Urinetown

Apollo Theatre

Reviewed on Wednesday 8th October 2014

★★★★★

Jonathan Slinger

For the past few months I've been telling everyone who missed Urinetown during its sell-out run at the St James Theatre to make sure they catch the musical in its new West End home. Of course the reply I always receive is, "What on earth is that about?" 

To put it simply, instead of retelling a love story or following a journey to self-discovery as many musicals do, Urinetown looks into how the world would cope if we lost the privilege to pee. Those who break the rules are sent to Urinetown but, of course, there is a rebellion.

It's important to point out that Mark Hollmann and Greg Kotis' show is a satirical musical comedy. The tone is perfect with the Narrator, Officer Lockstock (Jonathan Slinger) and Little Sally (Karis Jack) making fun of musicals in general as well as Urinetown's dark story and peculiar title. The piece is written cleverly and it's so refreshing to see it in the West End. The satirical humour makes Urinetown totally unique and I am confident it could build up a hugely dedicated audience.

Urinetown announces gala performance to support Water.org

Producers of Urinetown have announced details of a special charity gala performance to support Water.org on Monday 20th October at 7.45pm.

In conjunction with Urinetown’s West End transfer to the Apollo Theatre, the gala will introduce this new collaboration with Water.org to raise awareness of the global water crisis. In Urinetown people have to pay to use the toilet. With this charity event, Urinetown aims to raise awareness about the real global water crisis that the world’s population is facing today.

Competition: Win a pair of top price tickets to see Urinetown!

We are giving away a pair of free top price tickets to the West End transfer of Urinetown! To enter the competition, simply sign up to West End Frame's mailing list below.

The winner will be randomly selected at 10am on Wednesday 17th September 2014 (entries after this time will not be included).  The prize is valid on Monday to Thursday performances from 29th September to 27th November 2014.

The ripples of revolution are now reaching the shores of the West End!

Urinetown, the satirical musical comedy that was a sold out splash hit at the St James Theatre, arrives in London's West End at the beautiful Apollo Theatre on Monday 29th September.

Full casting announced for West End transfer of Urinetown

Full casting has been confirmed for the West End transfer of Urinetown. 

Matthew Seadon Young (pictured right) will lead the cast, taking over from Richard Fleeshman as Bobby Strong.

It has also been confirmed that Simon Paisley Day will reprise his performance as Caldwell B. Cladwell. Also joining the cast are Nathan Amzi (Officer Barrel), Alasdair Buchan (Swing), Christina Modestou (Swing), Kane Oliver Parry (Robbie The Stockfish) and Vicky Lee Taylor (Swing).

They join the previously announced Jenna Russell (Penelope Pennywise), Jonathan Slinger (Officer Lockstock), Marc Elliott (Mr. McQueen), Chris Bennett (Swing), Katie Bernstein (Little Becky Two Shoes/Mrs. Millennium), Cory English (Old Man Strong/Hot Blades Harry), Madeleine Harland (Soupy Sue), Rosanna Hyland (Hope Cladwell), Karis Jack (Little Sally), Julie Jupp (Old Woman/Josephine Strong), Aaron Lee Lambert (Billy Boy Bill), Mark Meadows (Senator Fipp), Joel Montague (Swing) and Jeff Nicholson (Tiny Tom/Dr. Billeaux).

Urinetown confirms further casting for West End transfer

Producers of Urinetown have confirmed casting details for the musical's West End transfer. As we reported last night, Jenna Russell (pictured right) and Jonathan Slinger will reprise their performances as Penelope Pennywise and Officer Lockstock

Marc Elliott, Rosanna Hyland and Karis Jack will also reprise their performances as Mr. McQueen, Hope Cladwell and Little Sally.

Further confirmed casting (from Urinetown’s original UK premiere run at the St James Theatre) includes: Chris Bennett (Swing), Katie Bernstein (Little Becky Two Shoes/Mrs. Millennium), Cory English (Old Man Strong/Hot Blades Harry), Madeleine Harland (Soupy Sue), Julie Jupp (Old Woman/ Josephine Strong), Aaron Lee Lambert (Billy Boy Bill/ UGC Executive), Mark Meadows (Senator Fipp), Joel Montague (Swing) and Jeff Nicholson (Tiny Tom/ Dr. Billeaux).

Jenna Russell & Jonathan Slinger star in West End transfer of Urinetown

According to the Daily Mail, Jenna Russell will star in the West End transfer of Urinetown, reprising her performance as Ms Pennywise. 

Many of the St James cast will reportedly return (including Jonathan Slinger), although Richard Fleeshman will not star in the transfer. Writing on Twitter, Fleeshman explained he could not commit to the transfer due to "other commitments."  He said, "I wish the show every success and I know it's going to be amazing."

UPDATE: Further casting has been confirmed. Click here for information.

Urinetown confirms West End transfer to Apollo Theatre in September!

Jamie Lloyd has confirmed his production of Urinetown will transfer to the Apollo Theatre from Monday 29th September 2014, following its successful run at the St James Theatre. The production is currently booking to Saturday 24th January 2015. Casting is yet to be announced.

Jamie Lloyd said: "Having attracted a diverse audience of all ages at the St. James earlier this year, I'm bursting to bring our production of this brilliantly off-kilter musical comedy to the West End, where I hope we'll make an even bigger splash. I'm delighted to return to the Apollo Theatre – the perfect home for our energetic and anarchic cast to run riot in. So, a big thank you to Nica Burns."

Gossip: Urinetown confirms return

Producers of Urinetown, which ends its run at the St James Theatre this week, have seemingly confirmed that the production will return.

An advert was run in yesterday's Evening Standard which read "Back in town. Following a critically acclaimed and sold-out run at the St James Theatre, Urinetown The Musical will return." Readers were asked to sign up to the show's newsletter for further information.

Urinetown had previously been tipped for a West End transfer which could happen later this year, unless Jamie Lloyd's production returns to the St James Theatre for a second season.

Review: Urinetown at the St James Theatre

Urinetown
St James Theatre
Reviewed on Friday 7th March 2014

The London Underground is famously bombarded with theatre posters, but with the hustle and bustle of day to day life busy commuters rarely take much notice. However, for the past few weeks I have witnessed Londoners stopping and starring at posters for the London premiere of Urinetown. "Urine as in wee?" and "A musical? Surely not?" are just a couple of the questions I have overheard, but what is Urinetown about? Well it's simple really, musicals often explore love, relationships, dreams and ambitions. However, how would the world cope if we lost the right to urinate? Urinetown is set in a world where humans have to pay to use the toilet, and if they don't or can't afford to they are taken to Urinetown...

Simon Paisley Day completes cast of Urinetown

It has been announced that Simon Paisley Day will complete that cast of Urinetown at the St James Theatre as Caldwell B. Cladwell. Directed by Jamie Lloyd, the production marks the West End premiere of Mark Hollmann and Greg Kotis' Broadway musical.

Simon joins the previously announced Marc Elliott (Mr. McQueen), Richard Fleeshman (Bobby Strong) and Jenna Russell (Penelope Pennywise).

The cast also includes: Chris Bennett (Swing), Katie Bernstein (Little Becky Two Shoes/Mrs. Millennium), Alasdair Buchan (Swing), Cory English (Old Man Strong/Hot Blades Harry), Madeleine Harland (Soupy Sue/Cladwell’s Secretary), Rosanna Hyland (Hope Cladwell), Karis Jack (Little Sally), Julie Jupp (Old Woman/Josephine Strong), Aaron Lee Lambert (Billy Boy Bill/UGC Executive), Mark Meadows (Senator Fipp), Joel Montague (Swing), Jo Napthine (Swing), Jeff Nicholson (Tiny Tom/Dr. Billeaux), Adam Pearce (Officer Barrel), Charlotte Scott (Swing), Matthew Seadon-Young (Robbie The Stockfish/UGC Executive) and Jonathan Slinger (Officer Lockstock).

Marc Elliot joins Urinetown, further casting announced: Meet The Cast

Further casting has been announced for the West End premiere of Urinetown directed by Jamie Lloyd. Ex-Eastenders actor Marc Elliot will play Mr. McQueen. He joins a cast led by the previously announced Richard Fleeshman as Bobby Strong, Jenna Russell as Penelope Pennywise and Jonathan Slinger as Officer Lockstock.

It has also been announced that the cast will feature: Chris Bennett (Swing), Alasdair Buchan (Swing), Karis Jack (Little Sally), Aaron Lee Lambert (Billy Boy Bill), Jeff Nicholson (Tiny Tom), Adam Pearce (Officer Barrel) and Charlotte Scott (Swing).

More Urinetown casting announced: Meet The Cast

Late last night we revealed that Richard Fleeshman, Jenna Russell, Cory English and Jonathan Slinger will star in the West End premiere of Urinetown at the St James Theatre. Richard will play Bobby Strong, Jenna will play Penelope Pennywise while Cory has been cast as Old Man Strong/Hot Blades Harry and Jonathan as Officer Lockstock

It has now been announced that the cast will also feature: Katie Bernstein (Little Becky Two Shoes/Mrs Millennium), Madeleine Harland (Soupy Sue/Cladwell’s Secretary), Rosanna Hyland (Hope Cladwell), Julie Jupp (Old Woman/Josephine Strong), Mark Meadows (Senator Fipp), Joel Montague (Male Swing 1), Jo Napthine (Female Swing 2) and Matthew Seadon-Young (Robbie The Stockfish/UGC Executive 1).

The role of Caldwell B. Cladwell and further casting will be announced shortly.