Preview | TOP HAT (UK Tour) Interview with Alan Burkitt & Charlotte Gooch

Both fresh from the London production of Top Hat, Alan Burkitt and Charlotte Gooch talk about reprising their roles in Kenneth Wax's glittering stage production of the 1935 film which visits Wolverhampton at the Grand Theatre for two weeks from Tue 21 October - Sat 1 November.

For those Channel 4 viewers who saw The Sound Of Musicals earlier this year, you may remember Alan Burkitt as the ensemble member stepping in as the understudy for Jerry Travers on what should have been Gavin Lee’s press night. We asked Alan about his experience: 

I loved that night, everyone was asking me “are you terrified?” and to think about it, I probably should have been - it was a huge night in the West End but I always think with these sort of things that you get one chance, and I was going to take it! It was a lovely evening, the director went out before the show and apologised, saying that unfortunately due to illness Gavin Lee wasn’t going to perform in the show that night. The audience gave me a great big cheer and I thought “they’re with me!” so I went out there confident and had a great show and I got some lovely reviews the morning after.

Charlotte, like Alan, you’ve played your role in the West End production of Top Hat. How does it feel to be back with the show for the tour?

It’s great! I absolutely love the show, I love the role - it’s Ginger Rogers! Stepping into those shoes is a dream come true. When they asked me to come back I didn’t even have to think twice, to get into those costumes again and to do all of Bill Deamer’s amazing choreography, it was a no-brainer. To do the show with Alan too is great, we rehearsed so much together during our time in the London production but never got to perform. I was Dale when Tom Chambers was Jerry but I’d always rehearsed with Alan just in case, so when I heard he was Jerry for the tour I simply had to come back and finally get my chance to fall in love with him every day!

Alan, how challenging is the role of Jerry Travers for you, it seems rather demanding?

It’s very demanding! I’m hardly off stage for the whole of the first act. I don’t go off for at least 25 minutes, it’s pure song and dance and then straight into an acting scene! In the suits we get very warm, you’re sweating constantly and I’m eating like a Trojan at the minute to keep me going! Anything I like, cream cakes galore!

Charlotte, you’ve previously played Penny in Dirty Dancing, a show which happens to be at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre this September and now you’re playing Dale in Top Hat – did you have to learn particular styles of dance for these very different shows, or were they styles that you had experience with and could adapt?

They are very different, but it’s all within my inner dancer! When I came in to Top Hat I thought I’d get a little bit of a break after Dirty Dancing. Penny is all about high kicks and back bends but as it turns out, Dale does a few of those too! I love it though, dancing is my first love beyond everything… and the dresses! There’s a lot more to these costumes than the Dirty Dancing ones - I was strutting around in skimpy leotards but now I’m wearing these gorgeous dresses with feathers and miles of material! Getting into those dresses every day I feel like a princess! I’m the luckiest girl in the world to have been in both of those shows and the Grand Theatre is just as lucky to have them both within five weeks of each other.

Alan, do you a feel a pressure to live up to the movie, with Fred Astaire?

Not really, it’s such a nice thing that we’re bringing the 1935 movie version to the stage – it’s hard to believe that it hadn’t been done before now, but we’re not trying to be Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire. People say to me, “that’s such a ‘Fred’ thing about you”, which of course is flattering and a great compliment – he’s my absolute idol, but I’m not trying to be him, this is mine – Alan’s version of Jerry Travers and if it’s looked upon with such admiration then that’s great, I’m doing my job!

How do you feel about stepping into Ginger Rogers' iconic role Charlotte?

I took over from Summer Strallen in the West End which was pretty nerve-racking anyway. She was the only person who’d ever played it before on stage. To replace her, I had to try and make the role my own. The biggest shoes to step into were Ginger Rogers’ but both me and Alan always say that we’re not Fred and Ginger and we’re not playing Fred and Ginger – we’re doing characters that were played by them and they’re absolute icons but we just try to do them justice. For anyone who’s a fan of the old Hollywood movie musical, you can’t go wrong with this. A benefit of seeing it in the theatre is experiencing it live, you’ll see the Top Hat you love, but as you’ve never seen it before. With a film you cut and edit and jump from scene to scene but on stage it’s all real and just flows so nicely. I think what’s been created here is really great and the all the Olivier Awards it’s won, including Best Musical speaks for itself.

In your own words, Alan, why should people come to see Top Hat?

It is the most enchanting evening you will have at the theatre. The musical is full of beautiful costumes, stunning choreography and is absolutely hilarious! Get a ticket, it’s perfection!

And Charlotte?

It’s a legacy, if you’re a fan of the old Hollywood movie you’ll love it! But even if you’re not or you’ve never seen it, it’s a fantastic all-singing, all-dancing piece of theatre with beautiful music, beautiful costumes, stunning choreography all wrapped up in the exquisite 1930’s style. It’s perfectly romantic, come along and lose yourself in this magical Hollywood world. It’s a funny story, you’ll laugh, you’ll cry and you’re probably going to leave tap dancing!

See Top Hat at Wolverhampton at the Grand Theatre for two weeks from Tue 21 October - Sat 1 November. Book tickets here. 

Review | CATS (UK Tour) September 2014

Concluding the UK leg of an almost 2-year tour, Cats - the musical based on T.S. Lewis' poems arrives in Birmingham this week. Despite the 33 years since it's original premiere, audiences continue to delight in the wonderfully wacky world of the Jellicle Cats. 

The story is woven out of numerous poems about several kinds of cat and by the end one is chosen to go to the Heavyside Layer and come back to a different Jellicle life... Some say there isn't a story but  listen carefully and you'll learn in just under three hours of pure entertainment. 

Story aside, it is Lloyd Webber's music that is most captivating, a fine orchestra led by Anthony Gabriele provides both an eerie yet strangely welcoming sound. The Phantom Of The Opera probably goes down as Webber's most impressive score, but there are beautiful moments found here, notably in the music of Old Deuteronomy, of course Memory and the climax to act 1 - the incredibly exciting Jellicle Ball which flits between every tempo possible.

In the narrating role is the excellent Callum Train, the strapping Munkustrap, protector and second in command. Train is in fine voice as a solid and strong grey tabby and impresses throughout despite what is clearly a demanding role. Also leading the males is Filippo Strochhi as Rum Tum Tugger - a clear audience favourite alongside Joseph Poulton, Rambert graduate as Mister Mistoffelees. Poulton's irresistible charm, expression and perfected dance solo ensure all eyes are on him.

Zizi Strallen as Demeter

Even as a cat, you can spot a Strallen a mile off, here Zizi (one of four sisters all in show business) is an impressive addition as Demeter, who gives a powerful vocal performance of Macavity along with Charlene Ford as Bombalurina.

There is energy aplenty but cheeky kitties Mungojerrie (Benjamin Yates/Barnaby Thompson) and Rumpleteazer (Dawn Williams) treat us to an acrobatic, tumbling tale of how they delightfully deceive. Sophia Ragavelas belts out a powerful rendition of Memory as the forlorn ex-glamour cat Grizabella.

Dawn Williams as Rumpleteazer and Benjamin Yates as Mungojerrie

Gillian Lynne's iconic choreography is executed with the highest precision. The show's entire choreography utilises every chance to show off what a phenomenal cast this is. If they aren't tap dancing cockroaches, they're siamese sailors - a wonderfully inventive and outlandishly imaginative production.

Nicholas Pound as Old Deuteronomy and Sophia Ragavelas as Grizabella

As theatre cat Gus puts it, "modern productions are all very well, but there's nothing to equal from what I hear tell". Cats remains that favourite show it always was, there's a magic that ensures this timeless classic doesn't need anything overcomplicated and it's success is in pure talent. Don't pass up your invitation to the Jellicle Ball, it's fearless feline fun. Introduce a young one to what is undoubtably a magical and mesmerising spectacular - they're certain to cherish the memory forever. Catch it at the final UK venue of it's tour, Birmingham Hippodrome until Sat 27 September. Tickets here. 

Related Articles
How to become a Cat with former cast member Richard Astbury. Click here.

Cast List: Adam Lake, Adam Salter, Charlene Ford, Paul F Monaghan, Joel Morris, Cassie Clare, Benjamin Mundy, Zizi Strallen, Sophia Ragavelas, Clare Rickard, Natasha Mould, Abigail Jaye, Cameron Ball, Callum Train, Benjamin Yates, Barnaby Thompson, Nicholas Pound, Joseph Poulton, Dawn Williams, Filippo Strocchi, Ross Finnie, Kathryn Barnes, Hannah Kenna Thomas, Ryan Gover, Barry haywood, Alice Jane, Grace McKee, Dane Quixall, Libby Watts. 

Interview | ALEXANDRA DA SILVA - August 2014

Alexandra Da Silva, who trained at ALRA tells us about her own cabaret show and some of her past experiences including Streets, the gritty musical that premiered at Hackney Empire.

Tell us about Streets, presumably that's where you met Kris Rawlinson, the MD for your cabaret show?

Streets was such a fantastic show to be a part of, because it totally changed to boundaries of what musical theatre can and should be. It was more like a play with a live soundtrack (with a bit of spoken word, beat boxing and street dancing thrown in for good measure!) but everything worked so well together and nothing felt out of place, mainly thanks to our MD Kris Rawlinson and our director Adam 'Bo' Boland. All the cast and creatives were from different walks of life and parts of the industry, but the belief we had in the show brought us all together and I think that's what made it so successful.

I played Lily, the pregnant but headstrong teenager which was a lot of fun! But I never had the chance to sing any of the beautiful music in the show (written by Finn Anderson) so when Kris and I were first talking about the gig, we both agreed it was a given that some Streets songs had to feature.

You were in Search For A Twitter Star, how was that experience?

One word: crazy! The whole process happened as I was graduating from drama school, so I was kind of flung head first into the industry which was scary, but really exciting and just what I needed. I had no idea that it would gain the momentum that it did, but social media is such a big part of theatre now and I think it was a clever concept to incorporate the two. I came second, but the whole competition taught me a lot about my voice, about how far I can push myself, and how powerful Twitter really can be!

Tell us about Panto Factor and your lead role last year?

With so many graduates and not enough jobs, I saw this opportunity to win a part in a professional panto and I just knew it was too good to miss. It was an X-Factor style competition, with video episodes aired on YouTube, ending with a grand final show at the Stag Theatre where the winners were revealed. I won the part of Maid Marian alongside Rebecca Lauren, who played Robin Hood. We had the best time, I've honestly never had so much fun on stage! However it can be quite tough; it’s long hours and a lot of shows (sometimes three a day), but it helped to have such a wonderful cast and crew. Christmas isn’t Christmas without panto!

What can we expect from your cabaret? Any particular songs that are a favourite of yours?

It will be a mixture of old and new musical theatre - some songs that everyone will know and love, and some that have been written recently by very talented friends of mine. I love songs that tell stories and have a character to them, and my close friend Joe Louis Robinson wrote something just for me that has such a wonderful arc; the audience can really relate to it. I guess that has to be my favourite song in the show!

Will this be the first time you've ever presented yourself in a solo cabaret?

I’ve done quite a few cabarets in the past as a featured guest, however I’ve never performed a solo cabaret before. It’s pretty daunting to think that it’ll be just me, a piano and a mic! But I’m so excited; a lot of planning and work has gone into the show so it will be fabulous. I’ve got some great guests too who will be coming along to sing some duets - Jos Slovick who was in Spring Awakening and Once, my fellow panto cast member Rebecca Lauren, and my best friend of 18 years Vangelis Polydorou, who is an up and coming singer/songwriter.

Who do you look to for inspiration in the musical theatre world?

For me, a performer that acts through song is someone that I admire and look up to - it’s great if you can hit those high notes but unless you know what you’re singing about then, in my opinion, it’s pointless. Jeremy Jordan, Kelli O’Hara, Rachel Tucker and Cynthia Erivo are a few of those that really tell a story when they sing, they are so wonderful to watch. But my ultimate inspiration and the reason that I’m an actress today has got to be Idina Menzel. Ever since I queued up in the freezing cold at 5am for day tickets to see her in Wicked, I have counted her as my idol. I was lucky enough to meet and work with her two years ago (there’s a funny story there which I’ll be revealing at the gig!) and she is even more fantastic in the flesh.

What are your favourite musicals, or the best that you've seen recently?

That’s a tough one! I recently went to up to Edinburgh for the Fringe which is a great place to catch new musical theatre. I went to see Finn Anderson’s (writer of Streets) new show Alba - A Scottish Musical and it was absolutely beautiful. I cried so much, his music always gets me! It’s been shortlisted for a few awards and rightly so - hopefully it’ll come and do a London run somewhere.

Review | DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS THE MUSICAL (Savoy Theatre) August 2014

Based on the 1988 movie starring Michael Caine and Steve Martin, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels The Musical began life in California in 2004, moving to Broadway in 2005. Almost a decade on, a brand new production now plays at London's Savoy Theatre, directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell. 

On the French Riviera, Lawrence and Freddy, two conmen (one notably better than the other) unite on their biggest job ever whilst trying to woo and con 'millionaire Soap Queen' Christine Colgate. 

The pre-show curtain sets the scene, like a giant postcard of seaside village Beaument-sur-Mer. From the moment it lifts you are transported into the perfect theatrical world full of glorious glitz and glamour. What's great is that this feels like one of the classics - the MGM musicals, but with the added bonus that in the UK, it's less than a year old. It's remarkably fresh and evidently has one of the most successful casts in the West End. 

Robert Lindsey tops the bill, suitably suave as Lawrence Jameson. Irresistibly charming, he glides his way through, managing a convincing, likeable and thoroughly entertaining lead almost effortlessly. His counterpart, Freddy is played by Andy Conaghan during Rufus Hound's absence from the show in August. A polar opposite in terms of sophistication, Conaghan is particularly hilarious as Ruprecht, a strange brother invented to deter Lizzy Connolly's comedic, scene-stealing Jolene. 

The two ladies, Samantha Bond as Muriel and Katherine Kingsly as Christine Colgate are both excellent. Bond enjoys an amusing relationship with John Marquez's Frenchman Andre and displays utmost elegance, Louis Vuitton luggage in hand. Kingsly's entrance routine injects further energy to a fast-paced first act, helped along by a fine ensemble, used perfectly to portray other parts and provide the show's hugely exciting choreographic element. 

Peter Mackintosh's set design is stunning and scenery changes are slick - there are moments of pure genius. There is an overwhelming sense of luxuriousness that makes even a mid-week matinee feel like a Saturday night in Monte Carlo. This is the show that gives them what they want, nothing cheap or cheesy, just pure glitz, glamour and entertainment from start to finish. Simply unmissable! Buy (or con people into buying) tickets here. 

Watch the show's trailer:

Maybe you like cool things like time-lapses of a set get in!

Cast List: Robert Lindsey, Rufus Hound, Katherine Kingsley, Samantha Bond, John Marquez, Lizzy Connolly, Gavin Alex, Darren Bennett, Niamh Bracken, Lisa Bridge, Andy Conaghan, Claire Doyle, Alice Fearn, Selina Hamilton, Ian Knauer, Zak Nemorin, Genevieve Nicole, Javier Santos, Todd Talbot, Dominic Tribuzio, Zara Warren, Darren Carnell, Phoebe Coupe, Lisa Mathieson, Jon Tsouras

Review | FOOTLOOSE (New Alexandra Theatre Stage Experience) August 2014

Since 2003, more than 1200 young performers have taken to the New Alexandra Theatre stage. They have shown and proved that when it comes to putting on a good show, the Midlands youth are a theatrical force to be reckoned with. Following the success of last year's production of Annie, the New Alexandra Theatre Birmingham present a 120-strong cast for the 2014 stage experience, Footloose. 

This is the classic tale of teenage rebellion and repression that follows teenager Ren McCormack's move from big-city Chicago to the small Midwestern town of Beaumont. Although he tries hard to fit in, the streetwise Ren can't quite believe he's living in a place where music and dancing are illegal.  It's a quest to cut loose and convince the Bible-thumping minister, who is responsible for keeping the town dance-free to change his mind. 

With just two weeks to put on a full-scale production with 120 amateur performers you'd be forgiven for thinking that this attempt at a West End spectacular would be a bit rough around the edges... in fact the end product is quite the opposite. Here is a slick, fast paced energetic dance musical that brings together unbelievable talent from the West Midlands. Led by Matthew Russell as Ren, the cast are in incredibly capable hands. At just 15, Russell manages to front the entire show with an impressive voice and a characterisation of maturity beyond his years.

Love interest Ariel is played by Georgia Anderson who provides a powerful, exciting I Need A Hero. Her faultless rendition of Almost Paradise would rival professional singers and compliments the harmonies of Russell beautifully. Comedy is provided by the excellent Callum Connolly as Willard, perhaps the most developed character who earns plenty of laughs from a charming portrayal. His number, Mamma Says brings a welcome sense of fun to the second act. He is partnered with Nicole Appleby (Rusty) whose Lets Hear It For The Boy is easily a highlight. An impressive performance from Aneira Evans as Vi Moore brings the show to a standstill after Can You Find It In Your Heart.

There are minor sound issues whereby vocals are occasionally lost in the volume of the orchestra but this is easily overlooked considering the daunting rehearsal schedule. What is clear from the outset is the enormous effort that makes this yearly scheme the ultimate experience for young performers. Once again Pollyann Tanner directs and choreographs a wholly triumphant production. A phenomenal combination of passion and talent from the stars of tomorrow. Playing until Sat 23 August, do go along and support. Book tickets here.

Watch cast interviews here:

Related Articles

Annie Review

Cast List: Emily Kate Hall, Kayleigh Johnson, Annie Tabberner, Shannon Weir, Olivia Wicks, Lucy Williams, Jessica Abbott, Shannon Berridge, Emma Cartwright, Felicity Gifford, Amy hart, Vicky Hawkins, Rebecca Ingram, Sophia McDermott, Sophie Tierney, Jordan Abbot, Dru Bennett, Todd Dougan, Lewis Pallett, Sam Rogers, Beth Carter, Sophia Elton, Georgia May Hart, Emily Haywood, Mimi Mendy, Hugh Osbourne-Brookes, Megan Perry, Leah Price, Daveena Saranna, William Taylor, Lydia Thomas, Libby Baskerville, Lauren Brown, Yasmin Cooper, Danielle Florey, Hannah Fuller, Scarlet Griffiths, Alice groom, Niamh Hawkes, Taylor Hemming, Danielle Huntley, Victoria Jackson, Daisy Meade, Molly Phillips, Annabel Russell, Lucy Treharne, Grace Willetts, Taylor Billings, Natasha Fensome, Sarahjayne Gibbs, Millie Lowe, Akinah Muhammad, Saskinah Muhammad, Dale Sewll, Eleanor Thomas, Laura Timothy, Olivia-May Wormald, Richard batham, Callum Connolly, Chris Johnstone, Drew Rafton, Matthew Russell, Mark Walsh, Georgia Anderson, Nicole Appleby, Danielle Cordingley, Aneria Evans, Caprice Lane, Annie Tabberner, Molly Williams, Megan Bird, Olivia Buchanan, Sally Croft, Katie Davie, Molly England, Beth Field, Sophie Freeman, Megan Goldby, Robyn Griffiths, Ellie Griffin, Chloe Harris, Sadie Horton, Talia Manders, Eloise Simpson, Alisha Twine, Emily Wyatt, Katie Wyatt, Priya Appleby, Emily Ashen, Thomas Ashen, Gibsa Lee Bah, Charlotte Bayliss, Phoebe Benson, Verona-India braich, Kyle Dargle, Harry Egerton, Lily Gain, Jasmin Gill, Rebecca Hewitt, Keown On-Ree Inniss-King, Laura King, Thom Lambert, Maisie Lodge, Georgia Martin-Jackson, Mia McLaughlan, Alfie Mitcham, Sophie Rutherford, Ella Sanders, Katie Vaissiere, Amelia Wallace, Khalid Daley, Matthew Evans, Charlie Howell, Nicholas Jones, Joseph Maslin, Louie McNally, Oliver Nicholas, Daniel Poppitt, Michael Reynolds, Caven Rimmer, Nicholas Southcott, Thomas Stringer, Ben Tanner, Dan Taylor, Chris Newton, Colin King, Steve Owen, Andy Waterson, Niel Morgan, Tom Mark, Paul Smith, James Bower, Katie Samways.

Preview | PROPAGANDA SWING (Belgrade Theatre, Coventry)

The Belgrade Theatre in Coventry is thrilled to present the UK premiere of Peter Arnott’s gripping WWII drama Propaganda Swing, a captivating combination of WWII intrigue and drama set against a backdrop of glitz, glamour and Big Band swagger. playing on the Belgrade Main Stage for two weeks this September from Sat 13 – Sat 27.

Throwing a spotlight on the gripping true story of ‘Charly and his Orchestra’, this compelling new play reveals the characters behind the story of how some of the greatest German jazz musicians of the day entered into a Faustian pact with the Fascists in order to continue playing their beloved music at the price of seeing it corrupted for evil.

With music playing an integral role in the show, Musical Supervisor on the show, Hilary Brooks reveals more.

Bradley Clarkson as Bill Constant & Miranda Wilford as Lala Anderson

How did you become involved in Propaganda Swing and what first attracted you to the play?
Hamish Glen, the Director, rang me to discuss the play and then sent me a copy of the script. We had worked together on various musical theatre productions at Dundee Rep and on his first two shows at the Belgrade Theatre. I was so impressed by this story, the style of writing, and the song suggestions, that I had to jump on board!

What does the role of a Musical Supervisor involve?
I am responsible for everything to do with the music, in consultation with the Director and the Writer. This includes auditioning actor/musicians, writing the score, arranging the music, rehearsing the actors who are singing, supervising musician band calls and facilitating the actor/musicians and the trio of professional musicians.

Have you been provided with original scores for any music featured in the show and have you had to create new arrangements based upon the size of ensemble you will be working with?
The songs chosen by the writer, Peter Arnott, are all standards from that era and although there are some resources online, I prefer to transcribe from the original recordings, most of which are available on YouTube, and then input the data into a score programme called Sibelius, which ultimately will allow me to build specific arrangements and importantly, transpose the songs into different keys very quickly.

 Jonny Bower as Charly Schwedler

How would you describe the style of music that features in Propaganda Swing?
It’s 1930s Swing. This featured vocal and instrumental soloists with a rhythm section at the core, led by a bandleader out front, often the arranger. Our band template is vaguely modelled on Artie Shaw and the Gramercy Five.

Propaganda Swing seems set to be an exciting production, featuring a talented cast of actor-musicians performing some of the greatest jazz music of the era. This powerful new stage production will see Chris Andrew Mellon return to the Belgrade in the role of Otto Stenzl following his critically-acclaimed appearance in their 2014 Spanish Golden Age Season. He will be joined by Clara Darcy, whose previous theatre credits include the 2014 UK Tour of Brassed Off in 2014. Completing the cast are Callum Coates as William Joyce/Lord Haw Haw, Miranda Wilford as Lala Anderson, Paul Lincoln as Heinrich Hinkel, Tomm Coles as Lutz Templin, Bradley Clarkson as Bill Constant and Jonny Bower as Charly Schwedler.

View a playlist of videos about the show:

Tickets for Propaganda Swing are available now from the box office on 024 7655 3055 priced from £9 - £21.25 or via the website, here where cheaper tickets are available.

Feature | KERRY ELLIS RETURNS TO WICKED (London) August 2014

After the departure of Willemijn Verkaik from the London production of Wicked, it was announced that Kerry Ellis will return to the show from Monday 4th August until Saturday 25th October 2014. Kerry, the first British Elphaba has also performed the role on Broadway at the Gershwin Theatre. In celebration of her return, we look back over Kerry's emerald career. 

Serving as a temporary standby to Idina Menzel, Kerry was part of the original London production at the Apollo Victoria Theatre for three months from the show's opening on 7 September 2006. After playing the role as a standby on nine occasions, Kerry assumed the lead role on 1 January 2007 when Idina Menzel left. The role saw Kerry as the winner of the 2008 Whatsonstage.com Theatregoers' Choice Award for Best Takeover in a Role. Kerry left the London production on 7 June 2008. 

It was pretty much immediately after leaving London that Kerry transferred to the Broadway production with performances starting on 17 June 2008. She replaced Stephanie J. Block; making her the first British actress to play Elphaba on Broadway and the first to transfer from the West End to Broadway. Kerry won the 2009 Broadway.com Audience Award for Favorite Female Breakthrough Performance.

Later in 2008, Kerry performed a rock version of the famous Defying Gravity at the Royal Variety Performance with Queen's Brian May. The pair have subsequently gone on to perform in many tours together and have produced numerous albums including Anthems in 2010. 

Whilst in New York, Kerry worked on her first EP, Wicked in Rock, produced by Brian May and Steve Sidwell. This was the birth of Kerry's epic version of "Defying Gravity" that she later performed at the Royal Variety Performance. "I'm Not that Girl" from Wicked and the Queen song "No-One but You" that she and May recorded six years earlier (a result of her popular performance as Meat in We Will Rock You) appeared on the EP. Kerry left the Broadway production on 9 November 2008.

Kerry preparing backstage. Photo Logan Riehl. 

Returning to the West End production on 1 December 2008, she would then go on to play a further five months as Elphaba where until now she ended her time as the 'wicked' witch. After her final performance on 9 May 2009 Kerry had been billed as lead for a total of 116 weeks (omitting absence) in both the London and Broadway companies, making her the longest-serving British actress in the role of Elphaba at the time.

Most recently, in July 2014, Kerry performed "For Good" - Wicked's final song between the two leading ladies with original Broadway Glinda, Kristen Chenoweth at the Royal Albert Hall.

About her 2014 return, Kerry said "It is an absolute thrill for me to be returning to this amazing show and the incredible role of Elphaba that is so very special to me. I can't wait to be green again and join this fantastic cast".

Kerry Ellis will not be appearing in Wicked on Tuesday 19th August, Saturday 27th September, Thursday 2nd October - Friday 10th October, Tuesday 14th - Thursday 16th October and Saturday 18th October due to her concert appearances. Book tickets for the London production here. 

After Kerry, Nikki Davis Jones begins performances as Elphaba in the West End production. Nikki is currently performing the role in her final venue of the UK tour at Birmingham Hippodrome alongside Liam Doyle as Fiyero (who also plays his final performance in Birmingham) and Emily Tierney as Glinda. Book tour tickets here. 

Preview | THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME (UK Tour)

As well as recently re-opening in the West End, the acclaimed National Theatre production of The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time embarks on a UK tour throughout 2015. Winner of 7 Olivier Awards including ‘Best New Play’, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time brings Mark Haddon’s best-selling novel to thrilling life on stage, adapted by two-time Olivier Award-winning playwright Simon Stephens and directed by Olivier and Tony Award-winning director Marianne Elliott.

Christopher, fifteen years old, stands beside Mrs Shears’ dead dog. It has been speared with a garden fork, it is seven minutes after midnight and Christopher is under suspicion. He records each fact in the book he is writing to solve the mystery of who murdered Wellington. He has an extraordinary brain, exceptional at maths while ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched and he distrusts strangers. But his detective work, forbidden by his father, takes him on a frightening journey that upturns his world.

The UK tour begins in December 2014 before visiting 31 venues including Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from 16 - 21 February 2015. Book tickets for Wolverhampton here.

Listen to some of the music from the production:

Preview | JACK & I: THE JACK THE RIPPER MUSICAL (Edinburgh Fringe Festival)

Following the enormous success of hit comedy musical GUIDO!, a reimagining of the gunpowder treason plot and featured on this blog, DhK Productions will be presenting JACK & I: THE JACK THE RIPPER MUSICAL at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2014, the second instalment of their trilogy of historical comedy musicals. Having recently also returned from the Brighton Fringe, where they performed WAY BACK, an original comedy-drama set on Beachy Head, to fantastic reviews, they are proving to be one of the most exciting and creative emerging companies in recent years.

As in GUIDO!, the show tells the tale of its eponymous anti-hero, in this case the fabled Jack the Ripper, the infamous Whitechapel murderer of 1888. While a tremendous amount of research has clearly been done by the writing and production team, the story does take certain liberties with historical inaccuracies, and the writer Daniel Henry Kaes freely admits that the lack of hard facts and evidence presented a different challenge to his previous musical: "This is part of the reason we choose to focus on the detective, Inspector Abberline, so that the identity of the Ripper remains not only elusive but also ever-changing, according to evidence and public opinion as the plot develops".

As well as trying to crack this seemingly impossible case, the protagonist Abberline must also cope with his superiors and colleagues at work, the interference of the press, and hisown marital problems, as his public and private worlds clash, in the tradition of classival Greek drama. Former West Midlands actor Matt Lim performs amongst the talented ensemble cast, whose infectious energy and passion make it difficult to ignore what promises to be one of the most original and engaging - and funny, above all funny - productions at the Fringe this year.

With a witty script redolent of Mel Brooks and Python, catchy and impressive music from Kaes and his collaborators, and a plot full of twists and shocks, make sure you "catch the Ripper" before the month is out!

JACK & I plays at C Nova, Edinburgh 1st-25th August (previews 30th and 31st July) at 9pm. Recommended age 14+

Twitter: @dhkproductions #catchtheripper

Review | WICKED (UK Tour) July 2014

The Wicked Witch of the West End is now soaring around the UK and Ireland as part of the hit Broadway musical's first UK tour. For 9 weeks this summer Birmingham Hippodrome is the merry old Land Of Oz, at least you'd think... for Wicked is not so much merry but the darker back-story of Elphaba - the Wicked Witch Of The West and her unlikely friendship with Glinda - The Good. Things are not as they may seem as the musical journeys through familiar territory and then flips it on it's head... and throws a house on it. 

First we meet Glinda, she's the people's favourite, bubbly (literally) beautiful and blonde.... she's the Holly Willoughby of Oz. Played here by Emily Tierney, she masters impressive operatic vocals and is the queen of comic-timing. Her character is able to steal attention from her emerald counterpart Elphaba - played by standby Jemma Alexander at the indisposition of future West End Elphaba, Nikki Davis-Jones. Alexander's Elphaba is promising and shows a clear progression through the evening, coming into her own at the witches climax of evil No Good Deed. The leading ladies final duet, For Good, is a beautiful end to their story.

Liam Doyle is an excellent Fiyero - the perfect casting for a role which has been previously 'celebrity cast', is left to dwindle in the shadow of the two witches - not here. The 23-year-old from Coventry impresses the home crowd with great vocals and a high-energy performance of Dancing Through Life - the perfect prince. Marylin Cutts revels in the role of evil, her Madam Morrible is both cartoonish yet credible as the vociferous villain. Dale Rapley gives a contrasting performance as both Dr Dillamond and the Wizard of Oz. Tragically beautiful, Carina Gillespie is Nessarose, the wheelchair bound, 'normal' sister of Elphaba - her strong performance is matched in charm by George Ure's Boq. 

American accents are lost for what feels a more British version of the show. Wicked has but a few minor alterations from the West End production but you musn't worry about seeing a lesser version of the show, this is essentially the entire West End production and you'd be mad to miss whilst in your local city. An alternative view of Oz that certainly leaves you spellbound! A triumphant touring production that ensures the West Midlands is as good a home for the West End as any. Book tickets for Birmingham dates here. 

Cast List: Emily Tierney, Nikki Davis Jones, Carina Gillespie, George Ure, Marilyn Cutts, Dale Rapley, Liam Doyle, Jemma Alexander, Lee Bridgman, Chrissy Brooke, Richard Carson, Harrison Clark, Jeanine Dinger, Tim Edwards, Howard Ellis, Natasha Ferguson, Zoë George, Lia Given, Katie Kerr, Will Knights, Oliver Metzler, Wendy Lee Purdy, Julienne Schembri, Grant Thresh, Helen Woolf

Review | SHOW BOAT (Cape Town Opera) July 2014

Following the success of Porgy & Bess, Cape Town Opera return to Birmingham Hippodrome this week with their adaptation of the 1927 Broadway musical Show Boat, this incredible production received it's UK premiere tonight.

Set in America’s Deep South, the story begins in 1887 on the Cotton Blossom show boat as it sets sail on the Mississippi River and follows the lives of the performers, dock workers, musicians and stagehands over a period of forty years.

The piece has survived for over 80 years and another revival production is perhaps not what audiences are crying out for - but it should be. It's quite rare to see a musical of this scale - a cast of over 50, orchestra exceeding 30 combining to create a rather special, unique theatrical experience. For this is Cape Town Opera with an incredible South African cast.

This is a lavish production that looks beautiful, a stunning set design by Johan Engles is just the backdrop for an equally as impressive performance.  Graham Hopkins - one of South Africa's best-known actors stars as Captain Andy and is paired well with Anthea Thompson as Parthy. There is a beautiful bond between Magdalene Minnaar as Magnolia and Blake Fischer as Gaylord. Together they exude an uttermost joy. Fun is to be had aplenty whenever Catherine Daymond takes to the stage as Ellie who's Life Upon The Wicked Stage is a distinct highlight. Mention must also go to Nobuntu Mpahlaza who delights in every way as Queenie, also Angela Kerrison who is in fine voice as Julie.

The reason to remember your evening however has to be the many powerful renditions of Ol' Man River that bring the house down in the incredible hands of Otto Maidi. Even after hearing it twice and then three times, Maidi commands every ounce of attention as he bellows out that famous tune.

The whole evening is thoroughly enjoyable and you leave feeling warmed and welcomed, the overriding family themes and expressing of love is unavoidably infectious. This is a pure celebration of traditional vaudeville styles; a colourful explosion of jazz, opera, Charleston and the Black Bottom dance of the 1920's. It is joyous affair that entertains whilst being the first of it's kind to distinctly approach themes of racism against African-Americans, the homogenous opposition to inter-racial marriage. A triumphant transfer from native South Africa to selected cities in the UK, one that you must try to jump on board before it departs us.

See Show Boat at Birmingham Hippodrome until 5th July, book online here.

Watch a short film on the production here:

Review | ANNIE GET YOUR GUN (UK Tour) July 2014

There's no business like show business, there really isn't... take an old Broadway musical about a Wild West show and set a new production of it inside of a Wild West show and what you get is the latest incarnation of Irving Berlin's classic Annie Get Your Gun. This production, from the Ambassador Theatre Group uses a revised book, created by Peter Stone for a Tony award-winning Broadway revival in 1999.

Buffalo Bill's Big Top is now the setting for the entire musical, the whole thing is a show within a show and is beautifully done by designer Paul Farnsworth. A great red and white tent with an orchestra at the perimeters is all that we're presented with, but a simple repositioning of boxes and lighting changes do enough to convince us of a scene change, less is definitely more here. 

It's all rather unassuming, a modest production brings together a fine ensemble who work incredulously hard, they're constantly rearranging set positions, leaping, singing and providing a general sense of energy and enthusiasm to power through the dated story. How anyone at Buffalo Bill's show could have their interest sustained by a woman shooting at balloons... 

That woman of course is Annie Oakley, played here by Emma Williams and she does a lot more than shoot. It's not often that one particular member of a cast shines above all others but Williams is just Doin What Comes Natur'lly to her and impresses throughout with an exciting presence and perfect voice. 

Jason Donovan is Frank Butler and does enough to please fans but you can't help but think that Jonathan Wilkes, who plays the role at selected performances, may be better cast as the love interest of young Oakley. Donovan does however lead some great chorus numbers with the male ensemble, chorus routines which are perhaps the stronger moments of the show. Norman Pace is a fun addition as Buffalo Bill. There's a sweet romance between Lorna Want as Winnie Tate and Yiftach Mizrahi as Tommy Keeler that is most endearing, you wish there had been more written for them. 

In all, the feel good factor remains, even if not the relevance. It is nice to see one of the older classics return to the stage in a charming revival production. It's hardly groundbreaking but then I guess there's only so much you can do now with a 1940's musical - this is probably as good a production as you're going to get. A popular one with the amateurs, this is far from something you'll have seen last summer at the church hall, it's beautifully reimagined. Emma Williams shines in a charming production at Birmingham New Alexandra Theatre until Saturday 5 July. Book tickets online here. 

Watch the trailer below:

Cast List: Jason Donovan, Jonathan Wilkes (at selected performances), Emma Williams, Norman Pace, Dermot Canavan, Ed Currie, Kara Lane, Yiftach Mizrahi, William Oxborrow, Lorna Want, Ste Clough, Matthew Dale, Natalie Day, Flo Fields, Sarah Galbraith, Jonny Godbold, Hannah Grace, Katie Marie-Carter, Oscar Francisco, Theo Gilbert-Birch

Review | BUDDY - THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY (UK Tour) June 2014

"Three young rock 'n' roll stars have been killed in a plane crash in the United States. Buddy Holly, 22, Jiles P Richardson - known as the Big Bopper - 28, and Ritchie Valens, 17, died in a crash shortly after take-off from Clear Lake, Iowa at 0100 local time. The pilot of the single-engined Beechcraft Bonanza plane was also killed. Early reports from the scene suggest the aircraft spun out of control during a light snowstorm" ... It was the career that was over almost as quickly as it started. 

Throughout it's 25 year history, this, the original juke box musical has been seen by over 22 million people worldwide. Following the short career of the music legend, we start at the humble beginnings at the Grand Bowl, Lubback Texas with a fresh-faced enthusiastic Buddy played by the excellent Glen Joseph. Throughout Buddy's struggles with the music industry, turning his back on country and creating his own rock 'n' roll sound, Joseph has great charisma, endless energy and has us in the palm of his hand as he masters some of the most iconic hits including That'll Be The Day, Peggy Sue, Why Do Fools Fall In Love, Heartbeat and Johnny B Goode. 

Joseph is joined on stage by Roger Rowley who plays Buddy at certain performances with the excellent duo Adam Flynn and Scott Haining as The Crickets. All music is played and sung live, which is the huge draw of this musical. Without the music, you'd have under 20 minutes of content. This is certainly the show for Buddy fans with little in the way of significant set changes or engaging dialogue but there is more than enough to make up for that by way of talent and incredible effort. 

Surprisingly, some of the show's most exciting moments come from other members of the cast, including Lydia Fraser's hilarious, scene-stealing Apollo Performer - joined by Miguel Angel in an impressive rendition of Shout. Will Pearce rouses the crowd as Ritchie Valens with his hip swinging La Bamba. 

The death of Holly, Valens and the Big Bopper interrupts what was an enjoyable finale of what was  to become their final gig. It's a particularly effective halt that reenforces the shock and sudden devastation that followed the plane crash on 3 February 1959. The moment could have lasted longer but seemed rushed over to return to the high-energy finale. We are, after all, there for a good time and that's why the joy resumes so quickly. If you're not of a reminiscent age and struggle to recognise the music, it can feel a little exclusive but you can't help but appreciate the sheer talent on that stage. 

This is the original jukebox musical that spawned all others of it's kind, many try but aren't nearly as successful at raising the roof in the ultimate celebration of some of the finest singers of all time. Click here and book now to see Buddy at Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday 28 June. 

Review | MISS SAIGON (Prince Edward Theatre) June 2014

With an all-time Box Office record, taking in excess of £4m on the first day, the revival production of Miss Saigon was highly anticipated. The musical premiered at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London, on 20 September 1989, closing after over 4000 in performances 1999. Since then, it has toured but in recent years hasn't been available to see. It's perhaps the perfect time to bring it back, being one of the only classics (Phantom, Les Mis..) that young theatregoers haven't been able to experience at an age where they can truly appreciate Boublil and Schönberg's masterpiece. 

Inspired by Puccini's Madame Butterfly, this, set in 1970's Saigon is the story of Kim, orphaned by war who falls in love with Chris, an American GI. Events of the Vietnam War come between them and an inevitable tragic end leaves the heart aching. 

Alistair Brammer and Eva Noblezada

Alternate Kim, Tanya Manalang is a sensation. 18-year-old relative newcomer Eva Noblezada has been received in high-regard so I must presume that both leading ladies are just as phenomenal. Manalang manages to power her way through the score with an incredibly strong but equally vulnerable performance, capturing the many emotions, highs and crashing lows that Kim endures. She is joined by Alistair Brammer as Chris who is in great voice throughout, a highlight being The Last Night Of The World love duet. 

The incredible Rachelle Ann Go gives a beautiful performance as Gigi with an almost unbelievable, perfect vocal in The Movie In My Mind. An excellent casting. 

Jon Jon Briones as The Engineer

Jon Jon Briones is excellent as the Engineer - it's not a 'you love to hate him', it's a 'you hate to love him'. You can't help but enjoy his performance as the seedy Engineer, another highlight being his American Dream number, with an impressive surprising set change and a chorus of dancers - it's very "Broadway" but great relief from some of the deeper, darker moments. Mention must also go to Tamsin Carroll who is an impressive Ellen. 

This breathtaking production is not without flaws. The lighting, although beautiful, is hazy and incredibly dark at times - when sat further back you struggle to see clearly, it's more comfortable to just close your eyes and listen. There is also a very modern film of Vietnamese children shown on a giant screen during Bui Doi which although relevant to the theme, seems particularly 'HD' a little unnecessary and out of place as an accompaniment during the incredible vocal performance of Hugh Maynard as John. 

Tottie Driver and Matt Kinley's redesign of the set is a marvel and by the time of the helicopter arriving during Kim's Nightmare you can have no doubt that this is one of the greatest theatrical events. With one of the West End's finest casts, the heat is definitely on in Prince Edward's Saigon.  I certainly can't wait for a return visit. Currently booking until April 2015, get tickets online here.

Meet the revival cast of Miss Saigon

Cast List: Jon Jon Briones, Eva Noblezada, Alistair Brammer, Tamsin Carroll, Hugh Maynard, Kwang-Ho Hong, Rachelle Ann Go, Tanya Manalang, Julia Abueva, Natalie Chua, Jon-Scott Clark, Jenny Ding, Dale Evans, Callum Francis, Ashley Gilmour, Maria Graciano, Simon Hardwick, Jack Harrison-Cooper, Matthew Jeans, Kurt Kansley, Kittiphun Kittipakapom, David Kar-Hing Lee, Mitch Leow, Ela Lisondra, Carolyn Maitland, Christian Rey Marbella, Kanako Nakano, Thoa Nguyen, Saori Oda, Ariel Reonal.