West End Eurovision

Every year casts of the West End join together to create the West End Eurovision. Each different cast from a different show take on previous Eurovision songs and this year it was the cast of Sweeney Todd who won...
It's all a good laugh!!!

How Will The Olympics Affect The West End...

With the lead up to the Olympic Games in London this year the theatre land feel that they are under threat with some people suggesting that theatres may shut throughout the summer. Regular tourists are expected to keep away from the city and some shows are already offering special enticements or not taking bookings at all.
Top-price musicals like The Jersey Boys are being offered at £20.12 for each performance during the Olympic summer. Sweeney Todd, starring Imelda Staunton and Michael Ball, opened in the West End in March but will be taking a short break in the summer.
This news disappoints me because it will affect shows in different ways. Family shows like The Lion King and Matilda may be more popular with tourists from other countries as they may have brought there families over and the stories are well known across the world. Whereas, newer unknown shows like Top Hat may be affected as people may not necessarily know the story well enough to go and see it.
Only time will tell, but I hope musicals aren't completely cancelled during this period as I am planning on spending most of my Summer in London, watching musicals. Not everyone is that obsessed with the Olympics!!!

Matilda scoops Olivier Awards

The new musical production by Dennis Kelly and lyrics by the comedian Tim Minchin managed to be nominated in 10 categories. In a record breaking awards ceremony the new musical managed to win 7 Olivier awards with all 4 Matilda's winning best actress in a musical.
Book Tickets Here

JukeBox Musicals Taking Over The West End

I have noticed recently that the West End is filling up with the JukeBox Musical, from the likes of Mamma Mia to We Will Rock You These musicals take songs from successful artists throughout their career and write a storyline around the songs. Mamma Mia has a very basic plot line with nothing really being resolved however, this musical makes people feel good. When I went to see Mamma Mia by the end of the musical everyone was up on their feet singing 'Dancing Queen.' Cheesy, but it made you feel good! However, with the JukeBox musical taking over the West End have we fallen into the trap of cheesy Americanised musicals or will we ever get a new musical that is authentic and original, something like Chicago, and not copied from a film or well loved songs by well known bands. The deaths of popular celebrities have sparked new musicals to be written. After Michael Jackson's death Thriller was created and now there are ongoing talks in creating 'The Body Guard Musical' after Whitney Houston's death. Where are the Andrew Llyod Webbers or Cameron Mackintosh's of this day and age!!!! Anyone?

Bridget Jones The Musical

I am always up for a good new musical and I am intrigued as to how Bridget Jones will work on the stage. The film has a great soundtrack don't get me wrong but the only song I can see the character of Bridget singing is 'All By Myself' with a bottle of wine in hand. The musical is set to open at the Savoy Theatre later this year and it is rumored that Sheridan Smith was set to play the role of Bridget however, due to television commitments she was unable to take on the role.
Click here to read the Daily Mail's article on Sheridan leaving the show.

Me and Ramin Karimloo

Ramin visited a musical theatre summer school I attended in 2009. He has played The Phantom in both The Phantom of the Opera and Love Never Dies, Jean Valjean in Les Miserables and featured in both the 25th Anniversary of Les Mis and Phantom. He has become a global superstar and is currently bringing out a new album. I was fortunate to meet him before he became so famous. He gave great advice and told me he was a massive fan of my voice which I blushed at. Such a lovely man!

Seriously?

Susan Boyle 'I Dreamed A Dream'- not only have the writers/producers/directors stolen the title of a very famous song in Les Mis they have also bought the musical genre to a new level. It follows Susan Boyle's life story from her difficult childhood to her life changing Britain's Got Talent audition and her life after the show. Elaine C Smith plays Susan Boyle throughout the length of the show however, Boyle herself comes on for an enc-our at the end of the show and sings two songs. I feel that this musical is just an excuse to rapture Susan Boyle with more media coverage and for her to get more money. Even though the critics have loved it I cannot see myself taking this musical seriously. They may as well make a musical about Mary Byrne from the XFactor, someone who isn't necessarily a typical looking pop star but has used this to become famous.

Vote for Les Misérables in the 2012 Olivier Audience Award!

Its the time of the year again when theatre joins fores for the Olivier Awards. Les Miserables is among Wicked, Jersey Boys and Billy Elliot in the shortlist for the audiences favourite show. Les Miserables should win this award as it has remained popular with audiences for the last 25 years. Plus Ramin Karimloo is playing Jean Valjean. So if you have a spare minute vote for Les Mis to win here!