The West End Frame Show: Theatre News, Reviews & Chat

Ross Harmon (Wicked / Heathers) co-hosts The West End Frame Show!Andrew and Ross discuss the latest updates about Wicked's Golden Globe nominations and Patrice Tipoki reprising her performance as Elphaba in the Australian production after leaving the show fourteen years ago. They also discuss the latest news about Jamie Lloyd's Evita, Freaky Friday, If/Then, Sondheim’s final musical Here We Are and lots more.Most recently Ross understudied Fiyero in the West End production of Wicked (Apollo Victoria). His theatre credits also include: Pierce in Half a Sixpence (Kilworth House), Taboo 20th Anniversary Concert (London Palladium), Sunset Boulevard (Royal Albert Hall), Kurt Kelly in Heathers (Theatre Royal Haymarket), Jared/Rock in the premiere of But I’m A Cheerleader (Turbine Theatre) and Sky in Mamma Mia! (Royal Caribbean).Ross is a singer/songwriter and has released multiple EPs which are available on streaming platforms, including his festive single 'What Christmas Means To Me'. He's also an established singing, acting and career coach.Follow Ross on Instagram: @rossharmon_ This is the last episode of the series, but stay tuned for our special end of year episodes for a round-up of our top performances and shows of 2024. 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.

Olivier nominee Rachel John (Hamilton / The Big Life) co-hosts The West End Frame Show!Andrew and Rachel discuss The Devil Wears Prada (Dominion Theatre) as well as the latest news about the Hamilton tour, Choir Of Man, Figaro, Fawlty Towers, And Juliet and more. They also pay tribute to Kyle Birch who passed away aged 26 on 2nd December. Kyle was a musical theatre performer and friend of the podcast, having co-hosted The West End Frame Show twice. Andrew and Rachel share memories and send their love to Kyle's family and loved ones.Rachel is preparing to star alongside Oliver Tompsett, Joel Harper-Jackson and Rachael Wooding in Christmas By Candlelight at the Adelphi Theatre on 17th December. Rachel made her professional debut in The Legend of the Lion King at Disnleyland Paris and went on to join the West End productions of The Lion King and Sister Act. After understudying Meat and Killer Queen on the first UK & Ireland tour of We Will Rock You, Rachel transferred to the West End production as Meat, becoming the first black actor to play the role. Rachel's theatre credits also include Mimi in Rent (UK Tour), Felicia in Memphis (Shaftesbury Theatre), Nicki and understudy Rachel in The Bodyguard (UK & Ireland Tour / West End / Toronto), Mrs Neilsen in Girl From The North Country (West End / Toronto), The Ghost of Christmas Present in A Christmas Carol (Old Vic) and Songs for a New World (London Palladium). Rachel released her debut solo album From My Lips To Gods Ear to huge acclaim. In 2017, Rachel originated the role of Angelica Schuyler in the West End premiere of Hamilton, receiving an Olivier nomination for her performance. She did an episode of our interviews podcast In The Frame last year whilst starring as August in the UK premiere of The Secret Life of Bees (Almedia Theatre). Earlier this year Rachel played Zulieka in the London revival of The Big Life (Theatre Royal Stratford East). Christmas By Candlelight is at the Adelphi Theatre on 17th December. Visit www.concertsbycandlelight.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.

Social media manager Ksenya Gray returns to co-host The West End Frame Show.Andrew and Ksenya discuss The Lighting Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical (The Other Palace) and The Producers (Menier Chocolate Factory) as well as the latest news about Cabaret casting, The Traitors: Live Experience, the Old Vic, Wicked, Boy George and lots more.Ksenya runs the social media company Storytellers. This year she did social media for several concerts at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, including Wild About You, Little Piece Of You, Your Lie In April and Pippin. She continued working with Your Lie In April when it transferred to the West End and worked on Blippi: A Wonderful World Tour in the West End. Additionally she did One Small Step and Tattooer at the Charing Cross Theatre. Also this year Ksenya has managed social media for Marisha Wallace, Sidney Christmas, Rachel Tucker, Antony Costa and West Way Music who have a season of concerts coming up at the Vaudeville Theatre next year. Follow Ksenya on Instagram: @ksenya.gray 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.

Join us for our second special episode about the Wicked movie!In this episode, West End Frame Editor Andrew Tomlins is joined by Lisa Martland for a discussion (featuring SPOILERS) about the Wicked movie.In this episode, Andrew and Lisa discuss favourite riffs, Defying Gravity, cameos, changes to the story, Popular, hopes for Part 2 and more.Having spent many years at The Stage – including five years as Deputy Editor – Lisa is the Founding Editor of one of the UK’s top theatre websites, www.musicaltheatrereview.com. Lisa is also Sub-Editor for Musicals Magazine.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.

Tamara Tare (Shrek / Just For One Day) co-hosts The West End Frame Show!Andrew and Tamara discuss Here And Now: The Steps Musical (Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham) as well as the latest news about the Wicked movie's box office success, If/Then starring Kerry Ellis, Jeremy Jordan's new Broadway show, Tammy Faye closing and more.Having trained at the Royal Academy of Music, 2024 has been a big year for Tamara! She made her professional debut playing Alicia and understudying Amara in the premiere of Just For One Day: The Live Aid Musical at the Old Vic.Tamara just spent her summer at the Eventim Apollo playing Gingy in Shrek The Musical. Follow Tamara on Instagram: @tamaratare 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.

Join us for our first special episode about the Wicked movie!In this episode, West End Frame Editor Andrew Tomlins is joined by Lisa Martland for a spoiler-free discussion about their first reactions to the Wicked movie.Andrew and Lisa discuss Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande's performances, Jon M. Chu's direction, some of the musical numbers, highlights, emotions and more.Come back on Wednesday for the spoiler episode, featuring lots more Wicked movie chat and analysis! Having spent many years at The Stage – including five years as Deputy Editor – Lisa is the Founding Editor of one of the UK’s top theatre websites, www.musicaltheatrereview.com. Lisa is also Sub-Editor for Musicals Magazine.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.

Claire-Marie Hall (Operation Mincemeat) returns to co-host The West End Frame Show!Andrew and Claire discuss Now That's What I Call A Musical (Milton Keynes Theatre, UK Tour) as well as the latest news about the Mattel Wicked dolls mishap, 13 Going On 30, Hadestown, Scissorhandz and more. Claire is currently starring as Jean Leslie & others in the West End production of Operation Mincemeat. She was part of the musical's original cast, originally performing it at the Southwark Playhouse and Riverside Studios before transferring to the West End's Fortune Theatre.Next year Claire will reunite with the original cast of Operation Mincemeat for the musical's Broadway transfer. Performances will begin in New York at the Golden Theatre on 15th February 2025, ahead of an official opening night on 20th March.Claire's theatre credits also include: The Innkeeper’s Wife in The Wicker Husband (Watermill Theatre), The Grinning Man (Trafalgar Studios), Tuptim in The King and I (Leicester Curve & National Tour), Gabriella High School Musical (Hammersmith Apollo & National Tour) and Cosette in Les Miserables (Queen’s Theatre).At the age of 11, Claire made her professional debut as Ngana in the National Theatre’s touring production of South Pacific. In this episode, Claire discusses her journey with Operation Mincemeat and how it feels to be taking the musical to Broadway!Follow Claire on Instagram: @claire_m_hall Hosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32  Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.

Lewis Brown (Closer To Heaven / TikTok creator) co-hosts The West End Frame Show! Andrew and Lewis discuss Moulin Rouge starring Natalie Kassanga and Dom Simpson (Piccadilly Theatre) and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Ambassadors Theatre) as well as the latest news about Hercules starring Luke Brady, The Great Gatsby, Miss Saigon, The Black British Theatre Awards and  more. Since training at Urdang, Lewis has done cruises, tours and pantomimes. Earlier this year he played Flynn in the London revival of Closer To Heaven: The Pet Shop Boys Musical at the Turbine Theatre. Lewis is also one of the leading theatre content creators in the UK; on TikTok he has over half a million followers and over fifty million likes. Lewis has collaborated with brands such as Amazon, Google, Samsung, Mastercard and Costa Coffee. Follow Lewis on TikTok/Instagram: @lewbearbrown Hosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32  Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.

On this week’s solo episode, Andrew discusses Barcelona starring Lily Collins (Duke Of York’s Theatre) and The History Boys (Richmond Theatre, UK Tour) as well as the latest news about Scissorhandz, Les Misérables casting, Operation Mincemeat on Broadway, Hugh Jackman and more. Hosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32  Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.

Georgina James (Beetlejuice / Jerry Springer The Opera) co-hosts The West End Frame Show! Andrew and Georgina discuss Becoming Nancy (Birmingham Rep) and The Lion King (Lyceum Theatre) as well as the latest news about Andrew Lloyd Webber's new musical, Why Am I So Single, Smash, Bonnie Langford and lots more. Georgina has toured the world as a lead vocalist on various cruise ships. Her theatre credits include Andrea/Archangel Michael in Jerry Springer The Opera (Hope Mill Theatre) and Miss Lynch in Grease (Royal Caribbean). Most recently Georgina starred as Barbara in Beetlejuice The Musical (Norwegian Cruise Line). She is also a highly acclaimed and sought after jazz and vintage vocalist, performing at events and busking on the streets of London. Follow Georgina on Instagram: @georginajamesssHosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32  Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.

Toby Shellard (Pretty Woman / Hairspray) co-hosts The West End Frame Show! Andrew and Toby discuss Musical Con (ExCel Centre), Come Alive: The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular (Empress Museum) and The Devil Wears Prada press launch as well as the latest news about Dirty Dancing, casting for Joseph starring Christina Bianco and Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, the UK Theatre Awards and lots more.Toby graduated from Arts Ed last year and went on to make his professional debut as Brad and understudy Corny Collins in Hairspray at the Kilworth House Theatre. He played Jacob in the workshop of Babies and has just finished touring the UK & Ireland in Pretty Woman The Musical as understudy Gulio. Follow Toby on Instagram: @tobyshellard Toby stars as Jack in Jack & The Beanstalk at the Buxton Opera House 6th December 2024 - 1st January 2025. Visit www.buxtonoperahouse.org.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.

Meesha Turner (Six / Stranger Things) co-hosts The West End Frame Show!Andrew and Meesha discuss Reverberation (Bristol Old Vic) as well as the latest news about Titanique, Wicked merch, Max Harwood being cast in The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical and lots more. Meesha is a 2020 graduate of The Royal Academy of Music. After touring in Soul Legends and The Magic of Motown, she made her West End debut as Catherine Parr in Six The Musical (Vaudeville Theatre). Meesha went on to play Mrs Cratchit in A Christmas Carol (Old Vic) and is currently coming to the end of her run in the original cast of Stranger Things: The First Shadow (Phoenix Theatre). Later this month Meesha is starring in the concert of Matthew Harvey’s new musical Unbound. Following its premiere at the Birmingham Hippodrome as part of BYMT’s 20th anniversary season, Unbound is being staged at Hoxton Hall under the creative direction of Ryan Carter. You can see Unbound at Hoxton Hall on 27th October. Visit www.unboundmusical.com for info and tickets. Follow Meesha on Instagram: @turnermeeshaHosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32  Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.

Katie Bernstein returns to co-host The West End Frame Show! Andrew and Katie talk about the sad loss of Dame Maggie Smith, Gavin Creel and Ken Page. They also discuss Buyer and Cellar (King's Head Theatre), Cake (The Other Palace) and A Chorus Line (Wycombe Swan Theatre, UK Tour) as well as the latest news about Operation Mincemeat, West End Musical Halloween, Hadestown, Choir Of Man and lots more. Katie was most recently in Power of Sail and Habeas Corpus, both at the Menier Chocolate Factory. Her West End credits include The Man in the White Suit, The Play That Goes Wrong, Mrs Henderson Presents and Urinetown. Katie was in Allegro at the Southwark Playhouse and the 2013 concert tour of Rent.  She also works extensively on screen. Follow Katie on Instagram: @katiebernsteinukHosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32  Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.

Having premiered at the Tobacco Factory prior to a sold out run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Tink is about to kick off a London run at The Other Palace Studio. The show is composed and performed by Kat Kleve and written and directed by Lizzy Connolly with movement direction from Rosanna Bates."Tink is an imperfect, messy ‘female gaze fairytale’ in all its ugly glory. A nostalgic and thoroughly modern coming of age musical monologue navigating the complex social struggles of tweens, teens and full on adulting. It’s a love letter to a young you – reminding you to SHINE – like little you would want you to!"After a day of rehearsals, Kat, Lizzy and Rosanna sat down with West End Frame Editor, Andrew Tomlins over a glass of prosecco to discuss what this show means to them, how it feels to be revisiting the piece and navigating their careers as creatives whilst also being mums. Tink runs at The Other Palace Studio 8th - 20th October. Visit www.theotherpalace.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.

Join us for the first ever Q&A episode of The West End Frame Show! Performer Shane Antony-Whitely joins West End Frame Editor Andrew Tomlins to answer your questions! Topics range from Dream Revivals, West End Concerts, Touring Shows, Dream Guests, Theatre Temperatures and lots more. After graduating from ArtsEd, Shane made his feature film debut in Wonka for Disney. His stage credits include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (UK tour / Canada), The Mikado (Wilton’s Music Hall / UK Tour) and The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe (Birmingham Rep). Follow Shane on Instagram:  @_.shaneawhitelyHosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32  Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.

Shane Antony-Whitely (Joseph / The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe) returns to co-host The West End Frame Show!In this episode Andrew and Shane discuss Reece Richards becoming the victim of unlawful arrest and police misconduct whilst travelling home after a performance of Hairspray. They also discuss the closure of Cake, nominations for the Black British Theatre Awards, plus lots more. After graduating from ArtsEd, Shane made his feature film debut in Wonka for Disney. His stage credits include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (UK tour / Canada), The Mikado (Wilton’s Music Hall / UK Tour) and The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe (Birmingham Rep). Follow Shane on Instagram:  @_.shaneawhitelyHosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32  Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.

Ebby Sama (Come Alive: The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular) co-hosts The West End Frame Show. Andrew and Ebby discuss Why Am I So Single? (Garrick Theatre), The Rocky Horror Show (Dominion Theatre) and Silence (Turbine Theatre) as well as the latest news about Mrs Doubtfire, White Rabbit Red Rabbit, Ghost In Concert, Kinky Boots, Natalie Kassanga joining Moulin Rouge and lots more!Ebby is currently in rehearsals for Come Alive: The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular. Ebby is one of the dancers in the show, which brings together musical theatre and circus.Come Alive: The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular features a new story inspired by the 20th Century Fox Motion Picture and features all the hit songs by Pasek and Paul including ‘This Is Me’, ‘Rewrite the Stars’ and ‘A Million Dreams’. It's set to run at The Empress Museum in Earls Court.Having trained at Urdang, Ebby's theatre credits include: Vanara (Hackney Empire), Moulin Rouge (Piccadilly Theatre), The Lion King (UK & Ireland Tour) and Johannes Radebe’s House of Jojo (UK Tour). Come Alive: The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular opens at The Empress Museum in Earls Court on 16th October. Visit www.comealiveshow.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.

Join West End Frame Editor, Andrew Tomlins for another Show Talk episode!In this episode, Andrew discusses Shifters (Duke of York's Theatre), Oliver! (Chichester Festival Theatre), The 39 Steps (Trafalgar Theatre) and A Night with Janis Joplin (Peacock Theatre). Hosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32  Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.

Before kicking off a new series join West End Frame Editor, Andrew Tomlins for some Show Talk!In this episode, Andrew discusses Something Rotten (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), Oklahoma! (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), Fiddler on the Roof (Regent's Park Open Air Theatre) and Fangirls (Lyric Hammersmith). Hosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32  Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.

Join West End Frame Editor, Andrew Tomlins for a round-up of some shows at this year's Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The show's discussed include T*t Swingers (Pleasance Courtyard), Jake Roche: Neporrhoids (Pleasance Courtyard), I Wish You Well (Underbelly George Square), Come Dine With Me (Underbelly Bristo Square), Who Do Ya Love (Assembly George Square Studios) and Pop Off, Michelangelo! (Gilded Balloon Patter House). Hosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32  Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.