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:

Editor's Blog: Top 6 Theatrical Highlights of 2015

6

Kay Murphy saves the day!

Back in November I bought a last minute ticket to see Xanadu at the Southwark Playhouse as I enjoyed the show so much first time round. Before the show director Paul Warwick Griffin announced that cast member Alison Jiear was indisposed so actress Kay Murphy had learnt the role in 24 hours and would be stepping in. Murphy threw herself into each and every number and performed the entire show without a script in hand! She had the time of her life; pulling off the choreography and dazzling with her faultless vocals, providing a night to remember! Click here to read more.

5

Bradley Jaden steals show after show

Since taking over as Enjolras in the West End production of Les Miserables back in June, Bradley Jaden has been proving himself as a leading man worth keeping an eye on. I've seen Jaden pop up in various one-night-only Sunday night concerts this year, and each time he has stolen the show. In West End Heroes (click here to read review) Jaden made a huge impression with his performances of 'Who I'd Be' and 'Bohemian Rhapsody' whilst in Kings Of Broadway (click here to read review) he rightfully received one of the evening's biggest applauses for his rendition of  'Maria'. I recently caught Les Mis and Jaden was, without doubt, the strongest Enjolras I have seen for a long time. The future certainly looks bright for Bradley Jaden; if Jason Robert Brown's musical The Bridges of Madison County ever finds its way to London Jaden would make a perfect Robert. Read our interview with Bradley Jaden. 

4

Green girls shine 

Details announced for Best West End Debut 2015

We are delighted to announce details for West End Frame's 2015 Best West End Debut Award.

Running as part of the 2015 West End Frame Awards, voting for Best West End Debut opens at 1pm on Wednesday 18th November 2015. Voting closes at 3pm on Monday 30th November 2015 and the result will be announced on Wednesday 2nd December 2015. 

Unlike other theatre awards, West End Frame only opens voting for one category at a time and combines male and female actors from new and long-running productions into the same categories (where applicable). This award is a celebration of the West End’s newest talent.

UPDATE: Nominees have been announced

Review: Willemijn Verkaik In Concert at the Ambassadors Theatre

Willemijn Verkaik In Concert

Ambassadors Theatre

Reviewed on Tuesday 25th August 2015

★★★★★

Willemijn Verkaik is one of the most talented women on the planet. Earlier this week the Dutch musical superstar returned to the West End, having most recently appeared in Women on the Verge, for one-night-only with her solo concert. 

Willemijn Verkaik announces special guests for London concert

Special guests have been announced for Willemijn Verkaik's one-off solo concert at the West End's Ambassadors Theatre on Tuesday 25th August 2015. Verkaik will be joined by Victoria Hamilton-Barritt and James Fox.

Hamilton-Barritt is well known for her many stage roles including Daniela in the London Premiere of In The Heights at Southwark Playhouse, Diana in the Broadway revival production of A Chorus Line at the London Palladium, Gypsy Rose Lee in Gypsy at Leicester Curve, Alex in Flashdance at the Shaftesbury Theatre and Rizzo in Grease at the Piccadilly Theatre.

Fox’s many theatre credits include Judas in the UK Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar, Piano Man in Movin’ Out on Broadway and in the West End, The American in the UK, European and Canadian tour of Chess andPaul McCartney in Let it Be on Broadway and in the West End. James first came to prominence on the BBC’s Fame Academy, going on to represent the UK at the 2004 Eurovision Song Contest and performing to a television audience of over 300 million. Signing to Sony Music that year, his debut single ‘Hold on to Our Love’ reached number 13 in the UK singles chart. His follow-up album included a collaboration with Sir Tim Rice for 2012’s official Poppy Appeal single, ‘Landlocked’.

Willemijn Verkaik to star in Disney's Tarzan

It has been announced that West End Frame Award winner Willemijn Verkaik is taking over as Kala in Disney's musical adaptation of Tarzan in Germany

Currently booking until January 2016, the production runs at the Stage Apollo Theatre in Stuttgart. Verkaik joins the company at the end of August.

Speaking to www.n-news.de, Verkaik explained that as well as being vocally and theatrically challenging, the role is physically challenging as, like all the monkeys do, she will be flying over the audience. Verkaik also said she is "delighted to be back in Stuttgart on stage" and excited to "show a whole new side of me with this role".

Last year Verkaik won West End Frame’s Best West End Debut Award for her portrayal of Elphaba in Wicked (Apollo Victoria). The Dutch star first played the role in Germany in 2007. She then starred as Elphaba in Holland before joining the Broadway company, making her the only actress to have played the iconic character in three different languages. Following a successful stint in New York, Verkaik joined the London production to tremendous acclaim. 

Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown announces early closure

The West End production of Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown will now close at the Playhouse Theatre on 23rd May 2015. It had previously extended to 22nd August 2015.

Producers said: "We're very proud of this production, our superb cast and creative team, and the wonderful critical and audience response during the season."

Tamsin Greig (pictured right) and Haydn Gwynne both received Olivier Award nominations for their roles in the show. The cast also includes: Ricardo Afonso, Marianne Benedict, Seline Hizli, Holly James, Michael Matus, Rebecca McKinnis, Sarah Moyle, Alastair Natkiel, Haydn Oakley, Jérôme Pradon, Nuno Queimado, Dale Rapley, Anna Skellern, and Willemijn Verkaik. Bartlett Sher directs.

Review: Tamsin Greig stars in Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown at the Playhouse Theatre

Ricardo Afonso (Taxi Driver) and Tamsin Greig (Pepa Marcos)

Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown 

Playhouse Theatre

Reviewed on Tuesday 13th January 2015

★★★

Tamsin Greig makes her musical theatre debut in Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown. Set on the streets of Madrid, Women on the Verge has spiced up the West End during the cold winter months. The show may be crazy, but it makes a refreshing change and offers a fun, carefree night at the theatre.

West End Frame Awards 2014: Full Winners List

Readers of West End Frame were invited to vote for five awards throughout 2014. The West End Frame Awards recognise brand new and long-running plays and musicals, combining male and female actors into the same categories. Voting opens for one award at a time. We were thrilled to receive over 52,000 votes this year! Take a look at the full list of winners below:

Publicly Voted Awards

	Best West End Debut Willemijn Verkaik  for playing Elphaba in Wicked Runners Up Rachelle Ann Go for Miss Saigon Alexandra Burke for The Bodyguard Click here for full result / Photo Credit: Darren Bell
	Best Performance of a Song in a Musical Tam Mutu  for his rendition of 'Stars' in Les Miserables Runners Up Carrie Hope Fletcher for Les Miserables Gerónimo Rauch for The Phantom of the Opera Click here for full result
	Funniest West End Show The Book of Mormon at the Prince of Wales Theatre Runners Up The Commitments at the Palace Theatre Urinetown at the St James Theatre Click here for full result
	Understudy of the Year Carolyn Maitland for understudying Ellen in Miss Saigon Runners Up Tanya Manalang for Miss Saigon Layla Harrison for The Phantom of the Opera Click here for full result
	London Fringe Production of the Year Chicken Shop at the Park Theatre Runners Up Love Story at the Union Theatre Damn Yankees at the Landor Theatre Click here for full result / Photo Credit: Kim Hardy

Editor's Choice

Big Interview: Willemijn Verkaik - "I couldn’t be happier!"

Willemijn Verkaik is currently starring as Paulina in the West End premiere of Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown.

David Yazbek and Jeffrey Lane's musical opens at the Playhouse Theatre on Monday 12th January 2015 (previews from 17th December 2014) for a 20 week limited run. Willemijn is working alongside a stellar cast including Tamsin Greig, Haydn Gwynne, Jérôme Pradon, Anna Skellern, Ricardo Afonso, Haydn Oakley and Seline Hizli. Bartlett Sher directs.

Earlier this year, Willemijn won West End Frame’s West End Debut Award for her portrayal of Elphaba in Wicked (Apollo Victoria). The Dutch star first played the role in Germany in 2007. She then starred as Elphaba in Holland before joining the Broadway company, making her the only actress to have played the iconic character in three different languages. Following a successful stint in New York, Willemijn joined the London production to tremendous acclaim. 

Willemijn is the voice of Elsa in the German and Dutch language versions of Disney's Frozen which is the highest grossing animated movie of all time. Her theatre credits also include: Donna in Mamma Mia (Stuttgart, Germany), Songs For A New World (Stuttgart, Germany), Amneris in Aida (Tecklenburg, Germany) and Killer Queen in We Will Rock You (Cologne, Germany).

During a break from rehearsals, I recently spoke to Willemijn about her return to the London stage, why Women on the Verge is a new challenge and what the rest of the cast are like to work with. We also discussed her emotional departure from Wicked, why winning West End Frame’s Best West End Debut Award meant so much to her plus much, much more…

Women on the Verge has been completely re-workshopped since its Broadway run and is almost like a totally new show. At what point did you come on board?

I didn’t do any of the workshops so for me this is really fresh. I first heard of the show when I was auditioning and I started to do my research.

What were your first impressions? The music is so refreshing!

I thought the music was amazing! David Yazbek is a genius – the songs that he’s written for Pepa (Tamsin Greig) and Lucia (Haydn Gwynne) and for everyone are just so thrilling and special. All those Spanish influences are very refreshing. I just love the way he brings a song into a scene and gets that Spanish feeling. He captures the feel of the scene and the show… I am a fan [laughs]!

Seline Hizli completes Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown cast; meet the cast

It has been announced that Seline Hizli will complete the West End cast of Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown.

She joins the previously announced Tamsin Greig, Haydn Gwynne, Jérôme Pradon, Anna Skellern, Ricardo Afonso, Haydn Oakley and Willemijn Verkaik. The cast also includes Marianne Benedict, Holly James, Michael Matus, Rebecca McKinnis, Sarah Moyle, Alastair Natkiel, Nuno Queimado and Dale Rapley.

Willemijn Verkaik & more join West End cast of Women On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown

West End Frame Award winner Willemijn Verkaik has joined the West End cast of Women On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown! The Dutch actress will play Paulina.

Starring the previously announced Tamsin Greig (Pepa), Haydn Gwynne (Lucia), Jerome Pradon (Ivan) and Anna Skellern (Candela), Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown opens at the Playhouse Theatre on Monday 12th January 2015 (previews from 20th December 2014). The 20 week limited run ends on Saturday 9th May 2015.

The cast will also include: Ricardo Afonso (Taxi Driver), Sarah Moyle (Pepa’s Concierge), Marianne Benedict, Haydn Oakley (Carlos) and Rebecca McKinnis (Christina).

Best West End Debut 2014: Full Result

Willemijn Verkaik has won the 2014 West End Frame Award for Best West End Debut. She wins for her performance as Elphaba in the West End production of Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre.

Speaking to West End Frame, Willemijn said: "Wow, this is really amazing and I'm truly touched. To play the role in the West End was such an honour and everyone knows it wasn't easy having to leave the show prematurely, but I always felt such support from all of you. I'm working very hard to get back into shape, and to receive this award is as if you're all there with me climbing that mountain. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart!"

Andrew Tomlins (Editor of West End Frame) said: "We have seen some spectacular West End debuts over the past year and it has been inspiring to see so much support for our nominees who are fresh out of drama school as well as those who are internationally recognised superstars. There was a ridiculous amount of talent on the list of nominees and I would like to thank everybody who voted."

Best West End Debut runs as part of the 2014 West End Frame Awards. Click here for further information and check out the full result below:

WINNER

Willemijn Verkaik

Elphaba / Wicked 

26% of the final vote

Willemijn Verkaik wins Best West End Debut Award

We are delighted to announce that Willemijn Verkaik has won our Best West End Debut Award as part of the 2014 West End Frame Awards. The Dutch actress wins for her West End Debut as Elphaba in Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre.

Speaking to West End Frame, Willemijn said: "Wow, this is really amazing and I'm truly touched. To play the role in the West End was such an honour and everyone knows it wasn't easy having to leave the show prematurely, but I always felt such support from all of you. 

"I'm working very hard to get back into shape, and to receive this award is as if you're all there with me climbing that mountain. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart!"

Willemijn originated the role of Elphaba in the German and Dutch productions of Wicked before transferring to the Broadway production. She is the only actress to have played the iconic part in three different languages. Willemijn, who has also led the international casts of We Will Rock You and Mamma Mia, recently voiced the role of Elsa in the German and Dutch language versions of Disney's Frozen which is the most successful animated film of all time. 

Rachelle Ann Go finishes second for her West End debut as Gigi in Cameron Mackintosh's West End revival of Miss Saigon at the Prince Edward Theatre. She is a well-known pop star and actress from the Philippines. Rachelle made her theatrical debut as Ariel in the Atlantis production of Disney’s Little Mermaid in 2011. She later played Jane Porter in a musical adaptation of Tarzan.

Kerry Ellis returns to Wicked!

It has been announced that Kerry Ellis will return to Wicked from Monday 4th August until Saturday 25th October 2014.

Willemijn Verkaik will play her final performance as Elphaba this Saturday (19th July 2014 at 7.30pm). She departs the production in order to have surgery to address an ongoing back condition (click here for further information).

Michael McCabe, Executive Producer of Wicked said: “We are all so sorry that Willemijn’s truly remarkable international journey with Wicked, that began in Germany in 2007, should end prematurely. It is only her extraordinary determination and professionalism that has enabled her to continue performing to date despite enduring extreme pain and discomfort. 

"We are very grateful to her and pleased that many thousands of West End theatregoers did get the opportunity of seeing her wonderful performance as Elphaba since she joined the cast in November 2013. On behalf of the entire company, we wish Willemijn a full and speedy recovery. In the meantime, we are absolutely thrilled to welcome back the incredible Kerry Ellis to the role that won her awards both in the West End and on Broadway for a very special limited season.”

Willemijn Verkaik to leave Wicked this week due to injury

It has been announced that Willemijn Verkaik will play her final performance as Elphaba in Wicked this Saturday 19th July 2014 at 7.30pm. She departs the production in order to have surgery to address an ongoing back condition. 

Willemijn said: “To be given the chance to play Elphaba in four different countries is something I am incredibly grateful for. Now I have to cut my West End run short and it’s absolutely devastating to me. I’ve been fighting this injury for a few months but was determined not to let anything get in the way of my West End debut and certainly not wanting to disappoint the audiences. But I have to face the facts. 

"I thank producers David Stone and Michael McCabe and our General Managers, Playful Productions, the cast and crew and all of you so much for all your support in this difficult time. I promise I’ll be back on stage soon, in better shape than ever!”

Nikki Davis-Jones takes over as Elphaba in Wicked London; new West End cast announced

It has been announced that Nikki Davis-Jones (pictured below) will take over as Elphaba in the West End production of Wicked from  Monday 27th October 2014.

Davis-Jones recently created the role of Elphaba in Wicked's first UK Tour. She was previously Standby Elphaba in the West End production for nearly three years. The actress will play her final performance in the Wicked UK Tour on Saturday 6th September 2014 at Birmingham Hippodrome.

Liza Sadovy (Madame Morrible) and Philip Childs (Doctor Dillamond) are also joining the production.

Review: Willemijn Verkaik & Savannah Stevenson join Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre

Wicked

Apollo Victoria Theatre

Reviewed on Thursday 19th December 2013

Based on Gregory Maguire’s novel of the same name, Wicked tells the cleverly put together, untold story of the witches of Oz. Despite being set in a different world, the secret to the show’s success is that it reaches out and touches so many people in so many different ways. At the core of the musical is a story of friendship, something so simple yet something we rarely see.

Wicked to celebrate 3,000th performance and becomes the 15th longest-running West End musical of all time

Wicked will play its landmark 3000th performance at London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre tomorrow (16th November 2013) at 2.30pm. Now in its 8th year, Wicked surpassed the run of the original production of Evita on Wednesday 22nd August 2013 to become the 15th longest-running West End musical of the all time. 

Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary musical, directed by Harold Prince, closed at the Prince Edward Theatre in 1986 having played 2900 performances. (Information verified by the Society of London Theatre.)

UK Executive Producer Michael McCabe said: “This is a fantastic milestone for the London production of Wicked. We are incredibly grateful to all those who have supported and championed the show since 2006 and thank everyone at the Apollo Victoria Theatre for all their exceptional work and dedication in delivering 3000 absolutely superb performances”

Willemijn Verkaik, Savannah Stevenson and the new West End cast of Wicked discuss the musical's sucess

The producers of Wicked have a released a video featuring the new West End cast discussing the musical's huge success. The video was filmed during the new cast's photo shoot. Watch the video below and click here to meet the new cast.

The video features Willemijn Verkaik (Elphaba), Savannah Stevenson (Glinda), Jeremy Taylor (Fiyero), Sam Kelly (The Wizard), Sue Kelvin (Madame Morrible) and Olivier award-winning actor Paul Clarkson (Doctor Dillamond) who all join Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre on Monday 18th November 2013.