In The Frame: Theatre Interviews from West End Frame

West End Frame

Interviews with theatre's biggest stars! West End Frame Editor, Andrew Tomlins, sits down with West End performers and creatives for candid, in-depth discussions about their careers and latest projects. read less
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S9 Ep53: John Dagleish & Clare Foster, Benjamin & Elowen in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Yesterday
S9 Ep53: John Dagleish & Clare Foster, Benjamin & Elowen in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
John Dagleish and Clare Foster are In The Frame! John is playing Benjamin Button and Clare is playing Elowen Keene in the West End production of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. After winning Best Musical Theatre Production at the 2024 Off West End Awards for its run at the Southwark Playhouse – with a different cast – the show has transferred for a run at the Ambassadors Theatre. John won an Olivier Award for his performance as Ray Davies in The Kinks musical Sunny Afternoon (Hampstead Theatre / Harold Pinter Theatre). His theatre credits also include: Spike (The Watermill Theatre), Cratchit (The Park Theatre), Sylvia (The Old Vic), A Christmas Carol (The Old Vic), Common (National Theatre), A Midsummer Night's Dream (The Young Vic), The Winter's Tale/Harlequinade (Branagh Theatre Company at The Garrick) and Shoot/Get Treasure/Repeat (Royal Court).Clare recently performed in Best of Enemies (Young Vic / Noel Coward Theatre). Some of her musical credits include Guys and Dolls (Chichester Festival Theatre), Merrily We Roll Along (Menier Chocolate Factory / Harold Pinter Theatre), Finding Neverland (Curve), Crazy For You (Regents Park Open Air Theatre / Novello Theatre), Avenue Q (Noel Coward Theatre) and We Will Rock You (Dominion Theatre). Clare was nominated for an Olivier Award for her performance in Travesties (Menier Chocolate Factory / Apollo Theatre). Recorded backstage, in this episode John and Clare discuss how they first met, their approach to tackling such huge roles and their musical theatre trauma... plus more. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is booking at the Ambassadors Theatre until 15th February 2025. Visit www.benjaminbuttonmusical.com for info and tickets. Hosted by Andrew Tomlins  @AndrewTomlins32  Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.
S9 Ep52: Nikita Johal, Younger Gemma in Now That's What I Call A Musical
2d ago
S9 Ep52: Nikita Johal, Younger Gemma in Now That's What I Call A Musical
Nikita Johal is playing Younger Gemma in the premiere of Now That's What I Call A Musical.The show is currently embarking on a tour across the UK and Ireland. Written by Pippa Evans and directed and choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood, Now That's What I Call A Musical features hits by Blondie, Tears For Fears, Spandau Ballet, Eurythmics and more.Most recently Nikita played Mandy and understudied Malika & Gold in Frankie Goes To Bollywood (UK Tour / Southbank Centre)Her theatre credits also include: The World Goes Round (Yvonne Arnaud Theatre), Princess Caraboo in Princess Caraboo (Finborough Theatre), Yonah in Children Of Eden (Union Theatre), Wendla inSpring Awakening (Hope Mill Theatre), Laputa in The Snow Queen (The Everyman, Liverpool), Selma Karamy in Broken Wings, (Theatre Royal Haymarket, The Other Palace & Beittidine Festival, Lebanon), Princess Aurora in Sleeping Beauty (Watford Palace Theatre), Princess Jasmine in Aladdin (Newbury Corn Exchange), Lily/Ladybird in What The Ladybird Heard (The Palace, West End & UK Tour), Understudy Neera/Bollywood Ensemble in Migrations (Welsh National Opera UK Tour), Asma/Kelly in The Wife Of Willesden (The Kiln & Boston/New York), Princess Katherine/Gower/Costable in Henry V & The Franklyn in The Canterbury Tales (Guildford Shakespeare Company), Maud in The Invincibles (Queens Theatre Hornchurch & The New Wolsey) and Fairy Sugarsnap in Jack & The Beanstalk (Evolution Pantomimes). Now That's What I Call A Musical is touring until April 2025. Visit www.thenowmusical.com for info and tickets. Hosted by Andrew Tomlins  @AndrewTomlins32  Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.
S9 Ep51: Hiba Elchikhe, Neeta in Here And Now: The Steps Musical
01-11-2024
S9 Ep51: Hiba Elchikhe, Neeta in Here And Now: The Steps Musical
Hiba Elchikhe is starring as Neeta in the world premiere of Here And Now: The Steps Musical. Featuring the music of Steps, Here And Now has an original book by Shaun Kitchener and is directed by Rachel Kavanaugh, with choreography by Matt Cole. This show runs in Birmingham at the Alexandra Theatre this month.After covering Molly Ghost The Musical's Asia Tour, Hiba starred as Princess Jasmine in the Australian production of Disney’s Aladdin. She went on to perform in Antony and Cleopatra (National Theatre, Fiver and Lift (both Southwark Playhouse) and Millennials (The Other Palace). Hiba starred as the title role in the UK premiere of Brooklyn (Greenwich Theatre) and played Pritti in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (West End & LA).Most recently Hiba starred in the West End premiere of The Time Traveler's Wife and toured the US in Disney Princess The Concert Tour with music director Benjamin Rauhala.Recorded inside Here And Now's rehearsal studios, in this episode Hiba discusses why it's such a special show to be a part of. She also talks about the twists and turns of the past few years of her career and the incredible opportunities that have come her way.Here And Now runs at the Birmingham Alexandra between the 9th and 30th November. Visit www.thestepsmusical.com for info and tickets. Hosted by Andrew Tomlins  @AndrewTomlins32  Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.
S9 Ep49: Jordan Frazier, star of Hamilton, I'm Every Woman & You Are Here
17-10-2024
S9 Ep49: Jordan Frazier, star of Hamilton, I'm Every Woman & You Are Here
Jordan Frazier is In The Frame!Jordan recently completed her run as Angelica in the West End production of Hamilton.After growing up in the US, Jordan spent several years performing on multiple highly acclaimed cruise ships. After moving to London, Jordan was cast as Zahara in the international tour of Bat Out Of Hell. Despite completing rehearsals, sadly the production didn't open due to the Covid-19 theatre shutdown. Jordan starred alongside Wendi Peters as Ruby in You Are Here at the Southwark Playhouse before joining Hamilton as the understudy for all three Schuyler Sisters. She later became the Schuyler Sisters standby and then took over as Angelica full-time. Most recently Jordan has been workshopping the Chaka Khan musical I'm Every Woman, starring as Chaka.Jordan's theatre credits also include: River in In Pieces, Sweet Thang in Nina Simone: Four Women, Lola in Damn Yankees and Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz.Jordan is fluent in Spanish - her Spanish theatre credits include Tiffany in Confessions of Women from East L.A. Jordan has also completed several cruise contracts as a Principal singer. Her screen credits include Ava in Sun Rosè & Romance, Jenny in Love At First Sight (Netflix), Jacquie in Feuds (Disney+), Woman in Power XL (advert) and Toyota Commercial (USA advert). Follow Jordan on Instagram: @jordanbfrazier Hosted by Andrew Tomlins  @AndrewTomlins32  Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.  Tiny Bar ChatsChats with influential, inspiring, prolific and community oriented folks.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify
S9 Ep48: Elena Skye, Janis in Mean Girls
10-10-2024
S9 Ep48: Elena Skye, Janis in Mean Girls
Elena Skye is playing Janis in the West End production of Mean Girls.Having premiered on Broadway in 2018, Mean Girls opened in London earlier this year. Tina Fey adapted the show from her 2004 film, collaborating with Jeff Richmond who composed the music and Nell Benjamin who wrote the lyrics. The show is directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw. Elena made her professional debut as Lauren in the West End production of Kinky Boots (Adelphi Theatre) and went on to play Éponine in the West End production of Les Misérables (Queen’s Theatre).Elena starred as Scaramouche in We Will Rock You, initially on tour before transferring with the show into the West End for a run at the London Coliseum. Last year Elena originated the role of Twiggy in Close Up: The Twiggy Musical at the Menier Chocolate Factory. In this episode, Elena discusses all things Mean Girls, including auditioning for the show, why she wanted to play Janis and how she got to grips with her song "I'd Rather Be Me". Elena also discusses her path into theatre, the hardest role she has played and what she's learnt along the way.Mean Girls is booking at the Savoy Theatre until 6th April 2025. Visit www.london.meangirlsmusical.com for info and tickets. Hosted by Andrew Tomlins  @AndrewTomlins32  Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.  Tiny Bar ChatsChats with influential, inspiring, prolific and community oriented folks.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify
S9 Ep47: Tiffany Graves, Mrs Wormwood in Matilda
04-10-2024
S9 Ep47: Tiffany Graves, Mrs Wormwood in Matilda
Tiffany Graves recently took over as Mrs Wormwood in the West End production of Matilda The Musical.Having premiered in Stratford-upon-Avon in 2010, the Royal Shakespeare Company’s musical has been seen by 11 million people across 100 cities worldwide. Written by Dennis Kelly, Matilda has music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and direction by Matthew Warchus. Tiffany's London and West End credits include: Roald Dahl’s The Witches, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and NT: 50 Years on Stage (all National Theatre), Chicago (Cambridge & Adelphi Theatres), Sweet Charity (Theatre Royal Haymarket), Cats (Gillian Lynne), 101 Dalmatians (Regents Park Open Air), The Boyfriend (Menier Chocolate Factory), But, I’m a Cheerleader (Turbine Theatre), The Wild Party (The Other Palace), Mack and Mabel (Hackney Empire), The Snow Queen (Theatre Royal Stratford East) and Apocalypse Meow (Shakespeare’s Globe).Her Regional & UK Touring credits include: The Artist (Theatre Royal Plymouth), Gypsy (Buxton Opera House), Top Hat (The Mill at Sonning), Kiss Me, Kate (Opera North), The Witches of Eastwick (The Watermill), Piaf (Leicester Curve), Wonderful Town (The Lowry), Love on the Links (Salisbury Playhouse), La Traviata and Anything Goes (Grange Park Opera), Follies (Royal Festival Hall) and UK Tours of We Will Rock You, Godspell, Tonight’s the Night and The Producers.On screen, Tiffany has appeared in Blitz (Working Title Films & Apple), Andy & The Band (BBC), NT: 50 Years on Stage (BBC), Olivier Awards 2024 (ITV) and Strictly Come Dancing (BBC). In this episode, Tiffany discusses all-things Matilda, her path to becoming a renowned character actor and what it was like to return to the National Theatre for The Witches... plus lots more along the way. Matilda is booking at the Cambridge Theatre until 24th May 2026. Visit www.uk.matildathemusical.com for info and tickets. Hosted by Andrew Tomlins  @AndrewTomlins32  Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.  Tiny Bar ChatsChats with influential, inspiring, prolific and community oriented folks.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify
S9 Ep44: Michael Ahomka-Lindsay, star of Newsies, Cabaret, Reverberation, Legally Blonde & Choir Boy
12-09-2024
S9 Ep44: Michael Ahomka-Lindsay, star of Newsies, Cabaret, Reverberation, Legally Blonde & Choir Boy
Michael Ahomka-Lindsay is back In The Frame! After leaving medical school to pursue a career as an actor, Michael trained at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. He made his professional debut as Benny in Luke Sheppard’s production of Rent at the Hope Mill Theatre and then toured as Maugrim in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.Michael last featured on the podcast after starring as Emmett in Lucy Moss’ revival of Legally Blonde at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. After performing in To The Streets for Birmingham Hippodrome, Michael originated the role of Jack Kelly in the reimagined UK premiere of Newsies at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre and played David in the highly acclaim production of Choir Boy at Bristol Old Vic.Michael is currently coming to the end of his run as Clifford Bradshaw in the West End revival of Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club and is rehearsing for the European premiere of Reverberation by Matthew Lopez at the Bristol Old Vic. Michael came into the podcast booth to discuss everything he's been up to over the past two years. He reflects on all-things Newsies, explains why Choir Boy was such a special job and talks about going straight from Cabaret to Reverberation, and lots more pops up along the way.Michael plays Cliff in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club until 21st September and stars in Reverberation at the Bristol Old Vic 2nd October - 2nd November 2024. Follow Michael on Instagram: @michaelahomka_ Hosted by Andrew Tomlins  @AndrewTomlins32  Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.  Tiny Bar ChatsChats with influential, inspiring, prolific and community oriented folks.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify
S9 Ep42: Sharon Sexton, alternate Janis Joplin in A Night With Janis Joplin
05-09-2024
S9 Ep42: Sharon Sexton, alternate Janis Joplin in A Night With Janis Joplin
Sharon Sexton is back in the frame! Sharon is currently starring as the alternate Janis in A Night With Janis Joplin. Following a run on Broadway and various tours, the show is making its West End premiere at the Peacock Theatre.Sharon is celebrated for her iconic performance as Sloane in Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf’s musical Bat Out Of Hell. Sharon originated the role during its original runs at the Manchester Opera House, London Coliseum and Dominion Theatres. Sharon later reprised her performance as Sloane in the Toronto production and recent UK/International tour. Later this year she will once again return for the musical's new tour. Since the beginning, Sharon has played Sloane opposite her husband Rob Fowler as Falco. Sharon’s other theatre credits include playing Donna in the UK & international tour of Mamma Mia! as well as the West End productions of Billy Elliot and The Commitments.  Alongside her theatre work, Sharon is well known for her cabarets and concerts; her shows with Rob have won awards whilst she also has an acclaimed one woman show based on the life of Liza Minnelli. Most recently Sharon starred in and produced the concert tour of Defying Gravity: West End Woman. In this episode, Sharon discusses finding her Janis voice, returning to Bat Out Of Hell and why she has always been a hustler... plus lots more. A Night With Janis Joplin runs at the Peacock Theatre until 28th September 2024. Visit www.anightwithjanisjoplin.com for info and tickets. Hosted by Andrew Tomlins  @AndrewTomlins32  Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.  Tiny Bar ChatsChats with influential, inspiring, prolific and community oriented folks.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify
S9 Ep40: Samuel Edwards, star of Anything Goes, Mrs Doubtfire, Ghost, Wicked & Xanadu
28-08-2024
S9 Ep40: Samuel Edwards, star of Anything Goes, Mrs Doubtfire, Ghost, Wicked & Xanadu
Samuel Edwards is In The Frame! Most recently, Sam played Stuart in the original West End cast of Mrs Doubtfire (Shaftesbury Theatre) and starred as Billy Crocker in Kathleen Marshall’s revival of Anything Goes (Barbican Centre). After making his West End debut understudying Sam Wheat in Ghost The Musical, Sam covered Enjolras in Les Misérables, Rolf in The Sound of Music (Regent's Park Open Air Theatre) and Fiyero in Wicked (Apollo Victoria). Impressively, Sam took over as Fiyero in Wicked's UK & Ireland Tour and returned to the West End production of Les Misérables to star as Enjolras. He also returned to Ghost as Carl (Asia Tour). Some of Sam's additional theatre roles include Sonny in the UK premiere of Xanadu (Southwark Playhouse) and Ozzie in On The Town (Regent's Park Open Air Theatre). On screen he has appeared in Ted Lasso, Brave New World, Doctors and Hollyoaks. In this episode, Sam discusses how overwhelming it was to make his West End debut understudying Richard Fleeshman in Ghost, his trend of returning to shows and how he almost missed out on playing Billy Crocker... plus lots more! Follow Sam on Instagram: @samjedwards Hosted by Andrew Tomlins  @AndrewTomlins32  Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.  Tiny Bar ChatsChats with influential, inspiring, prolific and community oriented folks.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify
250th Episode: Zizi Strallen, Laurey in Oklahoma! & Marie Antoinette in Cake
08-08-2024
250th Episode: Zizi Strallen, Laurey in Oklahoma! & Marie Antoinette in Cake
Olivier nominee Zizi Strallen is our special guest for the 250th episode of In The Frame! Zizi is starring as Laurey in the 80th anniversary concert production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma!, playing opposite Phil Dunster. The concert is directed and choreographed by Bill Deamer with the London Musical Theatre Orchestera playing the full 28-piece orchestrations. Later this year Zizi will reprise her performance as the title role in Cake: The Marie Antoinette Playlist which opens at The Other Palace in September. Zizi received an Olivier nomination for starring as the title role in the West End revival of Mary Poppets, reprising her performance from the musical’s tour. For Matthew Bourne's New Adventures she has played Lana/Delores in The Car Man and Betty/Vivian in Cinderella. Some of Zizi's other theatre credits include Fastrada in Pippin In Concert (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), Betty in Sunset Boulevard (Alexandra Palace & Royal Albert Hall), Fran in Strictly Ballroom (Piccadilly Theatre), Young Phyllis in Follies (National Theatre), Demeter in Cats (London Palladium), Penny in Hairspray & Mona in Chicago (Leicester Curve), Meg in Merrily We Roll Along (Menier Chocolate Factory & Harold Pinter Theatre), Rock Of Ages (Shaftesbury & Garrick Theatre), The Music Man (Chichester Festival Theatre) and Dirty Dancing (Aldwych Theatre). In this episode Zizi discusses why she jumped at the chance to be in Oklahoma!, mourning Mary Poppins and navigating her own path in theatre, plus lots more along the way.Oklahoma! runs at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on 19th and 20th August 2024. Visit www.lwtheatres.co.uk for info and tickets. Hosted by Andrew Tomlins  @AndrewTomlins32  Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.  Tiny Bar ChatsChats with influential, inspiring, prolific and community oriented folks.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify
S9 Ep34: Mireia Mambo, Richie in A Chorus Line
01-08-2024
S9 Ep34: Mireia Mambo, Richie in A Chorus Line
Mireia Mambo is playing Richie Walters in A Chorus Line.Following its run at Leicester Curve in 2021, Nikolai Foster's revival of A Chorus Line has returned for a tour and London run at Sadler's Wells. With iconic music by Marvin Hamlisch, this production is choreographed by Ellen Kane. Mireia is making theatrical history as the first woman to play the role of Richie.Most recently Mireia was in the ensemble of Jamie Lloyd’s revival of Sunset Boulevard (Savoy Theatre), having previously appeared in Lloyd's production of Evita (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre). Just a few of Mireia's other theatre credits include: Newsies (Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre), West Side Story (Curve Leicester), Hairspray (London Coliseum), Motown The Musical (Shaftesbury Theatre), Scaramouche (Teatre Victoria, BCN) and Charlie and The Chocolate Factory (Theatre Royal Drury Lane) as well as Ragtime and A Midsummer Night's Dream (both at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre). Additionally Mireia has starred in the Spanish tours of Sister Act as Deloris and The Bodyguard as Rachel Marron. In this episode, Mireia discusses recreating the role of Richie, moving from Spain to the UK to pursue theatre, working with Jamie Lloyd twice and lots more along the way. A Chorus Line runs at Sadler’s Wells until 25th August and tours until October. Visit www.achoruslinetour.com for info, tour dates and tickets. Hosted by Andrew Tomlins  @AndrewTomlins32  Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.  Tiny Bar ChatsChats with influential, inspiring, prolific and community oriented folks.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify