Big Interview: Samuel Edwards

Samuel Edwards is starring as Sonny in the UK premiere of roller skating Broadway musical Xanadu.

Following two weeks of previews, Xanadu officially opens tonight (2nd November) at the Southwark Playhouse where it runs until 21st November 2015. 

Based on the 1980s cult film, Xanadu originally opened on Broadway in 2007 where it ran for over 500 performances and was nominated for four Tony Awards. The score features the movie's chart topping songs including 'Magic', 'Suddenly', 'I’m Alive', 'Evil Woman', 'All Over the World' and 'Xanadu'.

Sam recently starred as Fiyero in the UK and Ireland tour of Wicked, having previously understudied the role in the West End production at the Apollo Victoria Theatre. His credits also include: understudy Sam Wheat in Ghost The Musical (Piccadilly), Feuilly in Les Misérables (Queen's) and The Sound of Music (Regent’s Park Open Air). 

I recently spoke to Sam about embracing the cheesiness of Xanadu, what people can expect from the show and how he has found the roller skating. We also discussed his year as Fiyero, why Ghost was such a special show for him and what he got up to in a previous life…

How much did you know about Xanadu before this production came up?

If I’m honest with you I had never heard of the film! Someone mentioned the show to me back in February this year so it was on my radar. I remember typing it into YouTube and watching their performance at the Tonys and thinking, ‘This looks awesome’! I had never really heard any of the songs before – they’re 80s hits apparently [laughs] from before my time. It wasn’t until the auditions came around that I thought I should probably buy the DVD. I got about half an hour into the film… and just couldn’t take it anymore! I know it’s a cult film and everything, but I thought it was diabolical! It is awful [laughs]! But the show is very different and did so well on Broadway.

Steven Pinder takes over as Doctor Dillamond in West End production of Wicked

It has been announced that Steven Pinder will take over as Doctor Dillamond in the West End production of Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre from 10th August until Saturday 19th September 2015.

Philip Childs will play his final performance on Saturday 8th August 2015. Pinder is currently playing both Doctor Dillamond and The Wizard in Wicked's UK Tour which concludes in Salford on Saturday 25th July 2015. 

The actor is best remembered as ‘Max Farnham’ in Phil Redmond’s Brookside, a role he played from 1990 until the final episode in 2003. He has worked extensively in theatre and television and joined the UK Tour of Wicked in September 2014.

Interview: Liam Doyle

Liam Doyle is currently rehearsing for the UK premiere of Altar Boyz. The production will play a strictly limited run of 14 performances at the Greenwich Theatre between Friday 3rd October and Saturday 18th October 2014.

Altar Boyz is described as a “foot-stomping, rafter-raising” musical comedy about a fictitious boyband on the last night of their Raise the Praise tour. The show is “full of sharp parody, sinfully spectacular dancing and irreverent humour.” 

Liam recently originated the role of Fiyero in the first UK and Ireland tour of Wicked. After winning GMTV’s ‘Search for Troy Bolton’ competition, Liam toured the UK as Troy in High School Musical. 

His theatre credits also include: Link in Hairspray (UK Tour), Eddie and understudy Sky in Mamma Mia! (Prince of Wales / Novello), Camp Rock (Dubai), Ricky Nelson in Rock ‘n’ Roll Heaven (national tour) and After The Turn (Courtyard). 

I recently spoke to Liam about life post Wicked, why Altar Boyz is a new challenge and the support he receives from theatre fans…

You’ve just left Wicked and have literally gone straight into rehearsals for Altar Boyz. Is your brain frazzled? Both shows couldn’t be more different!

Yes! It’s actually a really nice change. I loved being in Wicked but this is something which is new and which is really fresh. Everybody working on Altar Boyz wants it to be the best it possibly can be, there’s such a nice team. I’m loving every second of it! It has actually made leaving Wicked a lot easier because this is so much fun.

Nikki Davis-Jones leaves Wicked; new London Elphaba to be announced "in due course"

Producers of Wicked have announced that Nikki Davis-Jones, who has been starring in the UK Tour of Wicked, has withdrawn from the production with immediate effect. She will no longer take over the role of Elphaba in the West End from 27th October 2014 as previously announced.

Jemma Alexander will play Elphaba for the remainder of the UK Tour's engagement at the Birmingham Hippodrome. Ashleigh Gray takes over the role, as previously announced, from 16th September 2014 at the Liverpool Empire and for the remainder of the UK Tour. 

Sneak peek at... the new cast of Wicked's UK Tour!

New picture of Ashleigh Gray as Elphaba

Producers of Wicked have released the first production images of the new UK Tour cast in action. Check out the pictures below (click image to enlarge).

The new cast join the touring production from Tuesday 16th September 2014 at the Liverpool Empire Theatre. Former West End standby Ashleigh Gray takes over as Elphaba and will star alongside Emily Tierney (Glinda).

The cast will also include: Samuel Edwards (Fiyero), Marilyn Cutts (Madame Morrible), Steven Pinder (The Wizard and Doctor Dillamond), Carina Gillespie (Nessarose), Richard Vincent (Boq) and Jacqueline Hughes (Standby Elphaba).

The tour is currently at Birmingham Hippodrome (until Saturday 6th September 2014) and continues to the Liverpool Empire Theatre (16th September to 11th October 2014); Southampton Mayflower Theatre (21st October to 15th November 2014); Edinburgh Playhouse (19th November 2014 to 10th January 2015); Plymouth Theatre Royal (20th January to 14th February 2015); Bristol Hippodrome (18th February to 21st March 2015); Sunderland Empire Theatre (31st March to 25th April 2015); Aberdeen His Majesty's Theatre (5th to 30th May 2015) and concludes at The Lowry in Salford (3rd June to 25th July 2015).

Full new cast announced for Wicked UK Tour

Wicked has confirmed the full new cast of its UK Tour.

It was previously announced that from Tuesday 16th September the production will star: Ashleigh Gray (Elphaba, pictured right), Samuel Edwards (Fiyero), Steven Pinder (The Wizard and Doctor Dillamond), Richard Vincent (Boq) and Jacqueline Hughes (Standby Elphaba).

Emily Tierney (Glinda), Marilyn Cutts (Madame Morrible) and Carina Gillespie (Nessarose) will all continue in their current starring roles.

Also joining the cast are: Joe Atkinson, Joshua Berg, Ben Carruthers, Lauren Ellis-Steele, Oliver Evans, Victoria Farley, Tom Mather, Brian McCann, Ashley Morgan-Davies, Stephanie Powell, Elisha Sherman, Hannah Veerapen and Danny Whitehead.

Wicked confirms new UK Tour cast!

Wicked has confirmed its new UK Touring cast.

From Tuesday 16th September the production will star: Ashleigh Gray (Elphaba), Samuel Edwards (Fiyero), Steven Pinder (The Wizard and Doctor Dillamond), Richard Vincent (Boq) and Jacqueline Hughes (Standby Elphaba).

Ashleigh Gray & Emily Tierney

Current cast members Nikki Davis-Jones (Elphaba), Liam Doyle (Fiyero), Dale Rapley (The Wizard and Doctor Dillamond), George Ure (Boq) and Jemma Alexander (Standby Elphaba) will all play their final performances on Saturday 6th September 2014 at Birmingham Hippodrome.

Ashleigh Gray takes over as Elphaba during Wicked's run in Edinburgh

According to the Edinburgh  News, Ashleigh Gray is returning to Wicked. The star will play Elphaba during the UK touring production's stint in Edinburgh.

UPDATE: Further Wicked UK Tour casting has now been confirmed. Click here for further information.

Speaking to the website, Ashleigh said: I grew up watching all the big touring productions and used to dream I might be up on that stage one day. I’ve been lucky enough to play Edinburgh several times with other shows, but to finally be at the Playhouse, with Wicked, is quite something.”

Wicked UK Tour confirms final tour dates & venues

Emily Tierney & Nikki Davis-Jones

The UK Tour of Wicked has confirmed its final tour dates and venues. 

The record breaking show will play at the Theatre Royal Plymouth (20th January to 14th February 2015) and Sunderland Empire Theatre (31st March to 25th April 2015). The tour will conclude at The Lowry in Salford in the summer of 2015.

Michael McCabe (UK Executive Producer) said: "With the announcement of our remaining tour dates, in Plymouth and Sunderland in 2015, we are delighted to confirm that audiences in the South West and North East of England will also have the opportunity to experience this spectacular new production of Wicked. 

"We’re also thrilled that we’ll conclude this record-breaking tour in Greater Manchester in the summer of 2015 having hosted the critically acclaimed premiere there in September 2013".

The UK touring production of Wicked  has broken countless Box Office records, won multiple five star reviews across the UK and Ireland and has already been seen by 150,000 people. 

Wicked UK Tour becomes biggest hit musical in Milton Keynes Theatre history

The touring production of Wicked has become the biggest hit musical in the history of the Milton Keynes Theatre with over 45,000 people seeing the production during its limited engagement. The hit musical will play is final performance on Saturday 8th March 2014 before heading off for its Welsh premiere at the Wales Millennium Centre.

Liam Doyle (Fiyero) & Nikki Davis-Jones (Elphaba)

Michael McCabe (Executive Producer) said: "Audiences in Milton Keynes have been incredible and we thank them, and all of the staff at the theatre, for their generous welcome and support during our fantastic run. We are thrilled and grateful that so many people attended performances."

Review: Wicked (UK Tour) at the Milton Keynes Theatre

Wicked (UK Tour)
Milton Keynes Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 5th February 2014

Whilst continuing to delight audiences at the Apollo Victoria Theatre in the West End, last year Wicked launched a UK Touring production. Featuring a cast full of West End talent, it is astounding to see how such a huge production has been adapted for life on the road. Although elements of Wicked have been tweaked, I certainly wouldn't describe it as largely scaled down, as so many touring productions often are.

Wicked extends to April 2015

Jeremy Taylor (Fiyero) and Willemijn Verkaik (Elphaba)

The West End production of Wicked has extended its West End run to 25th April 2015, marking the production's 17th new booking period and taking the show into its 9th year at the Apollo Victoria Theatre. 

Over 450,000 new tickets go on sale on Monday 3rd February 2014.

Now the 15th longest-running musical in West End theatre history, the London production of the global musical phenomenon has already been seen by over 5.5 million people since its premiere in September 2006 and played over 3,000 performances.

Wicked currently stars: Willemijn Verkaik (Elphaba), Savannah Stevenson (Glinda), Jeremy Taylor (Fiyero), Sue Kelvin (Madame Morrible), Martyn Ellis (The Wizard, from 17th Feb), Paul Clarkson (Doctor Dillamond), Sam Lupton (Boq), Katie Rowley Jones (Nessarose), Emma Hatton (Standby Elphaba) and Sophie Linder-Lee(Standby Glinda). 

5 most popular articles/features of 2013

What's On Stage just announced their 5 most popular articles of 2013, so, at West End Frame Towers, we decided it would be interesting to do the same! Enjoy! And Merry Christmas to you all!

5. Full casting announced for X Factor musical 'I Can't Sing'
Dec 6, 2013

Sneak peek at... the Wicked UK Tour

Production images have been released for the upcoming UK Tour of Wicked. The UK & Ireland Tour opens at the Manchester Palace Theatre on 12 September 2013 before visiting Dublin, Milton Keynes, Wales, Glasgow, Leeds and Birmingham. Take a look at the pictures below (click on an image to enlarge).

The show will star Nikki Davis-Jones (Elphaba), Emily Tierney (Glinda), Liam Doyle (Fiyero), Marilyn Cutts (Madame Morrible), Dale Rapley (The Wizard and Doctor Dillamond), Carina Gillespie (Nessarose), George Ure (Boq) and Jemma Alexander (Standby Elphaba).

The show will also feature Lee Bridgman, Chrissy Brooke, Richard Carson, Harrison Clark, Jeanine Dinger, Tim Edwards, Howard Ellis, Natasha Ferguson, Zoe George, Lia Given, Natalie Green, Charlie Harding, Katie Kerr, Robert Kershaw, Will Knights, Sophie Leigh-Griffin, Candy Marriott, Oliver Metzler, Wendy-Lee Purdy, Julienne Schembri, Grant Thresh, Ed White and Helen Woolf.

Wicked UK Tour announces full casting

Emily Tierney and Nikki Davis-Jones

Full casting has been announced for the first UK Tour of Wicked for which rehearsals begin on Monday (5th August) in London.

Joining the previously announced Nikki Davis-Jones (Elphaba), Emily Tierney (Glinda), Liam Doyle (Fiyero), Marilyn Cutts (Madame Morrible), Dale Rapley (The Wizard and Doctor Dillamond), Carina Gillespie (Nessarose), George Ure (Boq) and Jemma Alexander (Standby Elphaba) are: Lee Bridgman, Chrissy Brooke, Richard Carson, Harrison Clark, Jeanine Dinger, Tim Edwards, Howard Ellis, Natasha Ferguson, Zoe George, Lia Given, Natalie Green, Charlie Harding, Katie Kerr, Robert Kershaw, Will Knights, Sophie Leigh-Griffin, Candy Marriott, Oliver Metzler, Wendy-Lee Purdy, Julienne Schembri, Grant Thresh, Ed White and Helen Woolf.

Click here to meet the cast.

Wicked UK Tour: Meet the cast!

After months of speculation and rumours it has finally been announced who will star in the UK touring production of Wicked! Former West End cast members Nikki Davis-Jones, Emily Tierney and George Ure will star as Elphaba, Glinda and Boq respectively. Also heading the forthcoming tour cast will be Liam Doyle as Fiyero, Marilyn Cutts as Madame Morrible, Dale Rapley as The Wizard and Doctor Dillamond, Carina Gillespie as Nessarose and Jemma Alexander as Standby Elphaba. Meet the cast below!

Nikki Davis-Jones and Emily Tierney to star in Wicked UK Tour! Principal casting announced...

It has been announced that former West End cast members Nikki Davis-Jones, Emily Tierney and George Ure will all star in the UK Tour of Wicked as Elphaba, Glinda and Boq respectively. Also heading the forthcoming tour cast will be: Liam Doyle as Fiyero, Marilyn Cutts as Madame Morrible, Dale Rapley as The Wizard and Doctor Dillamond, Carina Gillespie as Nessarose and Jemma Alexander as Standby Elphaba.

Emily Tierney, Liam Doyle and Nikki Davis-Jones

The UK & Ireland Tour will visit: Manchester Palace Theatre (12 September to 16 November 2013), Dublin Bord Gáis Energy Theatre (27 November 2013 to 18 January 2014), Milton Keynes Theatre (4 February to 8 March 2014), Wales Millennium Centre (12 March to 26 April 2014), Glasgow King’s Theatre (6 May to 31 May 2014), Leeds Grand Theatre (10 June to 5 July 2014) and Birmingham Hippodrome (9 July to 6 September 2014 / online booking opens 10 June 2013).

Behind the scenes at the Wicked Open Auditions

Open auditions were recently held to find performers to join the West End and Touring productions of Wicked. You can take an exclusive, behind the scenes look at the open auditions below.

Wicked UK Tour breaks Box Office records

It has been revealed that the upcoming UK Tour of Wicked has already broken box office records! The Milton Keynes Theatre has announced that in its first week of tickets going on sale, the musical has broken box office records with the highest grossing ticket sales in the theatre’s history.

Michael McCabe, Executive Producer (UK & Ireland) of Wicked commented: “We are all delighted to have broken Box Office records at the Milton Keynes Theatre and would like to thank all the venue staff as well as the ticket buyers themselves for helping us achieve this incredible milestone”. 

Wicked has already been seen by over 36 million people around the world and has 6 productions running concurrently. The West End production is now in its 7th year at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre, where it is already the 16th longest-running West End musical of all time. 

Wicked to hold open auditions to find new West End & UK Tour casts

It has been announced that open auditions will be held to find male and female dancers to join the new West End and UK Touring casts of Wicked. Producers are looking for unique, athletic dancers with strong ballet and jazz technique for Wayne Cilento’s edgy, contemporary choreography. Auditionees must also have strong singing voices. Auditions are being held at Pineapple Studios in London on Thurday 11th and Friday 12th April 2013. Further information can be found on the right (click to enlarge).

The West End production of Wicked is currently in its 7th year at the Apollo Victoria Theatre, booking until Saturday 26th April 2014. The upcoming UK tour opens at the Palace Theatre in Manchester on 12th September 2013.

The global musical phenomenon has now been seen by almost 5 million theatregoers since its West End premiere in 2006 and is already the 16th longest-running West End musical of all time.

The West End production currently stars Louise Dearman (Elphaba), Gina Beck (Glinda), Ben Freeman (Fiyero), Louise Plowright (Madame Morrible), Keith Bartlett (The Wizard), Christopher Howell (Doctor Dillamond), Sam Lupton (Boq), Katie Rowley Jones (Nessarose), Hayley Gallivan (Standby Elphaba) and Lucy van Gasse (Standby Glinda).