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In The Frame: Theatre Interviews from West End Frame
West End Frame
322 episodes
5 days ago
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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Performing Arts
Arts,
TV & Film,
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All content for In The Frame: Theatre Interviews from West End Frame is the property of West End Frame and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Show more...
Performing Arts
Arts,
TV & Film,
Film Interviews
Episodes (20/322)
In The Frame: Theatre Interviews from West End Frame
S10 Ep41: Courtney Stapleton, star of Six, Dear Evan Hansen, Beauty And The Beast & The Mad Ones

Courtney Stapleton is In The Frame!


After training at ArtsEd Courtney made her West End debut in the ensemble of Mamma Mia!, as a cover for Ali. She went on to cover Éponine in Les Misérables and was dance captain for Bat Out of Hell.


Courtney joined the original West End cast of Six as the alternate for Seymour and Parr before being cast in the original West End cast of Dear Evan Hansen as standby Zoe and Alana.


Courtney starred as Belle in Beauty and the Beast (London Palladium & UK Tour), played Meg in Love Never Dies In Concert (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), Blast in SuperYou (Leicester Curve) and most recently starred as Kelly in The Mad Ones (The Other Palace). Additionally, Courtney has done various short films, workshops and concerts.


In this episode Courtney discusses the path of her career, including some of the tougher times and why she’s falling back in love with singing and musical theatre. Courtney also reminisces about lots of the shows she has done (including lots of chat about Six) and more pops up along the way.


Follow Courtney on Instagram: @courtneyjstapes


This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins 

@AndrewTomlins32 


Thanks for listening!


Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk


Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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5 days ago
56 minutes 44 seconds

In The Frame: Theatre Interviews from West End Frame
S10 Ep40: Rebecca Lock, Caz in Here And Now: The Steps Musical

Rebecca Lock is starring as Caz in Here And Now: The Steps Musical.


The show about to kick off a tour, with Rebecca reprising her performance from the show's premiere run last year in Birmingham. Featuring the music of Steps, Here And Now is written by Shaun Kitchener and is produced by Steps and ROYO with Pete Waterman. The show is directed by Rachel Kavanaugh, with choreography by Matt Cole and Matt Spencer-Smith as musical supervisor, orchestrator and arranger.


Rebecca's West End credits include: Emily Hobbs in Elf The Musical (Dominion Theatre), Carmen in Curtains (Wyndhams Theatre & Tour), Ms Fleming/Veronica’s Mom in Heathers (Theatre Royal Haymarket & The Other Palace), Cheryl Gillan MP in Committee (Donmar Warehouse), Rosie in Mamma Mia! (Novello Theatre), Carlotta Giudicelli in The Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty’s Theatre), Kate Monster/Lucy the S**t in Avenue Q (Noel Coward Theatre), alternate Mary Poppins in Mary Poppins (Prince Edward Theatre), Jellylorum in Cats (New London), Oh! What A Lovely War (The National Theatre), Bertrande De Rols in Martin Guerre (Prince Edward Theatre) and Guest Soloist in the 30th anniversary of Sondheim's Side by Side (Novello Theatre).


Some of Rebecca's other theatre credits include: Rosalie Mullins in School of Rock (UK Tour), Mrs Banks in Mary Poppins (International tour), Lilli Vanessi/Kate in Kiss Me Kate (Sheffield Crucible), Isabelle in Moonfleet (Salisbury Playhouse), Mrs Cratchitt in A Christmas Carol (LMTO), Widow Corney in Oliver! (Sheffield Crucible), Gabrielle in Dear World (Charing Cross Theatre), Baroness Schraeder in The Sound of Music (JY Productions/Jordan), Guest Soloist in Sondheim Women (St James), Iris in The Tempest (Theatre Royal Bath), Mary in Merrily We Roll Along (Theatr Clwyd), Svetlana Sergievsky in Chess (Princess of Wales, Toronto), Joan Aldrin in Moon Landing (Derby Playhouse), Gilda in Alfie (Watford Palace), Dorothy Fields Forever (King’s Head), Anna in After the Fair (Kings Head) and Nora in The Pirates of Penzance (West Yorkshire Playhouse).


Rebecca starred as Mary Critchard in both workshop productions of Redcliffe by Jordan Luke Gage at The Turbine Theatre and The Other Palace. She was also one of seven actors to share the role of Mama Rose in Gypsy In Concert at Alexandra Palace.


In this episode Rebecca reveals how she fell in love with Here And Now and why Caz is the hardest role she has played so far. She also reflects on working on Redcliffe, shares memories of performing Gypsy In Concert and discusses learning to say no and the path of her career... and lots more.


Here And Now: The Steps Musical kicks off its tour on 29th August. Rebecca is playing Caz until November and the tour continues through to May 2026. Visit www.thestepsmusical.com for info, tour dates and tickets.


This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins 

@AndrewTomlins32 


Thanks for listening!


Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk


Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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1 week ago
36 minutes 16 seconds

In The Frame: Theatre Interviews from West End Frame
S10 Ep39: Laura Dawkes, Princess Anna in Disney's Frozen

Laura Dawkes can currently be seen starring as Princess Anna in Disney’s Frozen on Disney Plus.


Upon graduating from Emil Dale, in 2023 Laura made her West End debut as Anna in Frozen at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane and she continued with the show until it closed the following year. During her run, Laura filmed Frozen's live capture which has now been released on Disney Plus.


Laura has also been in KIN and Cinderella, alongside various concert appearances.


In this episode Laura discusses her path into theatre and how she auditioned for drama school by accident. She also reflects on her journey with Frozen, including what it was like to land such a huge leading role at the very start of her career and how she conquered the challenge. Laura also delves into what it was like to film the live capture and the amazing response to its release on Disney Plus.


Frozen: The Hit Broadway Musical is available on Disney Plus. Visit www.disneyplus.com to subscribe.


This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins 

@AndrewTomlins32 


Thanks for listening!


Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk


Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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2 weeks ago
41 minutes 40 seconds

In The Frame: Theatre Interviews from West End Frame
S10 Ep38: Pippa Cleary, composer of My Son’s a Queer, Bake Off, Adrian Mole & Treasure Island

Pippa Cleary is In The Frame!


Pippa is the only British female composer to have had three musicals produced in the West End - My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do?), The Great British Bake Off Musical and The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾.  


Over her 16 year career, Pippa has worked in theatre, TV, animation, pop and advertising. She wrote the first original opening number for the 2023 Olivier Awards performed by Hannah Waddingham.


One of Pippa’s latest projects is Treasure Island: A New Musical Adventure which she is writing with Jake Brunger. The show is premiering at the Bristol Old Vic, directed by Paul Foster, for a festive run later this year. 


Pippa made her West End performing debut in Rob Madge’s show Regards To Broadway which featured their original song 'All In Good Time'.


In this episode Pippa had just returned from NYC and spoke all about My Son’s A Queer's run at New York City Centre and the journey she and Rob Madge have been on with the show. Pippa also discusses Treasure Island as well as where we’re at with new musicals in the UK, the path of her career and lots more.


Treasure Island: A new Musical Adventure runs at Bristol Old Vic 4th December – 10th January. Visit www.bristololdvic.org.uk for info and tickets.


This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins 

@AndrewTomlins32 


Thanks for listening!


Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk


Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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2 weeks ago
42 minutes 44 seconds

In The Frame: Theatre Interviews from West End Frame
S10 Ep37: Amara Okereke, star of Echo, My Fair Lady, Spring Awakening, Oklahoma! & Les Misérables

Amara Okereke is In The Frame!


Amara is playing She in Echo by Susan Eve Haar at the King's Head Theatre. Following runs in Edinburgh and New York, Echo has opened in London directed by Abigail Zealey Bess. The psychological thriller delves into the ethics of reproductive technology, the performance of intimacy and the terrifying beauty of being made.


Amara made her West End debut as Cassie in 13 The Musical. She went on to train at Arts Ed and then won Best Actress in a Musical at the 2018 Stage Debut Awards for her adult West End debut as Cosette in Les Misérables.


Amara’s other theatre credits include Laurie in Oklahoma! (Chichester Festival Theatre), Polly in The Boyfriend (Menier Chocolate Factory) and Wendla in Spring Awakening (Almeida). Amara starred as Eliza Dootlittle in the West End revival of My Fair Lady (London Colesium). She has made West End history twice as the first black actress to play both Cosette and Eliza Doolittle.


More recently Amara played Stella in A Streetcar Named Desire (Sheffield Crucible). Her film and television credits include The Morning After (Amazon), Red Rose (BBC/Netflix), The Choral (Sony) and In The Lost Lands (Constantin Films).


In this episode Amara speaks about the whirlwind process of Echo and why she’s loving "weirding people out"! She also delves into her incredible career, discussing some of the major roles she has played, life as a soprano and making history as the first black Cosette and Eliza Dootlittle.


Echo runs at the Kings Head Theatre until Sunday 17th August. Visit www.kingsheadtheatre.com for info and tickets.


This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins 

@AndrewTomlins32 


Thanks for listening!


Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk


Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. 



Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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2 weeks ago
31 minutes 27 seconds

In The Frame: Theatre Interviews from West End Frame
S10 Ep36: Roshani Abbey, Jean Leslie & Others in Operation Mincemeat

Roshani Abbey is starring as Jean Leslie & Others in the West End production of Operation Mincemeat.


Operation Mincemeat premiered on the London Fringe at the New Diorama Theatre in 2019. The show quickly gained a devoted following, and played sold out runs at Southwark Playhouse and Riverside Studios. The musical transferred to the West End in 2023, winning Best New Musical at the Olivier Awards. In addition to its London run, Operation Mincemeat is also playing on Broadway and will soon launch a world tour, opening in Salford next February.


Roshani's theatre credits include: Tahlia the Beautiful in Sleeping Beauty (Broadway Theatre Catford), Soloist in Criterion Theatre 150th Anniversary Gala (Criterion Theatre), Marie in In Clay in Concert (The Other Palace), Lucy/cover Juliet in &Juliet (Shaftesbury Theatre), Rumi: The Musical (Concept album / London Coliseum) and Ensemble/cover Louise in Gypsy (Royal Exchange). She played Peggy/Maria in the West End production of Hamilton and went on to become a standby for all three Schuyler Sisters. Earlier this year Roshani returned to Hamilton to star as Eliza for a limited run on the UK & Ireland tour.


In this episode Roshani discusses the whirlwind of joining Operation Mincemeat, their journey with the show so far and why it’s such a special moment. Roshani also reflects on their path into theatre after studying Mathematics at Imperial College and talks about their history with Hamilton - and lots more pops up along the way!


Operation Mincemeat runs in the West End at the Fortune Theatre. Meanwhile the show continues on Broadway and is about to launch a world tour. Visit www.operationmincemeat.com for info and tickets.


This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins 

@AndrewTomlins32 


Thanks for listening!


Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk


Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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3 weeks ago
52 minutes 52 seconds

In The Frame: Theatre Interviews from West End Frame
S10 Ep35: Taylor Bradshaw, star of Brigadoon, Hamilton & La Cage aux Folles

Taylor Bradshaw is in the ensemble of the London revival of Brigadoon by Frederick Loewe and Alan Jay Lerner.


Directed and choreographed by Drew McOnie, the show opens next month at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre where Taylor previously performed in La Cage aux Folles.


Taylor made his West End debut in Mamma Mia! (Novello Theatre). His other theatre credits include: How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (Southwark Playhouse), 42nd Street (Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris), Spring Awakening (Almeida Theatre) and South Pacific (Chichester Festival Theatre). He was also in the Barbie movie (Mattel Films/Warner Bros).


Most recently Taylor was in the original cast of the UK & Ireland tour of Hamilton. 


Recorded during a break from rehearsals, in this episode Taylor discusses when he fell in love with Brigadoon, why he’s over the moon to be working with Drew McOnie and how his Scottish accent is coming along. Taylor also talks about the path of his career, what has surprised him along the way and why he unapologetically LOVES musical theatre.


Brigadoon runs at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre 2nd August – 20th September. Visit www.openairtheatre.com for info and tickets.


This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins 

@AndrewTomlins32 


Thanks for listening!


Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk


Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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1 month ago
33 minutes 13 seconds

In The Frame: Theatre Interviews from West End Frame
S10 Ep34: Chelsea Halfpenny, star of Maiden Voyage, Waitress & 9to5

Chelsea Halfpenny is starring as Tracy in the brand new musical Maiden Voyage at Southwark Playhouse Elephant.


Written by Mindi Dickstein and Carmel Dean, the show brings to life the true story of the first all-female sailing crew in the Whitbread Round the World Race.


Chelsea started out her career in the world of television, playing roles in Casualty and Emmerdale. She made her West End debut as Judy in 9to5 at the Savoy Theatre and went on to star as Jenna in the UK & Ireland tour of Waitress. 


On screen, Chelsea has also played roles in Grantchester, The Good Ship Murder, Vera and Inventing The Ripper. 


Recorded as rehearsals for Maiden Voyage were coming to an end, in this episode Chelsea discusses why she was drawn to the show, what it's like to be part of an original cast and why she fell in love with the score. She also talks about her path into theatre and how she conquered singing 'Get Out And Stay Out' and 'She Used To Be Mine' in 9to5 and Waitress.


Maiden Voyage runs at the Southwark Playhouse Elephant 19th July - 23rd August. Visit www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk for info and tickets.


This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins 

@AndrewTomlins32 


Thanks for listening!


Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk


Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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1 month ago
27 minutes 57 seconds

In The Frame: Theatre Interviews from West End Frame
S10 Ep33: Shanay Holmes, Nancy in Oliver!

Shanay Holmes is starring as Nancy in the West End revival of Oliver!.


The new production has been reconceived by Cameron Mackintosh, with direction and choreography by Matthew Bourne and co-direction by Jean-Pierre van der Spuy. Shanay opened with the show last summer at Chichester Festival Theatre before transferring to the Gielgud Theatre in London where Oliver! continues to play.


Shanay recently played Ellen in Miss Saigon (Sheffield Theatres) and created the role of Cindy Breakspeare in Get Up Stand Up! (Lyric Theatre).


After making her professional debut in Thriller Live (Lyric Theatre), Shanay went on to become the youngest person to ever play Rachael Maron in The Bodyguard (Adelphi Theatre). Her theatre credits also include: Close To You (Criterion Theatre), Jesus Christ Superstar (Open Air Theatre), Joanne in the 20th anniversary production of Rent (UK Tour/The Other Palace), Glinda in The Wizard of Oz (Birmingham Rep), Narrator in Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Kilworth House), Marian in The Bridges of Madison County (Menier Chocolate Factory) and Laura in High Fidelity (Turbine Theatre).


Alongside her performing career, Shanay is a producer and the co-founder of West End Musical Productions. Shanay and her husband Chris Steward are the masterminds, creators and producers of Musical Con, the world's biggest musical theatre fan convention. Musical Con returns for a fourth time this October at the ExCeL Centre. They also produce West End Musical Brunch, a plethora of West End Musical concerts and a variety of other projects.


Shaney originally did the third episode of this podcast and has co-hosted The West End Frame Show a couple of times, but this is her first time back In The Frame for six years!


In this episode, Shanay takes a deep dive into her journey with Oliver!; she reflects on how she has tackled such an iconic role and made it her own. She also discusses what plans are bubbling away for Musical Con and reflects on the path of her career over the past few years (and lots more pops up along the way!).


Olivier! runs at the Gielgud Theatre. Visit www.oliverthemusical.com for info and tickets.


Musical Con returns to the ExCeL Centre 18th-19th October 2025. Visit www.musicalcon.co.uk for info and tickets.


This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins 

@AndrewTomlins32 


Thanks for listening!


Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk


Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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1 month ago
1 hour 9 minutes 46 seconds

In The Frame: Theatre Interviews from West End Frame
S10 Ep32: Maria Omakinwa, Mrs Neilsen in Girl from the North Country

Maria Omakinwa is playing Mrs Neilsen in Girl from the North Country.


Written and directed by Conor McPherson with music and lyrics by Bob Dylan, the Olivier Award winning show has returned to the Old Vic for another run. Maria is no stranger to Girl from the North Country, having previously performed in the West End production and UK tour.


Maria has worked at the Old Vic previously, appearing in A Christmas Carol and Sylvia. Her theatre credits include Tina: The Tina Turner Musical (West End/Theatre Royal Sydney), Show Boat, The Bodyguard and Avenue Q (West End), A Monster Calls and Soul Sister (UK Tour), One Love: The Bob Marley Musical (Birmingham Rep), Grimm Tales for Young and Old (Bargehouse) and Little Shop of Horrors (Kilworth House Theatre). Maria also appeared in the film adaptation of Matilda The Musical (Netflix).


In this episode Maria discusses her history with Girl from the North Country and what makes it such a special piece to perform. She also talks about her journey into theatre and some of the shows she has been in along the way.


Girl from the North Country runs at the Old Vic until 23rd August. Visit www.oldvictheatre.com for info and tickets.


This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins 

@AndrewTomlins32 


Thanks for listening!


Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk


Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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1 month ago
33 minutes 10 seconds

In The Frame: Theatre Interviews from West End Frame
S10 Ep31: Aaron Lee Lambert, Agustín Magaldi in Evita

Aaron Lee Lambert is playing Agustín Magaldi in Jamie Lloyd’s West End revival of Evita.


Written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, Evita is running at the London Palladium starring Rachel Zegler as Eva Peron.


Aaron worked with Jamie Lloyd ten years ago when he was in the UK premiere of Urinetown at the Other Palace and Apollo Theatre. He was part of the original West End cast of Hamilton in 2017 as a standby for several of the Principal roles, and stayed with the show until earlier this year marking a seven-and-a-half year run.


Some of Aaron's other theatre credits include: Unicorn (Other Palace), Sister Act (Curve Leicester/UK Tour), Sunset Boulevard (London Coliseum), Miss Saigon (Prince Edward), Sweeney Todd (London Coliseum), Sister Act (Aberystwyth Arts), Next Thing You Know (Landor), Shrek (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), Sister Act (London Palladium), Show Boat (Carnegie Hall), Meet John Doe (Goodspeed Opera House) and But the Giraffe/Brundibar (Yale Rep/New Victory, Off-Broadway).


Recorded as Evita previews came to an end ahead of press night, in this episode Aaron reflects on returning to work with Jamie Lloyd, the rehearsal process and what it’s been like to share the stage with Rachel Zegler. He also discusses his seven year journey in Hamilton and the path of his career in musical theatre.


Evita runs at the London Palladium until 6th September 2025. Visit www.evitathemusical.com for info and tickets.


This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins 

@AndrewTomlins32 


Thanks for listening!


Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk


Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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1 month ago
36 minutes 44 seconds

In The Frame: Theatre Interviews from West End Frame
S10 Ep30: Ricardo Afonso, Gomez in The Addams Family

Ricardo Afonso is playing Gomez in The Addams Family.


With a book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice and music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, The Addams Family launches a new national tour in July for a limited summer season. Ricardo is starring opposite Alexandra Burke as Morticia in the production which is directed by Matthew White and choreographed by by Alistair David.


Ricardo is celebrated for his iconic performances as Galileo in We Will Rock You (Dominion Theatre) and Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar (Barbican Theatre, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre & Royal Arena Denmark).


Some of his other credits include: Cardinal Dalla Costa in Glory Ride (The Other Palace), Zorro/Don Diego de La Vega in Zorro (Cadogan Hall), Lead Vocalist in The Classic Rock Show (UK & Europe Tour), Frankie Belize in Carmen (London Workshop), Taxi Driver in Women On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown (Playhouse Theatre), Lead Vocalist in The Don Black Songbook (UK Tour), Alberto Beddini in Top Hat (Aldwych Theatre & UK Tour), Lead Vocalist in Thriller Live (Lyric Theatre), Lead Vocalist in The Wonderful World of Captain Beaky and His Band (Royal Albert Hall), Lead Vocalist in Strictly Come Dancing: The Professionals (UK Tour), Willie Lopez in Ghost (London Workshop) and Lead Vocalist in The Night of 1000 Voices (Royal Albert Hall).


Alongside his theatre work, Ricardo is a guest entertainer onboard the luxury cruise line Seabourn, having produced his own shows A Life Through Song and Icons. Ricardo is the lead vocalist of The Deccan Traps band and has extensive concert and recording credits. He also runs a performing arts academy and previously appeared on The Voice UK.


In this episode, Ricardo discusses why he's excited to be playing Gomez as well as how he fell into musical theatre and his key memories and learnings from We Will Rock You and Jesus Christ Superstar.


The Addams Family tour opens at the Birmingham Hippodrome on 10th July before visiting Curve Leicester, Lowry Salford, Marlowe Canterbury and Blackpool Opera House. Visit www.theaddamsfamily.co.uk for info, tour dates and tickets.


This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins 

@AndrewTomlins32 


Thanks for listening!


Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk


Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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1 month ago
46 minutes 13 seconds

In The Frame: Theatre Interviews from West End Frame
S10 Ep29: Jamaal Fields-Green, Michael Jackson in MJ

Jamaal Fields-Green is starring as Michael Jackson in the West End production of MJ!


Jamaal started out as the MJ and Middle Michael standby on Broadway. He then headed out on the US tour, first as the alternate MJ before taking over the role full-time. During this time Jamaal made a couple of trips to London to play MJ in the West End for some very special emergency performances and in January Jamaal took over the role in London where he continues to dazzle audience to huge acclaim at the Prince Edward Theatre.


Jamaal’s other theatre credits include playing John Laurens/Philip Hamilton in the Chicago production of Hamilton and he was in Choir Boy for the Philadelphia Theatre Company. Jamaal has worked on screen and created his own work in the form of several short films. He recently released an EP under his artist name J Hasan.


In this episode Jamaal discusses his journey with MJ and how he copes with playing such an iconic and incredibly demanding role. He also delves into his other creative projects, aspirations for the future and lots more.


You can see Jamaal performing in MJ at the Prince Edward Theatre. Follow him on Instagram @j_hasan22 and visit his website www.jamaalfieldsgreen.com to stay up-to-date with everything he's up to.


This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins 

@AndrewTomlins32 


Thanks for listening!


Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk


Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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2 months ago
56 minutes 57 seconds

In The Frame: Theatre Interviews from West End Frame
S10 Ep28: Ryan Reid, star of Wicked, Dreamgirls, In The Heights, Shrek & Sweet Charity

Ryan Reid is In The Frame!


Most recently Ryan completed a three-year run playing Fiyero in the West End production of Wicked (Apollo Victoria), making history as the first black actor to play the role in the UK. 


Ryan’s theatre credits also include Blues in the Night (Hackney Empire), cover Donkey in Shrek (UK & Ireland Tour), cover Benny in In The Heights (Kings Cross Theatre), Marvin in Sweet Charity (Donmar Warehouse) and Angel City 4 in City Of Angels (Garrick).


Ryan was part of the original West End cast of Dreamgirls and went on to take over the role of Curtis full-time. He played Ricky in the feature film Land Of Dreams. 


In this episode Ryan discusses making impact in Wicked, his path into theatre and the things he has learnt along the way.


Follow Ryan on Instagram: @ryanreiduk


This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins 

@AndrewTomlins32 


Thanks for listening!


Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk


Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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2 months ago
57 minutes 17 seconds

In The Frame: Theatre Interviews from West End Frame
S10 Ep27: Aimie Atkinson, original Katherine Howard in Six & Vivian Ward in Pretty Woman

Olivier nominee Aimie Atkinson is In The Frame!


Aimie is preparing for the release of her album Queen which will be launched with a special solo concert in the West End on 23rd June at the Vaudeville Theatre. 


Aimie originated the role of Katherine Howard in Six The Musical in the West End, on tour and on the studio album. After reuniting with the original cast in 2022 for some special performances at Hampton Court Palace and in the West End, this year Aimie's performance as Katherine Howard was seen on the big screen when Six The Musical LIVE hit UK cinemas and broke records.


As well as starring as Vivian Ward in the original West End production of Pretty Woman (Piccadilly Theatre/Savoy Theatre), Aimie's theatre credits include Rem in Death Note in Concert (London Palladium/Lyric Theatre), Lucia in Figaro (London Palladium), Daniela in In the Heights (King’s Cross Theatre), Serena in Legally Blonde (Kilworth House Theatre), Elizabeth in Dirty Dancing (UK tour), Chloe in Never Forget, Penny in Carnaby Street (Hackney Empire & UK Tour), Luisa in Zorro (UK Tour), Shelby Stevens in Steel Pier (Union Theatre), Vusuvia in Eurobeat (Edinburgh) and Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz (Brighton Theatre Royal).


In this episode, Aimie talks about her upcoming album and concert… and why she’s terrified about it! She also discusses the path of her career including how she previously left the industry, why she almost didn’t go to her Six audition and the reality of why hustling doesn't get any easier… and lots more along the way.


Aimie plays the Vaudeville Theatre on 23rd July. Visit www.nimaxtheatres.com for info and tickets. Aimie's album Queen is released on 20th June.


This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins 

@AndrewTomlins32 


Thanks for listening!


Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk


Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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2 months ago
37 minutes 19 seconds

In The Frame: Theatre Interviews from West End Frame
S10 Ep26: Aidan MacColl, Leonardo in Pop Off, Michelangelo!

Aidan MacColl is starring as Leonardo in Pop Off, Michelangelo! at Underbelly Boulevard Soho.


Written by Dylan MarcAurele, Pop Off, Michelangelo! premiered at last year's Edinburgh Fringe Festival to huge acclaim and went on to play some concert performances at The Other Palace. The show follows childhood friends Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci as they navigate art, ambition and forbidden love in Renaissance Italy by becoming the greatest religious artists of all time.


Aiden has performed in various pantomimes and at sea onboard multiple cruise ships. Pop Off, Michelangelo! marks their London musical debut.


In this episode Aiden discusses the journey of Pop Off, Michelangelo!, what the show means to them and their journey in this industry so far - plus lots more along the way.


Pop Off, Michelangelo! has extended its run at Underbelly Boulevard Soho to 13th July. Visit www.underbellyboulevard.com for info and tickets.


This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins 

@AndrewTomlins32 


Thanks for listening!


Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk


Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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2 months ago
37 minutes

In The Frame: Theatre Interviews from West End Frame
S10 Ep25: Hadley Fraser, star of City of Angels, Opening Night, Les Misérables, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels & The Deep Blue Sea

Hadley Fraser is In The Frame!


Hadley is preparing to play his biggest solo show yet at Cadogan Hall on Sunday 15th June, which follows the release of his most recent album Things That Come And Go.


Presented in association with ADAMA Entertainment and WestWay Music, Hadley's show will feature guest performances from his wife Rosalie Craig (Company/The Light Princess) as well as original Six queens Natalie May Paris and Maiya Quansah-Breed.


Hadley's musical theatre credits include Opening Night, City of Angels, Young Frankenstein, The Pajama Game and The Pirate Queen. He has played both Marius and Javert in the West End production of Les Misérables - he also appeared in the film adaptation and played Grantaire in the Les Misérables 25th anniversary concert at the O2 Arena. Hadley played Raoul in the 25th anniversary concert of The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall. 


Hadley has appeared in concert stagings of musicals such as Dirty Rotten Sounders, The Secret Garden, Chess, South Pacific, Carousel and The Light Princess.


He is currently appearing in The Deep Blue Sea at the Theatre Royal Haymarket and has performed in other plays such as The Lehman Trilogy, 2:22 and many more. Hadley has worked on screen, most recently he played the Good King in Disney’s live action remake of Snow White.


Last week Hadley came into the podcast booth before a performance of The Deep Blue Sea and to talk all-things theatre and the path of his career. In the episode, Hadley discusses his upcoming concert and delves into the premature closing of Opening Night, why he took time out from theatre after doing Pirate Queen on Broadway, how he ended up finding diversity in his career... and lots more pops up along the way!


Hadley performs at Cadogan Hall on Sunday 15th June. Visit www.cadoganhall.com for info and tickets.


His album Things That Come And Go is out now and you can see Hadley in The Deep Blue Sea at the Theatre Royal Haymarket until 21st June.


This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins 

@AndrewTomlins32 


Thanks for listening!


Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk


Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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2 months ago
51 minutes 1 second

In The Frame: Theatre Interviews from West End Frame
S10 Ep24: Michael Jibson, Steve in This Is My Family & London's original King George III in Hamilton

Olivier winner Michael Jibson is playing Steve in This Is My Family, marking his return to musical theatre.


Written by Tim Firth, This Is My Family is having its London premiere at Southwark Playhouse Elephant. The show is about a disastrous family holiday and won the UK Theatre Award for Best Musical in 2013.


Michael won the 2018 Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical for originating the role of King George III in the London production of Hamilton. He was nominated for Best Actor in a Musical in 2003 for his professional debut as Joe Casey in Our House which was also written by Tim Firth.


Most recently Michael played Victor Creel in the original West End cast of Stranger Things: The First Shadow. His other theatre credits also include: Roots (Donmar Warehouse), Road Show, Take Flight (Menier Chocolate Factory), Brighton Rock (Almeida Theatre), A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Timon of Athens (Shakespeare’s Globe), The Comedy of Errors (Royal Exchange Theatre), The Canterbury Tales (RSC) and A Chorus Line (Sheffield Theatres).


His television credits include Bodies, The Reckoning, The Crown, The Essex Serpent, No Return, Four Lives, Cobra, A Discovery of Witches, Honour, Quiz, Saints and Strangers, DCI Banks, Galavant, That Day We Sang, The Thirteenth Tale, Burton and Taylor, and Hatfields & McCoys. Michael's film work includes Last Night in Soho, To Olivia, 1917, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Hunter Killer, The Lighthouse (co-written and produced), The Riot Club, Good People, Les Misérables, Hammer of the Gods, The Bank Job and Flyboys.


Recorded after a day of rehearsals, in this episode Michael discusses all-things This Is My Family and why he's excited to be returning to musical theatre and reuniting with Tim Firth.


He also discusses how he forged the path for a diverse career, why he chooses musicals carefully and the attitudes towards musical theatre from both inside and outside of the industry. Michael talks about the impact Hamilton had on musical theatre and lots more pops up along the way.


This Is My Family runs at Southwark Playhouse Elephant until 12th July 2025.


This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins 

@AndrewTomlins32 


Thanks for listening!


Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk


Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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2 months ago
40 minutes 38 seconds

In The Frame: Theatre Interviews from West End Frame
S10 Ep23: Keith Ramsay, Peanut in Shucked

Keith Ramsay is playing Peanut in the UK premiere of Shucked.


Following its run on Broadway, Shucked has opened at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre directed by Jack O'Brien. The show has book by Robert Horn, music and lyrics by Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally.


Keith's theatre credits include: The Play That Goes Wrong (Duchess Theatre); Eve: All About Her (Soho Theatre); Young Frankenstein (English Theatre Frankfurt); Preludes (Southwark Playhouse); Amour (Charing Cross Theatre); The Cereal Cafe (The Other Palace); Portia Coughlan (Old Red Lion); Julius Caesar (Shakespeare’s Globe); Doctor Scroggy’s War (Shakespeare’s Globe); Lost In Yonkers (Watford Palace Theatre); Billy (Union Theatre) and Peter Pan (Qdos).


His TV credits include: Shetland; Dylan Moran’s “The Awkward Age”; Pistol; New Tricks; Doctors and Casualty.


Keith won The Stage Edinburgh Award for Acting Excellence and David Johnson Award for Emerging Talent for Eve: All About Her.


In this episode Keith discusses all-things Shucked as well his path into theatre and his decision to leave social media... plus lots more.


Shucked runs at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre until 14th June. Visit www.openairtheatre.com for info and tickets.


This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins 

@AndrewTomlins32 


Thanks for listening!


Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk


Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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2 months ago
32 minutes 4 seconds

In The Frame: Theatre Interviews from West End Frame
300th Episode: Jerry Mitchell, director & choreographer of BOOP!, The Devil Wears Prada & Becoming Nancy

It's the 300th episode and Tony winner Jerry Mitchell is back In The Frame!


Jerry has worked extensively as a director and choreographer in both the West End and on Broadway.


He is currently nominated for Best Choreography at this year’s Tony Awards for his production of BOOP! The Betty Boop Musical - with music by David Foster - which is running to acclaim on Broadway. Meanwhile in London Jerry’s production of The Devil Wears Prada - with music by Elton John - is playing the Dominion Theatre and last year his production of Becoming Nancy had a regional run at the Birmingham Rep.


Jerry is one of the producers for the upcoming off-West End run of the brand-new musical King of Pangea which opens at the King's Head Theatre in June. Written by Martin Storrow and directed by Richard Israel, King of Pangea follows Sam Crow following the loss of his relentlessly hopeful mother as he escapes to the imaginary island of his childhood. 


As a director and choreographer, some more of Jerry's shows have included Legally Blonde, Kinky Boots, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Pretty Woman. He directed On Your Feet and choreographed Hairspray.


Jerry has won the Tony Award for Best Choreography twice for his work on La Cage aux Folles and Kinky Boots. Additionally he received the Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award in 2023 in recognition of his support of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (largely through creating Broadway Bares).


Jerry was last In The Frame five years ago and is back for our special 300th episode!


Jerry kicks off the episode with a discussion about why he's producing King Of Pangea and the challenges of bringing new musicals to the stage in 2025.


Jerry also talks all-things BOOP!, including the development of the show and casting Jasmine Amy Rogers. He reflects on how he approached The Devil Wears Prada, after he took the helm following the show's original staging in the US. Jerry also chats about Becoming Nancy's journey and whether we can expect future life for the show. Plus lots more pops up along the way!


King Of Pangea runs at the King’s Head Theatre 7th June - 6th July. BOOP! The Betty Boop Musical runs on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre whilst The Devil Wears Prada runs in the West End at the Dominion Theatre. 


This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins 

@AndrewTomlins32 


Thanks for listening to 300 episodes of In The Frame!


Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk


Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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3 months ago
34 minutes 47 seconds

In The Frame: Theatre Interviews from 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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.