Editor's Blog: Erich Bergen, Jordan Lee Davies, Wicked Young Writers Award + more

Erich Bergen makes his London debut

Photo Credit: Darren Bell

Earlier this week U.S. performer Erich Bergen made his London debut with two solo shows at the London Hippodrome. The show featured music that inspired Bergen growing up, some material from his albums, as well as a tribute to his theatrical career which most notably saw him play Bob Gaudio in the U.S. touring and Las Vegas productions of Jersey Boys, before reprising his performance for the film adaptation.

Bergen put on a wild evening; he let loose on stage and gave us a taste of what he's all about. Bergen certainly knows how to tell a story and brought all the material together smoothly. Special guests Cassidy Janson and Charl Brown set the stage alight, but the highlight of the evening was when Bergen was joined by former UK Jersey Boys stars Stephen Ashfield, Tim Driesen and Michael Watson to form a Jersey Boys supergroup - many were brought to their feet. Bergen put on a superb evening with a terrific band - let's hope he returns to the UK again soon.

★★★★ | Read our interview with Erich | Visit www.club11.london for information about upcoming concerts at the London Hippodrome.

Wicked Young Writers Award restores faith 

Photo Credit: Matt Crockett

Hours after the EU referendum result was announced, my faith in this country was restored after attending the 2016 Wicked Young Writers Award at the Apollo Victoria Theatre. Now in its 6th year, the Awards are all about inspiring young people to use writing to express themselves by producing unique and original pieces of prose and poetry. Over 100 shortlisted finalists and their families and teachers attended the ceremony, creating an extraordinary buzz in the theatre.

Wicked announces sixth year of Young Writer Awards

Wicked has announced the sixth year of the Wicked Young Writer Awards, which this year introduces a new non-fiction category. 

It has also been announced that Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall has agreed to extend her patronage for a further five years.

The Duchess of Cornwall said at the award ceremony in 2011: “I believe passionately in nurturing a love of reading and writing in children and young people of all ages. Reading is not only the start of a voyage of personal development and pleasure, but the foundation stone of all education."

‘How to Train Your Dragon’ author-illustrator Cressida Cowell is also returning to the judging panel as Head Judge. She said, “I am thrilled to be asked to be a judge for the second time. It is wonderful to be involved in an award which fires up the imaginations and confidence of these young writers. As an ambassador for the National Literacy Trust, I’m a real advocate of anything that gets young people reading and writing.”

Editor's Blog: Another standing ovation for Cynthia Erivo, Connie Fisher sings once more & Wicked launches For Good programme

Cynthia Erivo

Yesterday (19th July), Cynthia Erivo took to the stage at the Charing Cross Theatre for her final London solo concert appearance before heading off to Broadway. Following in the footsteps of Gavin Creel, Janie Dee, Louise Dearman and Kerry Ellis, Erivo's show was part of the ongoing Singular Sensations series which sees West End stars perform a selection of songs and being interviewed by Edward Seckerson.

Kicking things off with 'Don't Rain On My Parade' from Funny Girl (Erivo later admitted Fanny Brice is a role she would love to sink her teeth into), the West End and soon-to-be Broadway star was on top form (as usual). Being interviewed live in a spotlight in front of a packed audience must be a little daunting, yet Erivo took it all in her stride and soon warmed to the atmosphere. She is a beautiful storyteller, bouncing off the audience who were engaged throughout.

Winners announced for Wicked Young Writers' Award

The 2015 Wicked Young Writers’ Award today announced its winners during a ceremony involving 120 shortlisted finalists at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre, home of Wicked.

Now in its 5th year, the Award, encourages young people aged 5-25 years old to use writing as a means of expressing themselves, celebrating the production’s themes and values of looking at life in a different way.

Each year, thousands of entries are received across five age categories, with the addition in 2015 of the Sugarscape Fan Fiction Award, a brand new category created by the entertainment website to celebrate the growing genre of fan fiction amongst young people.

Entries open for fifth year of Wicked Young Writers’ Award

Jennifer DiNoia

Wicked has announced the fifth year of the Wicked Young Writers’ Award. Entries are now open (details below).

The Award was established in 2010, spearheaded by bestselling author Michael Morpurgo, to recognise excellence in writing, encourage creativity and develop writing talent in young people between 5-25 years of age from all backgrounds and areas of the UK & Ireland.

Over 20,000 young people have since entered original and thought-provoking pieces of writing that consistently reflect the interests, concerns and deepest thoughts of young people, providing a first-look at the emerging voices of a new generation.

Championed by Patron Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall, the Award this year welcomes Cressida Cowell, the hugely popular author of the How to Train Your Dragon series, to join the panel of judges alongside Michael McCabe, UK Executive Producer of Wicked, and Jonathan Douglas, Director of the National Literacy Trust.

Wicked Young Writers’ Award reveals 2014 shortlist

It has been announced that 100 entries, selected from more than 5,200 submissions, have been shortlisted for the 2014 Wicked Young Writers’ Award.

The Award was established in 2010 as a way of linking the themes and messages of the long-running musical with a competition to inspire self-expression and creativity through the writing of young people aged between 5-25 years old. 

This year’s entries saw young people exploring themes and concerns such as ageing, enduring love and loss, global warming, bullying, self-harm, and the effects of war.