Ore Oduba is starring as Dr Frederick Frankenstein in the UK revival of Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein.Directed and choreographed by Nick Winston, Young Frankenstein is running at the Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester to mark the venue's 10th anniversary year. Ore kicked off his career as a broadcaster, hosting a plethora of TV shows. In 2016 he was voted as the winner of the fourteenth series of BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing.Ore has since ventured into the world of theatre and has built up an incredible CV of stage roles. He has played Caractacus Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Happy Man/Mr Thompson in Pretty Woman and Brad Majors in the 50th anniversary production of The Rocky Horror Show. Ore has also played Teen Angel in Grease, and this summer starred as Stuart Piper in the world premiere of the Peter James thriller Picture You Dead. He made his West End debut as Aaron Fox in Curtains.Recorded in the rehearsal room for Young Frankenstein, in this episode Ore discusses why Dr Frederick Frankenstein is the hardest role he's played to date and why he's relishing every moment. Ore also takes a deep dive into his transition from TV presenting to working in musical theatre, including how and why he redefined his own definition of success. Young Frankenstein runs at the Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester 10th October - 30th November 2025. Visit www.hopemilltheatre.co.uk for info and tickets. This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Melanie La Barrie is In The Frame! Melanie is currently playing Nurse in the UK premiere of Mary Page Marlowe, marking her return to The Old Vic where she previously performed in The Lorax. Melanie is also reuniting with artistic director Matthew Warchus who directed her as Mrs Phelps in the original cast of Matilda. Mary Page Marlowe is written by Tracy Letts, with cast also including Susan Sarandon and Andrea Riseborough. Melanie is also preparing to star as Death in the concert production of The Book Thief at the Prince of Wales Theatre in October. Some of Melanie's other theatre credits include Madame Morrible in Wicked (Apollo Victoria), Madame Thénardier in Les Misérables (Queen's Theatre) and Bow Belles in Dick Whittington (National Theatre). Melanie was the original Mrs Corry in Mary Poppins, the original Angélique in And Juliet (in the West End and on Broadway) and most recently she starred as Hermes in the original West End cast of Hadestown, picking up the WhatsOnStage Award for Best Supporting Performer in a Musical. Recorded backstage at The Old Vic, in this episode Melanie discusses what makes Mary Page Marlowe a dreamy job and why she's delighted to be reuniting with two of her Matilda cast mates, Lauren Ward and Eleanor Worthington-Cox. Melanie also discusses her approach to this industry, her reflections on special times Hadestown, And Juliet and Matilda… and lots more.Mary Page Marlowe runs at The Old Vic until 1st November 2025. Visit www.oldvictheatre.com for info and tickets. This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
David Hunter is In The Frame!David is starring as Matt Flamhaff in the premiere of 13 Going on 30 The Musical. The show is about to kick off its run at the Manchester Opera House, reuniting David with Lucie Jones who he starred alongside in the West End production of Waitress.13 Going on 30 is based on the 2004 movie starring Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo. The musical is written by the film writers Josh Goldsmith and Cathy Yuspa with songs by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner. Andy Fickman directs with choreography by Jennifer Weber.David burst onto our screens when he competed for the role of Jesus in ITV’s 2012 talent show Superstar. As well as playing Dr Pomatter in Waitress, he has starred as Charlie Price in Kinky Boots (Adelphi Theatre), Guy in Once (Phoenix Theatre) and, most recently, Henry in The Time Traveller’s Wife (Apollo Theatre).His other theatre credits include One Man Two Guvnors, Songs For A New World, If/Then and Seussical. David was in the band Reemer and has gone on to write, record and perform his own music. He’s also penned a couple of musicals, designed merchandise, hosted a podcast, and taken on all sorts of different projects. David has previously co-hosted The West End Frame Show, but this is his first time In The Frame!Recorded in the 13 Going On 30 rehearsal studio, David discusses all-things 13 Going On 30, including why the show has been a healing experience and what it’s like to be directed by Andy Fickman. David also reflects on some tricky times in The Time Traveller’s Wife and Kinky Boots, how things have changed career-wise since becoming a father, why he loves taking on different creative projects and lots more. It's a fun and honest conversation.13 Going on 30 runs at the Manchester Opera House 23rd September – 12th October 2025. Visit www.1330musical.com for info and tickets. This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Solomon Davy is playing Chad Manford in the UK premiere of The Code by Michael McKeever.The play is running at Southwark Playhouse Elephant, with Solomon starring alongside Tracie Bennett and John Partridge. The Code unfolds over a fictional yet hauntingly plausible cocktail hour that quickly spirals into a tense psychological battleground — where fame, identity, and survival hang by a thread.After training at The Wilkes Academy, Solomon burst into the industry making his West End debut as Kenickie in Grease at the Dominion Theatre. He also played Christian in Clueless’ pre-West End showcase run in Bromley and toured the UK as Link in Hairspray. Solomon has performed pantomimes in Wimbledon, Bristol and Woking.Recorded during rehearsals, in this episode Solomon discusses all-things The Code as well as why Wilkes Academy was the right place for him to train, his relationship with singing and how things have changed for him quickly over the past couple of years.The Code runs at Southwark Playhouse Elephant until 11th October. Visit www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk for information and tickets.This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bobbie Little is playing Olive/Paula in the premiere of Military Wives The Musical at York Theatre Royal.Written and directed by Debbie Isitt, the musical is based on the 2019 movie and inspired by a true story.Bobbie's theatre credits include: The Witches, Standing at the Sky’s Edge, Heathers, High Fidelity, Mamma Mia, Little Shop of Horrors, Jesus Christ Superstar, Rent, Hairspray and more. In this episode Bobbie discusses what makes Military Wives such a special piece and why she is having a blast. She also speaks about not having social media, the whirlwind of Standing at the Sky’s Edge, the path of her career and lots more.Military Wives runs at York Theatre Royal until 27th September. Visit www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk for info and tickets. This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Joanna Woodward is reprising her performance as Ulla in The Producers.Following its sold out run at the Menier Chocolate Factory, The Producers has transferred to the West End for a run at the Garrick Theatre. Joanna is starring alongside Andy Nyman and Marc Antolin in Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan's show.Joanna recently starred as Clare in The Time Traveller’s Wife (Apollo Theatre & Storyhouse Chester). She previously appeared in the Menier's production of Merrily We Roll Along in addition to understudying some major roles in the West End, including Vivian Ward in Pretty Woman (Piccadilly & Savoy Theatres) and Carole King in Beautiful (Aldwych Theatre).Some of Joanna's other theatre credits include: Mary in The Life (Southwark Playhouse), Margaret in Fings Ain’t Wot They Used T’Be (Theatre Royal Stratford East) and Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors (Kilworth House Theatre).In this episode Joanna discusses all-things The Producers as well as the path of her career and reflections of The Time Travellers Wife... plus more!The Producers runs at the Garrick Theatre until 21st February. Visit www.theproducersmusical.comThis podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ahead of Tina: The Tina Turner Musical closing in the West End, in this episode we revisit the conversations we had with Karis Anderson, Kristina Love, Tsemaye Bob-Egbe, Rhianne Louise McCaulsky, Jenny Fitzpatrick and Chanel Haynes who have all played the title role.Tina received its world premiere in April 2018 in London and subsequently broke all box office records at the Aldwych Theatre. Directed by Phyllida Lloyd and written by Katori Hall with Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins, the show is choreographed by Anthony van Laast with set and costume designs by Mark Thompson.Karis Anderson is currently playing Tina, having previously understudied the role; Kristina Love originated the role in the German production before transferring to the London cast; Tsemaye Bob-Egbe was a Tina understudy in the original cast and later returned as the alternate Tina; Rhianne Louise McCaulsky played Aline and understudied Tina; Jenny Fitzpatrick was the original alternate Tina; Chanel Haynes shared the role of Tina. Tina runs at the Aldwych Theatre until 13th September. Visit www.tinathemusical.com for info and tickets.This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tony winner Laura Benanti is In The Frame! You know Laura for her astounding Broadway career, which includes roles such as Maria in The Sound of Music, Cinderella in Into The Woods, Claudia in Nine, Julia in The Wedding Singer, Louise in Gypsy (which won her the Tony), Candela in Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, Amalia in She Loves Me and Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady. Beyond Broadway, Laura’s career spans concerts, television, film and comedy - she has been seen on everything from The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to Younger, Gossip Girl and HBO’s The Gilded Age.Laura has spent the last month in the UK, performing her solo show Nobody Cares to sold out audiences at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Before heading back to the US, Laura is bringing the show to London for two performances at Underbelly Boulevard Soho.In this episode, Laura discusses her path to Edinburgh, how she has changed as a person and performer throughout her career… and why she’s proudly unapologetic about who she is and what she’s got to say! Laura performs Nobody Cares at Underbelly Boulevard Soho on Tuesday 2nd September. Visit www.underbellyboulevard.com for info and tickets. This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aimée Fisher and George Crawford are In The Frame!Real-life couple Aimée and George are currently performing alongside eachother in the West End production of The Great Gatsby at the London Coliseum. They're both in the ensemble, with Aimée playing Gilda Grey whilst covering Myrtle and George covering both Nick and Gatsby. Aimée's theatre credits include Les Miserables (Sondheim Theatre), Wicked (Apollo Victoria), Elf (Dominion) and Groundhog Day (Old Vic). George has been in The Book of Mormon (UK Tour), Newsies (Troubadour Wembley Park), Spend Spend Spend (Royal Exchange) and Forever Plaid (Upstairs at the Gatehouse). Aimée and George first met when they both performed in the UK & Ireland tour of Waitress; Aimee covered Jenna and Dawn whilst George played Ogie.In this episode, Aimée and George discuss all-things Gatsby, life as a couple working in the same industry, memories of meeting on Waitress and lots more.Follow Aimée @aimeelynfisher and George @georgeygriffThe Great Gatsby runs at the London Coliseum until 7th September. This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Madeline Charlemagne is In The Frame!Madeline recently had a big career chapter with Hadestown (Lyric Theatre). She was part of the original West End cast as a Fate and understudy for Eurydice. A few months into the run Madeline took over the role of Eurydice full-time. At the end of her contract, she returned to playing a Fate alongside the original cast for the special filmed performances for the Hadestown live capture. After training at Central School of Speech and Drama, Madeline's early theatre credits include Carousel (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre), Hex (National Theatre), Kick (Lyric Hammersmith), 42 Balloons (Vaudeville Theatre) and The Secret Life of Beas (Almeida Theatre). Next up Madeline is playing Elsa in The Harder They Come (Theatre Royal Stratford East). In this episode Madeline discusses her Hadestown journey, from why she wanted to do a big West End contract, the challenge of taking over as Eurydice and what it was like to film the show. She also talks about her path into theatre, her time training and what she learnt from her first jobs. You can follow Madeline on Instagram: @madcharlemagneThis podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Courtney Stapleton is In The Frame!After training at ArtsEd Courtney made her West End debut in the ensemble of Mamma Mia!, as a cover for Ali. She went on to cover Éponine in Les Misérables and was dance captain for Bat Out of Hell.Courtney joined the original West End cast of Six as the alternate for Seymour and Parr before being cast in the original West End cast of Dear Evan Hansen as standby Zoe and Alana.Courtney starred as Belle in Beauty and the Beast (London Palladium & UK Tour), played Meg in Love Never Dies In Concert (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), Blast in SuperYou (Leicester Curve) and most recently starred as Kelly in The Mad Ones (The Other Palace). Additionally, Courtney has done various short films, workshops and concerts.In this episode Courtney discusses the path of her career, including some of the tougher times and why she’s falling back in love with singing and musical theatre. Courtney also reminisces about lots of the shows she has done (including lots of chat about Six) and more pops up along the way.Follow Courtney on Instagram: @courtneyjstapesThis podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rebecca Lock is starring as Caz in Here And Now: The Steps Musical.The show about to kick off a tour, with Rebecca reprising her performance from the show's premiere run last year in Birmingham. Featuring the music of Steps, Here And Now is written by Shaun Kitchener and is produced by Steps and ROYO with Pete Waterman. The show is directed by Rachel Kavanaugh, with choreography by Matt Cole and Matt Spencer-Smith as musical supervisor, orchestrator and arranger.Rebecca's West End credits include: Emily Hobbs in Elf The Musical (Dominion Theatre), Carmen in Curtains (Wyndhams Theatre & Tour), Ms Fleming/Veronica’s Mom in Heathers (Theatre Royal Haymarket & The Other Palace), Cheryl Gillan MP in Committee (Donmar Warehouse), Rosie in Mamma Mia! (Novello Theatre), Carlotta Giudicelli in The Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty’s Theatre), Kate Monster/Lucy the S**t in Avenue Q (Noel Coward Theatre), alternate Mary Poppins in Mary Poppins (Prince Edward Theatre), Jellylorum in Cats (New London), Oh! What A Lovely War (The National Theatre), Bertrande De Rols in Martin Guerre (Prince Edward Theatre) and Guest Soloist in the 30th anniversary of Sondheim's Side by Side (Novello Theatre).Some of Rebecca's other theatre credits include: Rosalie Mullins in School of Rock (UK Tour), Mrs Banks in Mary Poppins (International tour), Lilli Vanessi/Kate in Kiss Me Kate (Sheffield Crucible), Isabelle in Moonfleet (Salisbury Playhouse), Mrs Cratchitt in A Christmas Carol (LMTO), Widow Corney in Oliver! (Sheffield Crucible), Gabrielle in Dear World (Charing Cross Theatre), Baroness Schraeder in The Sound of Music (JY Productions/Jordan), Guest Soloist in Sondheim Women (St James), Iris in The Tempest (Theatre Royal Bath), Mary in Merrily We Roll Along (Theatr Clwyd), Svetlana Sergievsky in Chess (Princess of Wales, Toronto), Joan Aldrin in Moon Landing (Derby Playhouse), Gilda in Alfie (Watford Palace), Dorothy Fields Forever (King’s Head), Anna in After the Fair (Kings Head) and Nora in The Pirates of Penzance (West Yorkshire Playhouse).Rebecca starred as Mary Critchard in both workshop productions of Redcliffe by Jordan Luke Gage at The Turbine Theatre and The Other Palace. She was also one of seven actors to share the role of Mama Rose in Gypsy In Concert at Alexandra Palace.In this episode Rebecca reveals how she fell in love with Here And Now and why Caz is the hardest role she has played so far. She also reflects on working on Redcliffe, shares memories of performing Gypsy In Concert and discusses learning to say no and the path of her career... and lots more.Here And Now: The Steps Musical kicks off its tour on 29th August. Rebecca is playing Caz until November and the tour continues through to May 2026. Visit www.thestepsmusical.com for info, tour dates and tickets.This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Laura Dawkes can currently be seen starring as Princess Anna in Disney’s Frozen on Disney Plus.Upon graduating from Emil Dale, in 2023 Laura made her West End debut as Anna in Frozen at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane and she continued with the show until it closed the following year. During her run, Laura filmed Frozen's live capture which has now been released on Disney Plus.Laura has also been in KIN and Cinderella, alongside various concert appearances. In this episode Laura discusses her path into theatre and how she auditioned for drama school by accident. She also reflects on her journey with Frozen, including what it was like to land such a huge leading role at the very start of her career and how she conquered the challenge. Laura also delves into what it was like to film the live capture and the amazing response to its release on Disney Plus.Frozen: The Hit Broadway Musical is available on Disney Plus. Visit www.disneyplus.com to subscribe. This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Pippa Cleary is In The Frame!Pippa is the only British female composer to have had three musicals produced in the West End - My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do?), The Great British Bake Off Musical and The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾. Over her 16 year career, Pippa has worked in theatre, TV, animation, pop and advertising. She wrote the first original opening number for the 2023 Olivier Awards performed by Hannah Waddingham.One of Pippa’s latest projects is Treasure Island: A New Musical Adventure which she is writing with Jake Brunger. The show is premiering at the Bristol Old Vic, directed by Paul Foster, for a festive run later this year. Pippa made her West End performing debut in Rob Madge’s show Regards To Broadway which featured their original song 'All In Good Time'.In this episode Pippa had just returned from NYC and spoke all about My Son’s A Queer's run at New York City Centre and the journey she and Rob Madge have been on with the show. Pippa also discusses Treasure Island as well as where we’re at with new musicals in the UK, the path of her career and lots more. Treasure Island: A new Musical Adventure runs at Bristol Old Vic 4th December – 10th January. Visit www.bristololdvic.org.uk for info and tickets. This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Amara Okereke is In The Frame!Amara is playing She in Echo by Susan Eve Haar at the King's Head Theatre. Following runs in Edinburgh and New York, Echo has opened in London directed by Abigail Zealey Bess. The psychological thriller delves into the ethics of reproductive technology, the performance of intimacy and the terrifying beauty of being made.Amara made her West End debut as Cassie in 13 The Musical. She went on to train at Arts Ed and then won Best Actress in a Musical at the 2018 Stage Debut Awards for her adult West End debut as Cosette in Les Misérables.Amara’s other theatre credits include Laurie in Oklahoma! (Chichester Festival Theatre), Polly in The Boyfriend (Menier Chocolate Factory) and Wendla in Spring Awakening (Almeida). Amara starred as Eliza Dootlittle in the West End revival of My Fair Lady (London Colesium). She has made West End history twice as the first black actress to play both Cosette and Eliza Doolittle.More recently Amara played Stella in A Streetcar Named Desire (Sheffield Crucible). Her film and television credits include The Morning After (Amazon), Red Rose (BBC/Netflix), The Choral (Sony) and In The Lost Lands (Constantin Films).In this episode Amara speaks about the whirlwind process of Echo and why she’s loving "weirding people out"! She also delves into her incredible career, discussing some of the major roles she has played, life as a soprano and making history as the first black Cosette and Eliza Dootlittle.Echo runs at the Kings Head Theatre until Sunday 17th August. Visit www.kingsheadtheatre.com for info and tickets. This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Roshani Abbey is starring as Jean Leslie & Others in the West End production of Operation Mincemeat.Operation Mincemeat premiered on the London Fringe at the New Diorama Theatre in 2019. The show quickly gained a devoted following, and played sold out runs at Southwark Playhouse and Riverside Studios. The musical transferred to the West End in 2023, winning Best New Musical at the Olivier Awards. In addition to its London run, Operation Mincemeat is also playing on Broadway and will soon launch a world tour, opening in Salford next February.Roshani's theatre credits include: Tahlia the Beautiful in Sleeping Beauty (Broadway Theatre Catford), Soloist in Criterion Theatre 150th Anniversary Gala (Criterion Theatre), Marie in In Clay in Concert (The Other Palace), Lucy/cover Juliet in &Juliet (Shaftesbury Theatre), Rumi: The Musical (Concept album / London Coliseum) and Ensemble/cover Louise in Gypsy (Royal Exchange). She played Peggy/Maria in the West End production of Hamilton and went on to become a standby for all three Schuyler Sisters. Earlier this year Roshani returned to Hamilton to star as Eliza for a limited run on the UK & Ireland tour. In this episode Roshani discusses the whirlwind of joining Operation Mincemeat, their journey with the show so far and why it’s such a special moment. Roshani also reflects on their path into theatre after studying Mathematics at Imperial College and talks about their history with Hamilton - and lots more pops up along the way!Operation Mincemeat runs in the West End at the Fortune Theatre. Meanwhile the show continues on Broadway and is about to launch a world tour. Visit www.operationmincemeat.com for info and tickets. This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Taylor Bradshaw is in the ensemble of the London revival of Brigadoon by Frederick Loewe and Alan Jay Lerner. Directed and choreographed by Drew McOnie, the show opens next month at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre where Taylor previously performed in La Cage aux Folles.Taylor made his West End debut in Mamma Mia! (Novello Theatre). His other theatre credits include: How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (Southwark Playhouse), 42nd Street (Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris), Spring Awakening (Almeida Theatre) and South Pacific (Chichester Festival Theatre). He was also in the Barbie movie (Mattel Films/Warner Bros).Most recently Taylor was in the original cast of the UK & Ireland tour of Hamilton. Recorded during a break from rehearsals, in this episode Taylor discusses when he fell in love with Brigadoon, why he’s over the moon to be working with Drew McOnie and how his Scottish accent is coming along. Taylor also talks about the path of his career, what has surprised him along the way and why he unapologetically LOVES musical theatre.Brigadoon runs at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre 2nd August – 20th September. Visit www.openairtheatre.com for info and tickets.This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Chelsea Halfpenny is starring as Tracy in the brand new musical Maiden Voyage at Southwark Playhouse Elephant. Written by Mindi Dickstein and Carmel Dean, the show brings to life the true story of the first all-female sailing crew in the Whitbread Round the World Race.Chelsea started out her career in the world of television, playing roles in Casualty and Emmerdale. She made her West End debut as Judy in 9to5 at the Savoy Theatre and went on to star as Jenna in the UK & Ireland tour of Waitress. On screen, Chelsea has also played roles in Grantchester, The Good Ship Murder, Vera and Inventing The Ripper. Recorded as rehearsals for Maiden Voyage were coming to an end, in this episode Chelsea discusses why she was drawn to the show, what it's like to be part of an original cast and why she fell in love with the score. She also talks about her path into theatre and how she conquered singing 'Get Out And Stay Out' and 'She Used To Be Mine' in 9to5 and Waitress. Maiden Voyage runs at the Southwark Playhouse Elephant 19th July - 23rd August. Visit www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk for info and tickets. This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Shanay Holmes is starring as Nancy in the West End revival of Oliver!. The new production has been reconceived by Cameron Mackintosh, with direction and choreography by Matthew Bourne and co-direction by Jean-Pierre van der Spuy. Shanay opened with the show last summer at Chichester Festival Theatre before transferring to the Gielgud Theatre in London where Oliver! continues to play.Shanay recently played Ellen in Miss Saigon (Sheffield Theatres) and created the role of Cindy Breakspeare in Get Up Stand Up! (Lyric Theatre).After making her professional debut in Thriller Live (Lyric Theatre), Shanay went on to become the youngest person to ever play Rachael Maron in The Bodyguard (Adelphi Theatre). Her theatre credits also include: Close To You (Criterion Theatre), Jesus Christ Superstar (Open Air Theatre), Joanne in the 20th anniversary production of Rent (UK Tour/The Other Palace), Glinda in The Wizard of Oz (Birmingham Rep), Narrator in Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Kilworth House), Marian in The Bridges of Madison County (Menier Chocolate Factory) and Laura in High Fidelity (Turbine Theatre).Alongside her performing career, Shanay is a producer and the co-founder of West End Musical Productions. Shanay and her husband Chris Steward are the masterminds, creators and producers of Musical Con, the world's biggest musical theatre fan convention. Musical Con returns for a fourth time this October at the ExCeL Centre. They also produce West End Musical Brunch, a plethora of West End Musical concerts and a variety of other projects. Shaney originally did the third episode of this podcast and has co-hosted The West End Frame Show a couple of times, but this is her first time back In The Frame for six years!In this episode, Shanay takes a deep dive into her journey with Oliver!; she reflects on how she has tackled such an iconic role and made it her own. She also discusses what plans are bubbling away for Musical Con and reflects on the path of her career over the past few years (and lots more pops up along the way!). Olivier! runs at the Gielgud Theatre. Visit www.oliverthemusical.com for info and tickets. Musical Con returns to the ExCeL Centre 18th-19th October 2025. Visit www.musicalcon.co.uk for info and tickets. This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Maria Omakinwa is playing Mrs Neilsen in Girl from the North Country.Written and directed by Conor McPherson with music and lyrics by Bob Dylan, the Olivier Award winning show has returned to the Old Vic for another run. Maria is no stranger to Girl from the North Country, having previously performed in the West End production and UK tour. Maria has worked at the Old Vic previously, appearing in A Christmas Carol and Sylvia. Her theatre credits include Tina: The Tina Turner Musical (West End/Theatre Royal Sydney), Show Boat, The Bodyguard and Avenue Q (West End), A Monster Calls and Soul Sister (UK Tour), One Love: The Bob Marley Musical (Birmingham Rep), Grimm Tales for Young and Old (Bargehouse) and Little Shop of Horrors (Kilworth House Theatre). Maria also appeared in the film adaptation of Matilda The Musical (Netflix). In this episode Maria discusses her history with Girl from the North Country and what makes it such a special piece to perform. She also talks about her journey into theatre and some of the shows she has been in along the way.Girl from the North Country runs at the Old Vic until 23rd August. Visit www.oldvictheatre.com for info and tickets. This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.