In four previous episodes of my weekly #ShenTens podcast, and their accompanying columns here, I’ve chosen my top ten favourite leading ladies and leading men respectively in both Broadway and West End musicals. Now I turn to rising stars — the next generation of performers who are already making their mark in London. (I’ll get to Broadway when it returns to business itself).
‘There’s a real joy in hearing the 100% live vocals’: WEST END MUSICAL DRIVE-IN – Stream.Theatre (Online review)
This capture of last summer’s West End Musical Drive In delivers much of the thrill of live performance, with Shan Ako and Layton Williams in particularly fine form.
‘You can still savour the atmosphere’: WEST END MUSICAL DRIVE-IN – Stream.Theatre (Online review)
Featuring some amazing song choices and outstanding vocals, the live-stream of West End Musical Drive-In is just what we need right now to lift our spirits
Mark Shenton bemoans the lack of British songwriters in Radio 2’s forthcoming musicals celebration
Radio 2’s Greatest Show could — and should — have been a platform to celebrate more British musicals, especially here, especially now, with the industry floundering so badly. A show of support for our own creators of new musicals would not have gone amiss.
NEWS: Winners of the Black British Theatre Awards 2020 are announced
The first televised Black British Theatre Awards 2020 were a vibrant affair hosted by presenter and comedic actor Eddie Nestor, filmed at London’s Young Vic Theatre and broadcast on Sky Arts.
‘The delightful level of detail punctuates the action’: THE UNDERSTUDY – Lawrence Batley Theatre
Life on the lowest rung of the theatrical ladder. There are lots of in-jokes with digs at actors, directors, the rehearsal process, theatrical agents, critics and the site-specific trend.
NEWS: Stephen Fry stars in radio play of The Understudy to raise funds for charity
A brand-new radio play of David Nicholls’ hit 2005 comic novel The Understudy will be performed by a stellar cast including Stephen Fry and released next month to raise funds for the theatre industry which is facing a devastating impact from the Covid-19 health crisis.
‘Funny, heart-warming & joyous show’: EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE – Touring ★★★★
A real joy to watch from start to finish. the story behind Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is one of courage against adversity, but one that is full of humour and love too.
NEWS: RuPaul’s Drag star Bianca Del Rio joins Everybody’s Talking About Jamie cast
More West End casting this week for Everybody’s Talking About Jamie: Roy Haylock, best known as his drag alter ego, Bianca Del Rio, will make his West End debut playing the role of Loco Chanelle/Hugo for a limited season 6 May to 29 June 2019.
NEWS: Performers & presenters are announced for the Olivier Awards 2019
Full details of presenters, performances and special appearances have been announced for the Olivier Awards 2019 with Mastercard, which takes place on Sunday 7 April at the Royal Albert Hall, hosted by Jason Manford.
NEWS: Faye Tozer is cast as Miss Hedge in the West End production of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
Steps star and Strictly Come Dancing finalist Faye Tozer will take on the role of Miss Hedge in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at London’s Apollo Theatre from 6 May to 3 August 2019.
NEWS: Layton Williams will continue in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie as West End run is extended
The producers of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie have opened a new booking period up to Saturday 25 January 2020. Entertaining audiences at London’s Apollo Theatre since November 2017, the musical is currently in its second year in the West End.
‘MJ’s vision of spectacular entertainment shines through’: THRILLER LIVE – West End ★★★★★
There are now a few reviews of Thriller Live on my website and all are unanimous – this is an entertaining extravaganza that any Michael Jackson fan would be mad to miss seeing.
NEWS: Hayley Tamaddon joins the West End cast of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie in the role of Miss Hedge
New casting has been announced for the award-winning musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie with Hayley Tamaddon (Coronation Street) stepping into the role of Miss Hedge, Sejal Keshwala joining the company as Ray, and Sabrina Sandhu playing Pritti Pasha, all from 28 January 2019.
NEWS: Shane Richie is cast as Hugo/Loco Chanelle in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
Shane Richie, best known for playing Alfie Moon in BBC’s EastEnders will take on the role of Hugo/Loco Chanelle in award-winning musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie from 28 January until 4 May 2019.
NEWS: Layton Williams takes over the title role in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie from January 2019
Layton Williams will play the title role of Jamie New in the award-winning musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at London’s Apollo Theatre from 28 January 2019.
‘Vigour, precision & enjoyment’: HAIRSPRAY – Touring ★★★★★
It is hard to know where to start with such a talented and energetic cast. Every cast member in Hairspray brought life and vitality to the performance and executed the complex choreography with vigour, precision and enjoyment in equal measure.
‘The musical just leaps off the stage’: HAIRSPRAY – Touring ★★★★
Hairspray has been touring for years – it was last here in 2016 – and the reason why people are still flocking to see it is there for all to see. It’s a heart-warming and empowering tale that just makes you want to get up and dance.
HAIRSPRAY – Touring ★★★★
Despite highlighting serious issues such as prejudice and intolerance, this show remains a popular, light-hearted and fun night of musical theatre and this latest tour certainly kept it in this now famous ‘feel-good’ vibe.
HAIRSPRAY – Touring
This mahoosive new tour of Hairspray started in the middle of last month and stretches right through to June 2018 and it certainly feels like it has the potential to be a great success.
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