February's theatrical round-up

Star of the Month Emma Williams It is an utter joy to see Emma Williams back in the West End, starring in charming new British musical Mrs Henderson Presents. Williams' performance is endearing, feisty and incredibly brave. Her voice is stronger than ever - in the second act Williams' vocals gloriously soar as she belts out 'If Mountains Were Easy To Climb'. Mrs Henderson Presents is Williams' show, and as far as I'm concerned she should be nominated in the Leading Actress in a Musical category for this year's Olivier Awards. Read our previous interview with Emma Williams.

Show of the Month Nell Gwynn Jessica Swale’s new play Nell Gwynn, which has transferred to the West End following a short season at the Globe, is an absolute must see - I had the most joyously incredible evening seeing the piece for the first time. Telling an interesting part of forgotten theatrical history, Gemma Arterton is perfectly cast in the title role and is joined by a stellar ensemble - all of whom give stand out performances. Director Christopher Luscombe and Swale have worked together impeccably well. Nell Gwynn is outstanding. Read our ★★★★★ review of Nell Gwynn.

January's theatrical round-up

Star of the Month Ramin Karimloo January saw Ramin Karimloo make a long-overdue return to London, performing two sold out concerts in Islington. Proving that he is the best of the best, Karimloo embraced his theatrical background, whilst showcasing his unique style of musical with charm and flair. I can't believe how much varied material Karimloo included in the show without anything sounding out of place. He is a remarkable performer who we need back in the West End ASAP! Read our ★★★★ review of An Evening With Ramin Karimloo

Show of the Month The Mother Following the tremendous success of The Father, Florian Zeller's play The Mother has transferred to the Tricycle Theatre having played the Ustinov Studio in Bath last year.  Centring around a woman with depression who is struggling to let go of her son, Zeller's play is wildly disorientating for the audience. Not only does Zeller shows what it's like to suffer from depression, but remarkably he also shows what it's like to love someone with the illness. An absolute must-see! Read our ★★★★★ review of The Mother

Feature: December round-up

Star of the Month
Kara Tointon

Earlier this month Kara Tointon made her musical theatre debut in front of an audience of four million viewers, taking on the role of Mara in ITV's The Sound of Music LIVE. Tointon made a stunning Maria and gave a stellar performance, making the role her own – she is a revelation! Tointon carried the broadcast and performed with a twinkle in her eye.

Show of the Month

Peter Pan Goes Wrong

Feature: November round-up

Star of the Month
Lizzy Connolly

This month Lizzy Connolly has starred in not one but two off-West End musicals! She gave the performance of the night in Xanadu at the Southwark Playhouse before proving herself to be one of the finest comedic actors working in musical theatre in Jest End at the Waterloo East Theatre. Having made her West End debut last year in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Connolly continues to steal the spotlight in show after show. She is certainly one worth keeping an eye on! Read our 2014 interview with Lizzy.

Show of the Month

The Homecoming at Trafalgar Studios

Feature: October round-up

Star of the Month
Victoria Hamilton-Barritt

Victoria Hamilton-Barritt in In The Heights / Photo Credit: Johan Persson

In The Heights is back with an astoundingly brilliant cast. Victoria Hamilton-Barritt, who reprises her portrayal of gossiping salon owner Daniela, is beyond exceptional. Her performance is scene stealing; Hamilton-Barritt - who is very heavily pregnant - has such effortless comic timing and brings the house down with the superb delivery of her one-liners. Her powerful vocal tones are to die for, but most importantly she goes above and beyond to convey her sheer dedication to the piece. Hamilton-Barritt is an absolute star. Read our 5* review of In The Heights.

Show of the Month

Mary Poppins (UK Tour)

Zizi Strallen in Mary Poppins / Photo Credit:  Johan Persson

Feature: September round-up

Star of the Month
Matt Henry

Matt Henry in Kinky Boots / Photo Credit: Matt Crockett

Matt Henry is currently giving a career defining performance in the West End transfer of Broadway hit Kinky Boots. From his first entrance to his final bow, Henry is on fire and fully commands the stage. His vocals are sublime whilst his comic timing brings the house down on countless occasions. Kinky Boots is Matt Henry's show and he smashes it out the park, giving what is probably the top performance of 2015 so far.

Show of the Month

Kinky Boots

Amy Lennox in Kinky Boots / Photo Credit: Matt Crockett

Feature: August round-up

Star of the Month

Benedict Cumberbatch

Benedict Cumberbatch in Hamlet / Photo Credit: Johan Persson

Taking on the title role in Lyndsey Turner’s production of Hamlet at the Barbican Theatre, Benedict Cumberbatch lives up to the hype. He takes to the stage with great intensity, giving a compellingly focused performance. Cumberbatch is an example of how stunt casting should be done. He has the talent and ability to pull off the mammoth task of taking on such an epic role whilst also attracting new people to the theatre. A triumphant performance - let's hope Cumberbatch finds a gap in his schedule so he can take the show to the West End or Broadway! Read our 4* review of Hamlet.

Show of the Month

Grand Hotel 

The cast of Grand Hotel / Photo Credit: Aviv Ron

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

Feature: June round-up

Star of the Month

Idina Menzel

Idina Menzel on her 2015 world tour

This month Broadway and Frozen star Idina Menzel brought her world tour to the UK. Menzel is a performer at the top of her game; during her performance in Wembley she showcased top notch vocals, gracing the stage with warmth and humour. Musical theatre doesn't create stars like it used to, but Menzel has certainly gone mainstream - playing Wembley Arena is an almighty achievement and she gave everyone a night to remember. Full 5* review of Idina Menzel at Wembley here.

Show of the Month

Miss Saigon

Photo Credit: Matthew Murphy

Feature: May round-up

Star of the Month

Hiran Abeysekera

Photo Credit: Tristram Kenton

Hiran Abeysekera casts a spell over audiences as the title role in Peter Pan at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre. He takes to the stage with a twinkle in his eye, immediately winning the audience over with his natural charm. Abeysekera flies around, gliding through the air, showcasing remarkable strength and agility whilst making it all look so easy. Click here for 5* review of Peter Pan.

Show of the Month

The Father at the Tricycle Theatre

Photo Credit: Simon Annand

Feature: April round-up

Star of the Month

Imelda Staunton

Photo Credit:  Johan Persson

Mark my words, people will be talking about Imelda Staunton's performance of Momma Rose in Gypsy for years to come. From the second she steps foot on stage, it is clear Staunton means serious business and is not to be messed with. Every word she says, every lyric she sings and every breath she takes is 100% believable. Her rendition of 'Rose's Turn' brought many to their feet, I can't remember the last time I was so blown away. 

Show of the Month

Gypsy at the Savoy Theatre

Photo Credit:  Johan Persson

Feature: March round-up

Star of the Month

Michael Urie

Michael Urie in Buyer & Cellar / Photo Credit: Joan Marcus

Michael Urie's performance in Buyer and Cellar at the Menier Chocolate Factory is nothing short of stellar. The one-man play follows an out-of-work LA actor who gets a job in Barbra Streisand’s Malibu basement where she has created her very own private shopping mall. Urie's comic timing is impeccable. He builds a strong relationship with the audience, telling the story tremendously. Read my interview with Urie here.

Show of the Month

The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 and ¾

Kirsty Hoiles & Joel Fossard-Jones in Adrian Mole / Photo Credit: Pamela Raith

Feature: February round-up

Star of the Month

Katie Brayben

Katie Brayben on Beautiful's Press Night / Photo Credit: Dan Wooller

It isn't every day you witness a career defining performance like the one Katie Brayben gives in Beautiful - The Carole King Musical. Brayben's portrayal of King is masterful; it's rare to see such fresh, raw talent on a West End stage. Not only does Brayben excel during musical numbers, performing King's music to perfection, but she also brings truthfulness and compassion to the text. A star in born!

Show of the Month

Oklahoma! UK Tour 

Feature: January round-up

Star of the Month

Carolyn Maitland

I kicked off my 2015 with a theatre week during which I caught up with lots of the West End's long-running shows. I was thrilled to catch Carolyn Maitland - who won West End Frame's Understudy of the Year Award last year - on as Ellen in Miss Saigon. Not only did she give a sensational performance, but due to extensive cast illness Maitland doubled up and also performed sections of her ensemble track throughout the show. Her rendition of 'Maybe' was one of the highlights of the evening. Mentions must also go to Romeo Salazar who made an epic debut as the Engineer and Tanya Manalang who poured her heart out and blew everyone away as Kim. 

Show of the Month

The Ruling Class