In 2011, the Oliviers were relaunched in a new partnership with Mastercard, which also saw the BBC cover the event on BBC Radio 2 and via the Red Button service. It was once again held at Theatre Royal Drury Lane – but not this year. The 2012 Olivier Awards are moving to the lavish surroundings of the Royal Opera House for the ceremony on 15th April, where the cream of the theatre world will gather to find out who the big winners of the past year are. Sweeney Todd stars Michael Ball and Imelda Staunton are to host the evening’s proceedings, while the audience nominees, presenters, stars of the British stage and invited guests look on from the auditorium.

In what I think is a brilliant move, the Oliviers are branching out even further this year. There will be a free public event in Covent Garden, hosted by Wicked star Louise Dearman and Magic 105.4′s Neil Fox, in which there will be a big-screen relay of the awards alongside live performances from some of the West End’s biggest shows. What is even more exciting however is that the Oliviers will also be going to New York. A select audience of New York’s cultural stars and the Brits who are currently entertaining fans across the sea will be joining in with all the fun of the night at a special event in New York City.

The Awards are presented by the Society Of London Theatre (SOLT) and its Chief Executive, Julian Bird, commented on his excitement about this extended celebration, in which he believes was a very good year for London Theatre, saying that he was, “delighted we have been able to extend our celebrations to New York, and this connection is particularly apt in a year in which we are working closer than ever with VisitBritain and London & Partners to deliver a warm welcome to theatre audiences during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

The BBC will once again be championing the BBC Radio 2 Audience Award, which last year the public awarded to Queen musical We Will Rock You. Voting opens on 5th February, when it’s launched on Elaine Paige’s radio show. They will also be following the night’s events again through radio their radio coverage and Red Button. While it’s great that that those at home will still be able to follow the Awards, I’m sure I’m not alone in hoping they improve upon last year’s coverage. Although the Red Button service attracted 177,000 viewers, they failed to impress those viewers with the poor quality of the coverage, which saw vital moments of the on-stage ceremony being missed. The BBC issued an apology, which we can hope means that they’ve recognised where they went wrong and will – fingers crossed – have improved on it for this year’s event. The Tony Awards in America are broadcast live on television and watched by an average of 7 million people – we may have a way to go to catch up with that standard, but perhaps one day we’ll see the Olivier’s receive that kind of attention here in the UK.

The nominations for the 2012 Olivier Awards will be announced on 15th March at London’s Mayfair Hotel which, in another first, will be streamed live to the world through the Olivier Awards official website.

It’s the award event that every theatre fan looks forward to with eager anticipation. Last year, Legally Blonde and its then-leading lady Sheridan Smith were one of the night’s biggest success stories – the musical won three awards and Smith walked away with the ‘Best Actress in a Musical’ award, leading her to become known as the Queen of the West End. Who will be the big winners in 2012 though?

By Julie Robinson (@missjulie25)

A host of celebrities showed up for yesterday’s Press Night, such as Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey), Hermione Norris (Spooks), Ben Barnes (Chronicles of Narnia), Ronni Ancona (Big Impressions), Hugo Speer (The Full Monty). The faces of some of the West End’s stars were also seen in the audience, including recent winner in the Evening Standard Theatre Awards, Sheridan Smith. A number of them took to Twitter after the show to express their overwhelming praise for Matilda:

Celia Graham: “It’s absolutely incredible. Bravo to all involved… I’m blown away.”

Tim Walton: “Is Matilda musical the best thing or what! Step aside mamma Mia for feel-good factor!”

Emma Harris: “FINALLY something clever, inventive & thoroughly entertaining!”

Caroline Keiff: “Such an enjoyable, entertaining and clever musical. Fabulous!”

Even the elusive @WestEndProducer added his usual entertaining musings to the night – “Well Matilda was marvellous, what a fabulous show. I need to kidnap a couple of those kids for Oliver.”

This morning, the press reviews have started popping up, with most publications awarding the coveted five gold stars to this musical adaption of Roald Dahl’s classic story. One or two were more reluctant to go that far, settling instead for the slightly less shiny four stars. The musical’s title character is a whizz with numbers and letters and I’m sure she would agree that four/five star reviews spell s-u-c-c-e-s-s for Matilda the Musical.

It’s not only musicals that can enjoy a lengthy run in London’s West End though. There are many plays drawing in healthy crowds, none more so than The Mousetrap at St Martin’s Theatre. Agatha Christie’s murder mystery has been entertaining audiences since 1952 and has even made the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s longest-running play. Tonight’s performance marks its incredible 59th year in the West End and in the lead-up to its diamond jubilee, it was announced today that The Mousetrap will embark upon a 60-week UK tour in 2012. The first date will be at The Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury on 11^th September 2012, with further visits confirmed for Glasgow, Milton Keynes, Belfast, Cardiff, Plymouth, Manchester, Edinburgh, Southampton, Woking and Bradford. In an interesting twist, the ‘all-star cast’ (names to be confirmed) will change every twelve weeks.

Further 60^th anniversary celebrations have been planned, including licensing The Mousetrap for sixty worldwide productions in countries such as Australia, Korea, France, South Africa, America and more. A gala in aid of the ‘Mousetrap Theatre Projects’ charity, which helps to bring London theatre to thousands of disadvantaged youths, will be held on 25^th November 2012, with the charity also launching an ‘short mystery’ educational writing project for Year 6 school children throughout London.

Musical theatre can sometimes dominate the West End, basking in the limelight while the dramatic productions are relegated to the shadows, so it pleases me to see a play of such calibre receive some well deserved attention and recognition. The Mousetrap has been thrilling London audiences for over half a century; now the rest of the country can join in the fun in asking, ‘Whodunnit?’

By Julie Robinson (@missjulie25)

Get tickets for Matilda The Musical.

Get tickets for The Mousetrap.

This Friday is something different from the norm though. Tonight, people from all around the country will come together for one singular cause: Children in Need.

The televised children’s appeal has been airing since 1980, defined by its on-going dedication to helping needy children all around the UK – and of course, by its legendary mascot Pudsey Bear and host Terry Wogan. Fundraising efforts spring up nationwide – there’ll be plenty of teachers sitting in tubs of baked beans and screaming men having their legs waxed today. Celebrities from all walks of life also lend their support to Children in Need, with many famous faces getting involved over the years. Throughout the night, there will be comedy sketches, live performances and the traditional musical offering from Eastenders, alongside the more serious video appeals.

Another of Children in Need’s traditions is the addition of appearances from some of the year’s most popular West End musicals. I still remember John Owen-Jones’ beautiful performance of Music of the Night at last year’s Children in Need, which earned him a standing ovation from the audience. Owen-Jones was there to represent The Phantom of the Opera, which had recently celebrated its 10,000 show. There was a rather awkward moment though, when Fearne Cotton asked him about it after the performance and he had to explain that it wasn’t actually him who had been there for it, but previous Phantom, Stephen John Davis. The look on Cotton’s face still makes me smile.

This year, the West End is being well represented at Children in Need:

• 7.00-7.30pm: Getting the night off to a flying start is the cast of The Wizard of Oz, who will be performing a medley of songs from the musical before hot-footing it back to the London Palladium for the 8pm show. The story of The Wizard of Oz is still as popular with adults and kids alike as it ever was, and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s family-orientated musical interpretation of it has been a big hit with London audiences – this wonderful cast seem the perfect choice to kick things off tonight.
• 10.30-11pm: How To Look Good Naked’s Gok Wan continues the musical theme later on in the night, performing a number from long-running musical, Chicago. Wan has already dipped his toe into the world of theatre, recently co-hosting the annual MADTrust event, West End Bares, with Sheridan Smith. The two did a stellar job on the night and helped to raise a lot of money for the charity, so lets hope Wan can work that same ‘razzle dazzle’ magic for Children in Need.
• 12-12.30pm: The cast of Crazy For You will be dropping by the BBC Studios after that evening’s show to perform a ‘toe-tapping extravaganza’ for the Children in Need viewers. Crazy For You transferred into the West End a few months ago after receiving rave reviews at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre – and with good reason. It is a thoroughly entertaining show with a tremendous cast; the song-and-dance numbers had the audience on their feet, clapping away with smiles on their faces, the night I was in, and I have no doubt they will do the same for the Children in Need audience tonight.
• 12.30-1pm: Helping to bring the night’s events to a close are the cast of Rock of Ages. One of the West End’s newest additions, the Broadway-transfer has been rockin’ audiences since it opened. Featured in the fantastic cast are previous X-Factor winner Shayne Ward and TV presenter Justin Lee Collins, both of whom have previously appeared on Children in Need. With its collection of big ‘80’s rock numbers, Rock of Ages is sure to see 2011’s Children in Need end with one hell of a bang!

As unmissable as these, and all the other night’s performances – are sure to be, Children in Need is about more than just great entertainment and it’s important not to forget that. Last year, over £18,000,000 was raised on the night, with the final amount totaling £40,000,000. So by all means, tune in tonight and enjoy the performances, but please donate as well. You don’t have to pledge your life savings, just give what you can afford, for the hundreds of children out there who need your support, every little bit really does help.

By Julie Robinson (@missjulie25)

1. BEST CHOREOGRAPHY: Arlene Phillips is leading the vote for her work on The Wizard of Oz with 24%, while Singin’ In The Rain’s Andrew Wright follows with 17% of the overall vote.
2. BEST COSTUME DESIGN: Tim Hatley is in the lead here with 27% of the voters getting behind him for his costume designs in Shrek The Musical. Hot on his heels though is Rob Jones for The Wizard of Oz with 25%.
3. BEST DIRECTION OF A MUSICAL: This is a very closely – run race right now, with just 1% determining first and second place. Currently however, Matthew Warchus is just edging ahead for his direction of Ghost The Musical with 18%, while Jeremy Sams is only a few votes away from taking over with The Wizard of Oz, on 17%.
4. BEST DIRECTION OF A PLAY: It’s another close one. Josie Rourke is in pole position for Much Ado About Nothing with 32%, while Danny Boyle is right behind here on 30% for his work on the NT’s Frankenstein.
5. BEST FEATURED ACTOR IN A MUSICAL: This is a popular category, with both first and second position double-booked. Leading on 23% are both Michael Crawford and Shayne Ward for their respective roles in The Wizard of Oz and Rock of Ages. Jostling for second place are Shrek’s Nigel Harman and Ghost’s Andrew Langtree, both some way behind Crawford and Ward on 7%.
6. BEST FEATURED ACTOR IN A PLAY: The vote is swinging the way of Tom Bateman right now, on 37% for his part in Much Ado About Nothing, while Frankenstein’s Karl Johnson chases after him with 22%.
7. BEST FEATURED ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL: There’s a lot of variation in this category, but stealing the highest votes so far is Sharon D. Clarke, with 19% for Ghost. Drawing in second place are Wizard of Oz’s Hannah Waddington and Rock of Age’s Jodie Jacobs, both looking to overtake Clarke with 14% each.
8. BEST FEATURED ACTRESS IN A PLAY: A winner in other Awards earlier this year, Sheridan Smith is looking to take it again with 22% of voters rooting for her in Flare Path. Not far behind though is Naomie Harris for Frankenstein, with 18%.
9. BEST FRINGE OR REGIONAL MUSICAL: Tim Minchin and Matthew Warchus’ Matilda may just scoop the trophy here with 30% of the overall vote. Trying to keep up is Chichester’s production of Singin’ In The Rain on 24%.
10. BEST FRINGE OR REGIONAL PLAY: The RSC’S Shakespearean production of The Merchant of Venice takes the lead on with 42%, followed by The History Boys at the West Yorkshire Playhouse with 36%.
11. BEST LEADING ACTOR IN A MUSICAL: Ghost and Rock of Ages are taking one another on here, with Richard Fleeshman gaining a slight advantage over Oliver Thompsett with 24% to his 22%.
12. BEST LEADING ACTOR IN A PLAY: Steaming ahead is David Tennant, who has garnered 36% of the vote so far for Much Ado About Nothing. Frankenstein’s Benedict Cumberbatch does his best to catch up though, with 23%
13. BEST LEADING ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL: This will be a tough one to call with the margin again being so slim between two of the nominees. The Wizard of Oz’s Danielle Hope is just beating out Ghost’s Caissie Levy though, with 18% to her 17%.
14. BEST LEADING ACTRESS IN A PLAY: This category has turned into somewhat of a one-woman race, with Catherine Tate grabbing a whopping 59% of the vote for her role in Much Ado About Nothing. The Belle’s Stratagem’s Gina Beck will be hard-pressed to catch up with her 13%.
15. BEST LIGHTING DESIGN: Hugh Vanstone’s lighting work on Ghost has earned him 36% of the vote, with Bruno Poet also being recognised for Frankenstein at 25%.
16. BEST LONG-RUNNING WEST END SHOW: After both of their 25^th anniversary celebrations, it’s no surprise that The Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables are topping the voting board. Phantom slightly leads over Les Mis however, with 22% to 20%.
17. BEST MUSICAL: It’s looking good for The Wizard of Oz again, with 25% of the vote. The recently opened Rock of Ages looks to take the Musical mantle with 20% though.
18. BEST ORCHESTRATIONS: The Wizard of Oz’s David Cullen takes the current lead with 26%, while Ghost’s Christopher Nightingale snaps at his ankles with 22%.
19. BEST PLAY: Much Ado About Nothing is also doing well with 38% of the vote. Frankenstein follows on 30%.
20. BEST REVIVAL OF A MUSICAL: South Pacific sails ahead with almost half of the vote, on 45%. Crazy For You is making a valiant effort though with 32%.
21. BEST REVIVAL OF A PLAY: It’s all about Shakespeare in this category. Much Ado About Nothing at The Wyndham Theatre takes 51% of the overall vote, followed by the NT’s Hamlet at 13%.
22. BEST SCENIC DESIGN: Much Ado About Nothing proves to be popular again, with Robert Jones’ designs garnering 20% of the vote. Rob Howell and John Driscoll are close behind with 18% for Ghost.
23. BEST SOUND DESIGN: Underworld And Ed Clarke take 28% of the vote for Frankenstein, with Bobby Aitken’s work on Ghost gains him 24%.
24. THEATRICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR: As expected, The Phantom of the Opera’s 25^th Anniversary production is leading, with 45% of the vote. Wicked’s Fifth Birthday celebration is also popular though, with 17%.
25. THEATRICAL VENUE OF THE YEAR: The Royal Albert Hall is taking in 15% of the vote, with the National on 10%.
26. UNDERSTUDY OF THE YEAR: Proving popular with the voters is Les Miserables’ Scott Garnham with 18% of the vote. Wicked’s Nikki Davis Jones is creeping up behind him however with 11%.

As it currently stands, Much Ado About Nothing, Frankenstein and The Wizard of Oz are looking to be the big winners in the 2011 BroadwayWorld UK Awards, leading the votes across the categories. Some of the rankings may surprise, others may not. The 25^th Anniversary production of Phantom is a safe bet for Theatrical Event of the year – although as a MADTrust member, I would urge voters to support our represented events in the category! Nothing is ever certain however. Although some shows/people are miles ahead of their competition in certain categories, others are separated by such a minimal degree that it is too close to call. With two weeks left to vote, anything could happen.

By Julie Robinson (@missjulie25)

With two co-stars shortlisted for the same role, a husband and against each other and a playwright vying against himself, this year’s Evening Standard theatre awards, out today, looks set to be a particularly competitive occasion.

Jonny Lee Miller  and Benedict Cumberbatch  will contend for best actor, after being shortlisted for the same role in the same production.

The actors alternated the roles of Dr Victor Frankenstein and the Creature at the National theatre earlier this year directed by Danny Boyle. Both will face stiff competition from the extremely talented Bertie Carve who performs Miss Trunchbull in Matilda the Musical and Charles Edwards, who is shortlisted for playing Benedick in Much Ado About Nothing at Shakespeare’s Globe.

Husband and wife, Phoebe Fox and Kyle Soller, are both up for the Milton Shuman award for outstanding newcomer on the basis of three separate performances. Fox has starred in As You Like It (Rose theatre), The Acid Test (Royal Court) and There is a War (National theatre), while Soller is nominated for his performances in The Glass Menagerie and Government Inspector (both Young Vic) and The Faith Machine (Royal Court). Alongside them are Malachi Kirby for Mogadishu at the Lyric Hammersmith and David Wilson Barnes for Becky Shaw by Gina Gionfriddo at the Almeida theatre.

Two of Richard Bean’s plays, One Man Two Guvnors and The Heretic, have made the best play shortlist opposite Becky Shaw and Nina Raine.

Elsewhere, best musical again looks to be a particularly strong category with the newly transferred Matilda the Musical vying against London Road and Betty Blue Eyes for the award.

As seems inevitable in theatre awards at the moment, the Royal Court and National theatre lead the nominations, with eight and nine contenders respectively. Dominic Cooke, the former’s artistic director, is nominated for best director for Chicken Soup with Barley, the star of which, Samantha Spiro, is also up for best actress. Cooke goes up against Edward Hall (Richard III & Comedy of Errors, Hampstead), Mike Leigh (Grief, National) and Rob Ashford (Anna Christie, Donmar). Spiro faces competition from Kristin Scott Thomas (Betrayal, Comedy) and Sheridan Smith (Flare Path, Theatre Royal Haymarket), shortlisted for the second year running.

Winners will be announced at a ceremony hosted by Dame Edna Everage on Sunday 20 November 2011.

Shortlist in full:

Best actor
Bertie Carvel (Matilda the Musical, RSC Stratford & Cambridge theatre)
Benedict Cumberbatch (Frankenstein, National Theatre)
Charles Edwards (Much Ado About Nothing, Shakespeare’s Globe)
Jonny Lee Miller (Frankenstein, National Theatre)

Best actress
Sheridan Smith (Flare Path, Theatre Royal Haymarket)
Samantha Spiro (Chicken Soup with Barley, Royal Court)
Kristin Scott Thomas (Betrayal, Comedy theatre)

Best play
The Heretic (Royal Court)
One Man, Two Guvnors (National theatre)
Becky Shaw (Almeida)
Tribes (Royal Court)

The Ned Sherrin award for best musical
Betty Blues Eyes (Novello theatre)
London Road (National theatre)
Matilda the Musical (RSC Stratford & Cambridge)

Best director
Rob Ashford (Anna Christie, Donmar Warehouse)
Dominic Cooke (Chicken Soup With Barley, Royal Court)
Edward Hall (Richard III & Comedy of Errors, Hampstead)
Mike Leigh (Grief, National theatre)

Best design
Bunny Christie (Men Should Weep, National theatre)
Lizzie Clachan (Wastwater, Royal Court)
Adam Cork (Sound Designer: Anna Christie, Donmar Warehouse; King Lear, Donmar Warehouse)
Mark Tildesley (Frankenstein, National theatre)

The Charles Wintour award for most promising playwright
EV Crowe (Kin, Royal Court)
Vivienne Franzmann (Mogadishu, Lyric Hammersmith)
Penelope Skinner (The Village Bike, Royal Court)

The Milton Shulman award for outstanding newcomer
Phoebe Fox (As You Like It, Rose; The Acid Test, Royal Court; There Is a War, National theatre)
Malachi Kirby (Mogadishu, Lyric Hammersmith)
Kyle Soller (The Glass Menagerie, Young Vic; Government Inspector, Young Vic; The Faith Machine, Royal Court)
David Wilson Barnes (Becky Shaw, Almeida)

The Evening Standard Announce a New Award!

“Which is why, for the first time, we are delighted to open up one of our awards to an online public vote. A new category, Best Night Out, has been created especially to celebrate this and we are now proud to present our 12 nominees. All have much to recommend them, not least booming business at the box office. From the powerful new writing of Jerusalem to the song-and-dance spectacular of Crazy for You, from the technological splendour of Batman Live to the interactive frolics of Office Party, these shows have delighted – and continue to delight – punters in their thousands.”
Evening Standard

Vote here for Your Best Night Out

From: Batman Live, Chicago, Crazy For You, Jerusalem, La Soiree, Les Miserables, Office Party, One Man Two Guvnors,The Pitmen Painters, The Railway Children, Shrek The Musical and Wicked.

Monday 1^st November marked the opening of the nominations for the Whatsonstage.com Awards 2011. The theatre site’s ‘theatre-goers choice’ awards began back in 2002, after an online vote in relation to the Olivier Awards produced some interesting results the previous year. It has steadily grown over the last decade to become one of the most popular players in the world of theatrical awards. Since 2009, the Awards Concert and Ceremony has been held at the Prince of Wales Theatre, which thrilled audiences in February with performances from some of this year’s West End ‘royalty’, Ramin Karimloo, Caissie Levy and Alfie Boe.

The Awards in February saw Legally Blonde become the runaway winners of 2011, winning four awards, including Best New Musical and Best Actress in a Musical for its leading lady Sheridan Smith, who co-hosted the Awards on the night. Other big winners included: Love Never Dies, which saw Ramin Karimloo and Joseph Millson both recognised for their roles in the musical; Wicked, which was named Best West End Show and the 25^th Anniversary Concert of Les Miserables, named the Theatre Event of the Year.

The Whatonstage.com Awards receive a high volume of support, not only from the theatre-goers, but those within the theatre industry itself too. Various organisations sponsor the Awards, including Last Minute Theatre Tickets itself, this year. Among the returning supporters are The Really Useful Group, See Tickets and AKA.

The Awards are billed as ‘the only prize-giving event for the theatre industry voted for purely by the ticket-buying public.’ Audience opinion often varies greatly from theatre critics and, at the end of the day, it is the ‘ticket-buying public’ who determine if a show succeeds or flops. The presence of an awards system that places the outcome completely in the hands of the general public allows everyone to see what the shows’ audiences really think – which shows they rate and who the popular performers are. The results are based on enjoyment and viewing pleasure, free from any backstage politics or industry professionals who may be out of touch with what today’s audiences want.

There are twenty-six categories in total for theatre-goers to vote in – here is the list in full:

1. Best Actress in a Play
2. Best Actor in a Play
3. Best Supporting Actress in a Play
4. Best Supporting Actor in a Play
5. Best Actress in a Musical
6. Best Actor in a Musical
7. Best Supporting Actress in a Musical
8. Best Supporting Actor in a Musical
9. Best Ensemble Performance
10. Best Solo Performance (in a one-person show)
11. Best Takeover in a Role
12. Best New Play
13. Best New Comedy
14. Best New Musical
15. Best Play Revival
16. Best Musical Revival
17. Best Shakespearean Production
18. Best Director
19. Best Set Designer
20. Best Lighting Designer
21. Best Choreographer
22. London Newcomer of the Year
23. Best Off-West End Production
24. Best Regional Production
25. Best West End Show
26. Theatre Event of the Year

The 2012 Awards cover all professional productions which opened in London between 1^st December 2010 and 30^th November 2011. The productions and casts of the film-adapted musicals of Ghost and Matilda are sure to do well, having already been nominated in a number of categories from other awards events. I’d also expect Betty Blue Eyes, Ragtime, Rock of Ages, Parade, Crazy For You and Betwixt! to certainly be among the musicals shortlisted in their relevant categories, with The Pitmen Painters, Frankenstein, Driving Miss Daisy, London Road and One Man, Two Guvnors being chosen as some of 2011’s most popular plays. I would also expect Much Ado About Nothing to top the list of names in the Shakespearean Production category.

I would personally love to see Stand Tall, Third Floor, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, The Kissing Dance and Lend Me A Tenor make it to that shortlist too.

The 25^th Anniversary production of The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall is most likely a shoe-in for Theatre Event of the Year – and richly deserved it would be too. As a dedicated member of The Make A Difference Trust, I would however be thrilled to see West End Bares and West End Eurovision give Cameron Mackintosh a run for his money. Both MADTrust events easily qualify as major theatrical events of 2011 – get those nominations in folks!

Theatre-goers only have until 30th November, 2011 to nominate; the vote goes live on 2^nd December 2011, which is when the Launch Party arrives at Café de Paris. The voting period is open until 31^st January 2012 with the winners announced at the Awards Concert and Ceremony on 19^th February 2012.

By Julie Robinson (@missjulie25)

Visit the Whatsonstage.com Awards website for further details on nominating in the 2012 Awards.

A number of Hollywood’s finest can often be found taking a break from the bright lights of the movie set to tread the boards of Broadway, or indeed, travel across the pond to warble for us in the West End. Christian Slater was first seen in One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest and returned for the stage version of 1990’s film, Swimming With Sharks. Macaulay Culkin won over the critics with his performance in Madame Melville, as did Kathleen Turner’s star turn in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Nicole Kidman, Rob Lowe, Sienna Miller and countless others, have all taken to the West End stage at one point in their career.

It isn’t just the American members of Hollywood’s elite that have a penchant for the stage; many of the UK’s own return here to satisfy their theatre craving. After so long working on TV or movies, where you get to do take after take and half of the work comes from the editing room, the thrill of live performance will rear its head and beckon seductively. Having previously played Hamlet, Jude Law returned to the West End in August to appear in the play, Anna Christie, which is currently running at the Donmar Warehouse until 8th October. Rupert Everett was at the Garrick Theatre until recently in Pygmalion, alongside Eastenders actress Kara Tointon and of course, who could forget seeing Harry Potter naked on stage? Daniel Radcliffe’s performance in Equus was well received and he went on to star in How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying on Broadway.

All of these names are still predominately known for their film work however; their foray into theatre being more of an aside for when they ‘fancy a change’, as it were. There is a degree of separation between the two genres of acting, that can’t be denied. You’re either perceived as a film/tv star who also does theatre work, or a theatre performer who has had the odd role on tv/film. It is a rare occurrence to find someone who is equally known for both – but Sheridan Smith is one of those rarities.

She achieved TV acclaim with her character ‘Janet’ in the BBC3 series, Two Pints of Lager and A Packet of Crisps, appearing alongside Natalie Casey, Ralf Little, Will Mellor and Kathryn Drysdale. The show ran for nine seasons, although Smith did not return for the final season. She also played the role of ‘Michelle’ in Grown Ups, another BBC3 series and has featured in a collection of other TV programmes, such as: Jonathan Creek; Lark Rise to Candleford; Benidorm and of course, Gavin and Stacey.

Smith was no stranger to the stage however; she had already appeared in Into The Woods at the Donmar Warehouse and performed Shakespeare’s, The Taming of the Shrew and A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Regent’s Park’s Open Air Theatre. Her portrayal of Audrey in The Little Shop of Horrors at the Menier Chocolate Factory also earned her a ‘Best Actress in A Musical’ nomination at the 2008 Olivier Awards.

It was the Broadway transfer of the Legally Blonde musical that secured her as one of the biggest names in the West End however. Smith originated the role of Elle Woods, alongside Blue’s Duncan James as Warner Huntington III and received rave reviews for her performance. She was nominated for the Natasha Richardson ‘Best Actress’ Award and won ‘Best Actress in A Musical at both the Whatsonstage.com Awards and Olivier Awards in 2011. She stayed in the role until 8th January 2011, after extending her contract from October.

Since then, Smith has been the darling of the West End. She went on to appear in Flare Path at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket, alongside Sienna Miller and James Purefoy and recently work-shopped new musical Bridget Jones, playing the title role. Expected to reach the West End in 2012, Smith will stay on to play the character of Bridget Jones as part of the original London cast.

It seems both her television and theatre work have raised her profile tremendously between them. Smith is now venturing into the movie world after being cast in Dustin Hoffman’s Quartet, which marks his directorial debut. Smith is in esteemed company, with a cast that includes Pauline Collins, Michael Gambon, Billy Connnelly and Oscar-winnng actress, Maggie Smith. Based on a play by Ronald Harwood, Quartet is a story of the residents of a retirement home for opera singers, who put on an annual concert (on the date of Giuseppe Verdi’s birthday) to raise funds for the home. The arrival of a new resident causes trouble for all however. Smith is currently filming, in the second week of a nine-week shoot.

While Smith’s experience in both television and the West End has moved her up the career ladder, another actor has succeeded in climbing up a few rungs on the back of his stage work alone.

It was announced over the weekend that Ramin Karimloo has secured the lead role in what will be his film debut. Iranian-born Canadian Karimloo sang in rock bands instead of taking the traditional musical theatre school route to the UK stage, making his first appearance in panto as Aladdin in Chatham. From there, he toured in productions of Pirates of Penzance and Sunset Boulevard before making his West End debut in Les Miserables as Feuilly and Marius understudy (to his Sheytoons counterpart, Hadley Fraser). His first lead role came as Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera, followed by Enjolras in Les Miserables and Chris in Miss Saigon. Undoubtedly though, Karimloo is best known for his portrayal of the Phantom, in both The Phantom of the Opera and its sequel, Love Never Dies, in which he originated the Phantom character. The roles won him critical acclaim and his popularity soared, sending him to the pole position as the West Ends’ number one leading man.

Karimloo won ‘Best Actor’ in the 2010 Broadwayworld.com Awards for his role in Love Never Dies. In 2011, he also won the Whatsonstage Award for ‘Best Actor in A Musical’ for the role and was nominated for the same award in the Olivier Awards.

Love Never Dies closed last month and Karimloo is now busy recording his second solo album, after taking part in the workshop of new musical Houdini. His next project will be the UK-Canadian coproduction of dark thriller Bad Town, which sees Karimloo in the role of Daniel Girard, “a mild-mannered teacher forced to con­front the seedy under­world of a Quebec town to rescue his kidnapped daughter.” (Subtitledonline.com). Karimloo’s only film experience prior to this was a small cameo in The Phantom of the Opera film, as Christine’s father Gustave; he has made reference to his film ambitions on numerous occasion however. He begins shooting Bad Town in Quebec next year.

By Julie Robinson (@missjulie25)

The Make A Difference Trust’s annual fundraiser took place at Café de Paris last Sunday; with online tickets already down to a limited availability and a score of hopefuls turning up on the night to buy on the door, WEB once again proved its popularity – the mammoth queue outside was evident of that, as people vied to bag themselves a prime spot as close to the stage as possible.

A host of celebrities were there to get involved and support the charity, including Matt Evers and Paul O’Grady who, once he is up on that stage talking, is almost impossible to get back down! Those of you who attended last year’s WEB will no doubt remember this well…

There were a few unfortunate absentees, one of them being Matt Lucas who had to pull out of the event due to illness. Many other West End stars turned up to show their support for the event and its performers though, such as Caroline Sheen, Mark Evans, Simon Bailey, Alexis James and a whole group of the Ghost cast, including Andrew Langtree and Mark Willshire.

Two of the most important celebrities there however were the night’s hosts, Gok Wan and Sheridan Smith; a more perfect pairing there couldn’t have been as the two sparked off one another with hilarious results. The makeover of ‘Shirley from the audience’ went over a storm, as did the auctioning off a kiss from Oliver Thornton, and the hosts certainly got into the spirit of the night themselves too. Wan declared at the start of the evening that he was going to ‘get Sheridan’s bangers out’ and didn’t disappoint, offering up £500 of his own money for her to do so. He even helped Smith out of her dress as she tried to cover her modesty with one arm, standing on stage in nothing but knickers and suspenders.

The real stars of the night though were of course the dancers themselves, all of whom put in many hours of hard work and were extremely good sports. There was a lot more flesh on display than in last year’s Bares and it takes a brave person to strip down to those levels of nakedness, even if they did all have the toned and sculpted bodies of the Gods… ‘Fashion’ being the premise for this year’s event, the costumes were naturally exquisite and each dance routine was created around a related theme, such as ‘Confessions of a Shopaholic’ and the inevitable Lady Gaga-inspired number. Dazzling, daring and delightful, the dancers put on an absolutely stunning performance – choreographer Darren Carnall (Dance Captain at Ghost the Musical) excelled himself in putting them all together. A special performance by leading man Ramin Karimloo was a sensation, belting out Kings of Leon’s ‘Your Sex Is On Fire’ as he was stripped down to just his white pants by three gorgeous dancers, one of which was his wife, Amanda.

The Rotation at the end of each show was met with eager anticipation, as the audience clamoured to stick their MAD Money wherever they could on the dancers – under the band of their underwear seemed to be a popular choice! Gok Wan and Sheridan Smith also joined in, as the dancers strutted through the crowds and on the stage, wads of notes attached to them. Oliver Thornton’s pants were stuffed so full he was in danger of bursting out of them!

Being a MADTrust member myself, I was there working the event all night. The first show kept me busy, but I managed to catch a good eyeful of all the Bares action in the late one, spending some time chatting with the Ghost cast and Simon Bailey whilst enjoying the view from the VIP area. ‘What happens in the VIP area stays in the VIP area’, but it’s definitely the place to be watching from – wink. Those who were fortunate enough to get hold of an after-party wristband continued the fun after the last show was done; there were more glow sticks being waved around than at a We Will Rock You show!

West End Bares raised a staggering total of £35,000, which I think safely means that it can be considered a success. It’s not quite over just yet though, as from tomorrow (Wednesday 7th September), a series of West End Bares underwear, all of which have been signed by a variety of shows (Les Miserables, Ghost, Chicago, Legally Blonde…) and celebrities(David Tennant, Michael Crawford, Matt Lucas, Danielle Hope…) will be auctioned off by MADTrust through EBay. There will also be a contest shortly for the best photo taken at the event.

After West End Eurovision, the ‘Mad Director’ (as he is fondly called) Steven Inman has organised yet another phenomenal event for MADTrust, helped by a whole host of people who have volunteered their time or services in support of the charity. Chairman David Pendlebury (currently appearing in The Little Shop of Horrors) took to the stage at the end of the night to thank everyone who was involved in the making of WEB, including Inman, the MADTrust team, the dancers, Carnall, the hosts and celebrities who made an appearance and of course, everyone who bought a ticket and came along to watch!

The Make A Difference Trust name is steadily seeding itself in everyone’s minds and is receiving some wonderful press interest; there were some nice write-ups of WEB by The Sun and the Mail Online, as well as a mention on BBC London and being the UK’s lead story on Broadway World. The support continues to grow, from both the public and those in the industry who willingly donate their time and efforts for MADTrust.

So a thank you from me, to everyone who helped to make West End Bares a truly amazing night for MADTrust – we’re putting the fun back into fundraiser!

By Julie Robinson (@missjulie25)

All information on The Make A Difference Trust and its upcoming events are available at www.madtrust.org.uk 

This is hardly the first time that the words ‘West End’ and ‘Charity’ have found themselves in the same sentence as one another. Almost every month, there is a cabaret or a concert staged by cast members of West End shows in aid of one charity or another. Most recently, the cast of Les Miserables put on the late night cabaret ‘Les Mis Gives…Again’ at the Delfont Room for Great Ormond Street, and The Phantom of the Opera cast members collaborated with The Make A Difference Trust on a fundraiser for them, entitled ‘A Complicated Love: The West End Cast of The Phantom of the Opera in Cabaret’. Events like these have proven to be popular with audiences and both cabarets were a great success, for everyone involved – and there are more on the way.

There is a cabaret at the Leicester Square Lounge Theatre on Wednesday 14th September for Diabetes UK – ‘Sugar Rush’; featuring former Les Mis cast member Rhiannon Porter, along with Michelle Lafortune, Damian Robinson, Hazel Mullinson, Terry Saunders, Aled Price, Jen Merchant, Lisa Bridge and Kerry O’Dowd.
On Monday 31st October, there is also ‘A Night For Jennifer’ at the Lyric Theatre for the Jennifer Charity, a support system for widowed fathers which was founded by father and son Graham and James Edgington following Jennifer’s death; you may remember them as the singing duo ‘Father and Son’ on Britain’s Got Talent. Confirmed to appear so far are composer Chris Passey, Joseph Connor (WWRY) and fellow ‘Rocker’s, Ross Hunter and Sabrina Aloueche, who will be duetting together. Further names for the concert are to be announced at the end of September.
The closest West End charity event is this Sunday however, with the return of MADTrust’s ‘West End Bares’. A highly popular annual event, ‘West End Bares’ sees dancers from a variety of West End shows stripping onstage in a series of innovatively choreographed dance routines. Held at Café de Paris once again, ‘Bares 2011’ boasts an array of celebrities with Sheridan Smith and Gok Wan hosting and appearances from other famous names such as Denise Welch, Matt Evers, John Partridge and Matt Lucas – including a performance from Phantom star, Ramin Karimloo. Last year’s event raised close to £42,000 for MADTrust. For those who are unaware, I work with MADTrust and will be volunteering my time at ‘West End Bares’ – it’s better to be clear about my involvement with the charity so as to avoid any accusations of secret campaigning!

For all of these cabarets, concerts and charity events, the men and women of the West End offer their time and energy for nothing, often giving up their only day off for whatever cause it is they’re supporting; that’s not to mention the hours of rehearsal time they put in as well. Performing eight shows per week is tough enough, but when you add in extra-curricular activities such as this and it can be exhausting just imagining how much hard work it all entails. It’s easy to donate to a charity; it doesn’t involve any effort – except maybe to lift up the phone. Yet they go that extra mile time after time and I for one don’t think that they get enough credit for that. So join me in saying to all the caring and generous people that have done so much in the name of charity; well done, and thank you.

By Julie Robinson (@MissJulie25)

Tickets for Ghost the Musical are available HERE
More information on A Night For Jennifer can be found HERE
More information on MADTrust and the next event West End Bares (including ticket booking) can be found HERE

Ayckbourn has had more than half of his 75 full-length plays transfer to the West End or the National Theatre.

He added: “I count myself lucky that I was born as a writer when I was – when there was a very benign attitude in the late fifties and early sixties towards new work in theatre.

Ayckbourn has a new play at the Stephen Joseph Theatre. Dear Uncle, inspired by Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya, will run until September 30.

The sitcom that launched the career of Sheridan Smith has been axed after nine series. Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, which was shown on BBC3, had 80 episodes in total and launched in 2002.

BBC3 controller Zai Bennett said: “BBC3 is all about giving new writers a chance to break into TV – it’s what we did with Susan and many of the other writers on the show and it’s now time to give that chance to others.”

Creater Susan Nickson said she believed it was “the right decision for us all to move on”.

“I’m thankful that we connected to such a large audience for such a long time and brought such happiness to a lot of people and a lot of enjoyable rage to many others,” she added.

Actor Paul Keating first appeared on a West End stage when he was only 12 years old – as young ‘Gavroche’ in Les Miserables – and has since starred in numerous West End plays and musicals. He has been nominated for an Olivier Award twice so far: in 1997, for Best Actor in a Musical for his role in ‘Tommy’ and in 2002, for his performance in ‘Closer to Heaven’.

Paul, who has also appeared in many films and TV programmes since he was 13, loves acting on stage and being able to explore a character. He is currently originating the role of the ‘Scarecrow’ in the new and extremely popular West End musical ‘The Wizard of Oz’.
Find out what Paul has to say about the Scarecrow, his role models and goals – and why sharing a dressing room with Sheridan Smith might have its downsides!

Read about this and much more in the following interview with Paul.

A big thank-you to Paul for making this such a fantastic read! Enjoy, dear readers.

What is your favourite musical & favourite film?
My favourite musical without a doubt is Evita. It was one of the first things I ever saw as a child, at The Orchard Theatre in Dartford and I was mesmerised.
My favourite film is probably Toto Le Héros. It was the first foreign film I saw when I was younger and it blew me away.

At what age did you realise that you wanted to be a singer/an actor?
It was something that happened over a period of time for me. I was in Les Misérables when I was 12 and a BBC series called Troublemakers when I was 13. I loved the experiences, whilst going through secondary school. Even though my family were so supportive, every careers advisor I saw tried to dissuade any ideas I had about becoming an actor. It was only when I’d finished my A-Levels and I landed the title role in Tommy (the musical) from an open audition process that I allowed myself to actively pursue this career and accept it was what I loved to do.

Did anyone in particular inspire you to want to be on the stage?
Everyone who was in Les Misérables when I was 12 inspired and made a huge impression on me. People like Philip Quast, Linzi Hateley, Gay Soper & Mario Frangoulis – who were so amazing in their roles. I was incredibly lucky to be in that show at a time when the cast were of such an amazing standard.

Do you have anyone as a role model that you aspire to be like?
I was lucky enough to work with the actress Una Stubbs a few years ago on a play called Don Carlos in the West End. I’m even luckier to be able to call her my friend these days. She is the most wonderful actress and woman. I love her passion for theatre and always wanting to be better. Everyone who knows her loves her and I hope when I’m her age, I’m as loved and half as talented as she is.

You have appeared both on stage and on television. Which do you prefer and why?
I have really enjoyed the experiences I’ve had in front of the camera and feel that I still have LOTS to learn in that arena. But I absolutely love working in theatre. There’s no safety net when you’re in front of an audience. You can’t just do another take if things go wrong – you rely on your ability and the company around you. I love being able to explore a character over the run of the play/musical and making mistakes and discovering things that work too.

‘Little Shop of Horrors’ is one of my all time favourite musicals – I saw the show in March 2007 (Duke of York Theatre) starring yourself and the wonderful Sheridan Smith. What was it like to be in LSOH? Please share a memory or two.
Working with Sheridan was the absolute highlight of Little Shop for me. She was very easy to fall in love with every night and so exciting and instinctive to be on stage with.

When we were at the Ambassadors Theatre we shared a dressing room. I had to insist upon an imaginary Iron Curtain through the room in the end… she’s not the tidiest of girls I have to say. There were days when I’d sneak in early and tidy up her dressing table, turning all her products so they faced forward and folding away all her clothes that were strewn around the room – ‘Sleeping With The Enemy’ behaviour I know, but it made her laugh. We couldn’t be more different in that respect. Fortunately, our sense of humour is exactly the same. We’d laugh so much off stage and sometimes on… when things went wrong. I remember her doing a kick in ‘Suddenly Seymour’ and her shoe flying off into the audience. We had to retrieve it and try to suppress giggles, but we didn’t quite succeed. Similarly on the day when we sang ‘The Telephone Song’ and someone had forgot to pre-set the actual phones on stage, we laughed our way through a duet sung into our hands pretending to be phones.

I saw ‘The Wizard of Oz’ during previews, a brilliant show! You must be absolutely shattered every night, the scarecrow never stands still! How would you describe your character to someone who has not seen the film/the show?
The original book says that the Scarecrow is only a matter of days old when Dorothy finds him, so I try to think of him like a little boy… full of energy and enthusiasm – maybe not brainless, but rather more naïve. He is innocent and positive and adores Dorothy.

What’s it like to be working with ‘Toto the dog’ (or four of them). I hear one had a little ‘accident’ on stage the other night…
Our Totos are amazing. They’ve each got their own distinct personalities. I think Danielle is amazing the way she looks out for them on a nightly basis. We all take it for granted that she’s an amazing actress/singer/dog handler. I love it when they misbehave though. The night when one did a poo on the yellow brick road was a highlight for me. Thankfully it was in Munchkinland, before I arrive so I didn’t have to negotiate it.

Have you got any pets?
I don’t have any pets. I live in a flat, so I don’t think it’s fair. I’d love a dog, but can’t give one the time it deserves.

Why should everyone go and see The Wizard of Oz?
It’s an amazing story about a young girl searching for something she’s had all along. There are some wonderful songs, sets, characters and lighting. It’s a family show that will make you smile, with an air of familiarity and a big heart.

What do you usually do on your ‘nights off’ from Wizard of Oz?
I try to rest my legs. There are days when they feel like they should be attached to a 75 year old lady. As the Scarecrow, I’m always on the move and at the end of an 8 show week, they ache. I enjoy a long lay in on my Monday’s off and try to see my family once I surface from bed. I’m always partial to an ice cream and film, so often end up with some Ben & Jerry’s down at the cinema.

Who would you most like to star alongside in a play or musical?
I want to work with Sheridan again. Is that greedy? She’s the most real and engaging actress on-stage. She’s the funniest playmate off-stage.

What’s the best part of being an actor? And the worst?
The best thing is that I’m doing a job I love. At the moment, I get to work in one of the best theatres in the world, playing a character that’s fun and full of possibilities, in a brilliant show. We’re full nearly every night and the audiences are loving it. I don’t think it gets any better than that. I feel the luckiest man.

The worst part is that this time next year I could be unemployed and not knowing when my next role will be. It’s all a bit too precarious sometimes.

What is something embarrassing or unexpected that happened to you on stage?
When I was in Closer to Heaven, I was sat on a trap door in my underpants in a bed scene. Someone opened the trap early and my bum fell through and I got wedged in the hole with only my legs, arms and head visible. Someone had to come and pull me out.

What other parts would you really like to play?
I would love to do some Shakespeare. I always wanted to play Romeo, but I fear I’m a little too old for that now. It’s one of those things that scares me a little, but I am desperate to do.

Are there any long-term ambitions that you have either on the stage or off it?
I want to work at The Donmar Warehouse and The Royal Court. Two amazing theatres, where I have seen brilliant plays & musicals. I’d also love to work on Broadway and visit Disneyworld (the two aren’t connected).

Imagine you’ve got a whole week off. No work, no singing, no acting. What would you do?
Sort my bathroom out. I’ve had a new shower suite and tiles stacked in my bedroom for a year now and never had the time to do it. OVERDUE!

Thank you so much for this brilliant interview, Paul and all the best for your journey to the Wizard of Oz!

Follow Paul on Twitter: @1PaulKeating
Official ‘The Wizard of Oz’ website:
Video of Paul becoming the Scarecrow:

Interview by Sandra Palme (Twitter: @LondonTheatre1)
The Wizard of Oz Tickets

Paul’s Theatre credits include:
Les Misérables (Palace)
Tick, Tick…Boom! (Duchess)
Blowing Whistles (Leicester Square Theatre)
Cinderella (Old Vic)
Little Shop of Horrors (Menier Chocolate Factory and Duke of York’s)
Gladiator Games (Stratford East)
Don Carlos (Gielgud)
A Little Night Music (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre)
The Full Monty (Prince of Wales)
Closer to Heaven (Arts)
La Cava (Piccadilly)
Assassins (New End)
Tommy (Shaftesbury)
Lost in Yonkers (Novello)
Through the Door (Trafalgar Studios)
The Rose and the Ring (King’s Head)

TV/Film include:
Troublemakers (Children’s BBC)
Heterosexuality (Channel 4)
Metrosexuality (Channel 4)
Secret Britain (Channel 4)
Ambassador (BBC1)
Pen Pics (Channel 4)
The Bill (ITV1
Casualty (BBC1)
Bring Me The Head Of Mavis Davis (Really Useful Films)
EastEnders (BBC1)

The shows have to perform a Eurovision song, fully costumed and choreographed. It was hosted by Gabby Roslin, Sheridan Smith, Justin Lee Collins and Graham Norton.
Legally Blonde win Eurovision

David Pendlebury, Chairman of TheatreMAD, said: “Eurovision is such a camp and fun event, so it’s perfectly suited to a late night West End show and we are grateful to everyone for helping us to make it happen. It has the potential to raise such a lot of money for the projects we support and we are thrilled to present WEST END EUROVISION for the fourth year.”

The show is in aid of TheatreMAD, The Make A Difference Trust, the charity brings together the British entertainment community to fundraise to support people living with HIV and AIDS

Savoy Theatre

Flare Path continues the centenary celebrations of Terrence Rattigan with Trevor Nunn’s super revival of his 1942 Second World War drama.

Flare Path was from a different era and it is worth considering the time and place that led to the creation of the play in order that you can fully grasp the drama that is depicted.

Flare Path

Terrence Rattigan was born in South Kensington in 1911 and was educated at Sandroyd School in Cobham, Surrey and Harrow School, North-West London. He subsequently went to Trinity College at the University of Oxford.

In 1936 at the age of 25 Rattigan wrote the very successful play French Without Tears, which led to him becoming the most celebrated young playwright in London. At that time, it had a run of 1030 performances. In June 1939, the follow-up, After the Dance, also opened to favourable reviews. Rattigan then developed what is commonly termed ‘writers block’, which got so bad that it led him to seek advice from a psychiatrist, who advised him to join the RAF, which with much needed discipline might help him write again.

With the Second World War now blighting most of Europe, it was no surprise that Rattigan followed the advice. He joined the RAF in 1940 and chose to become a tail-gunner, which is said to be one of the most dangerous positions in the RAF. During 1940-41, the various ‘sorties’ that Rattigan experienced helped to inspire him to once again write, and in particular write from his own experiences and those around him.
The play Flare Path was written during November to December 1941.

Flare Path opened at the Apollo Theatre on 13^th August, 1942 when Europe was a bloody and scarred battlefield and by which time Rattigan had been promoted to the rank of Flying Officer.  The play which at that time had a run of 670 performances is set in typical Rattigan style in demonstrating the British way of understated emotion.

In the current production, it is fair to say that any one of the leading cast members could be described as the box-office draw, but Trevor Nunn’s revival of Terence Rattigan’s 1942 play is largely successful due to several strong performances. This is especially appropriate as the play is a tribute to the collective spirit of wartime bomber crews and their partners. Given that the play was written during war-time and with views from Rattigan’s personal experiences, it is understandable that the play focuses on a small group of people at war. There is no debate about the moral issues of the bombing.

‘As the Wellington bombers roar off along the flare path that lights their way, no one can be sure which of the pilots will ever be coming back’

The play is set in a Lincolnshire hotel lounge in the autumn of 1941 where the RAF pilots and crews hang out before and after their raids on German territory, and on this particular evening their wives are also present. The hotel is run in a typically austere manner by Mrs Oakes played commendably by Sarah Crowden.

The lives of not long married RAF bomber pilot Flight Lieutenant Graham (Teddy) superbly played by Harry Hadden-Paton and his actress wife Patricia, elegantly portrayed by Sienna Miller, are thrown into upheaval by an unexpected night mission and the arrival of Peter Kyle, an aging Hollywood star. Kyle is stylishly performed by James Purefoy, who brings about a conflict of love and duty for Patricia.

Kyle has turned up at the hotel in the hope of reclaiming the love of his life, the recently married Patricia. She, however, is faced with a conflict. Who needs her more? Where does her heart really belong, Kyle or her pilot husband, Teddy, whose light-hearted manner conceals his shattered nerves. The private drama between Kyle and Patricia is played out against the background of a bombing raid which is “not exactly a piece of cake”.

With the return of the flight crew never certain and with Patricia’s heart in turmoil, Rattigan uses a personal dilemma as a way of exploring the group ethos.

Also in the hotel are Countess Skriczevinsky (Doris), played by Sheridan Smith and her husband Flying Officer Count Skriczevinsky (Johnny) played by Mark Dexter. Both of these characters were brilliantly played, and for me were very much in the collective of stars of the show. Dexter adds some humour to the play with his portrayal of a Polish pilot, who struggles manfully and humorously with his attempt at the English language. Sheridan Smith takes to her role with relative ease, managing to play her role of ‘ex-barmaid – but now countess’ with considerable stature. She has the natural ability to ‘make contact’ with the audience while remaining in character, which was perhaps easier to achieve as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, although still attained in Flare Path.

Making up the main characters of the RAF flight crew at the hotel are Tail-Gunner Sergeant Miller (Dusty) who was solidly performed by Joe Armstrong, and together with his wife Mrs Maudie Miller played by the excellent Emma Hand, demonstrated the image of a typical working class married couple of that time. The simple exchange of goodbyes between the tail-gunner and his wife, as he leaves for a raid typifies Rattigan’s style.

Rattigan’s plays illustrate the English vice of emotional containment and understatement, but he also understood its dramatic power. As the men fly off to face possible death, Doris says to Patricia: “This is the first time you’ve been here for a do, isn’t it?”  Clive Wood who captured the role of Squadron Leader (Gloria) Swanson brilliantly, uses one of the few overtly patriotic lines in the play, saying: “My God, we do owe these boys something, you know.”

All of the performances are first-rate. Sienna Miller looks suitably strained and tense as the agonised Patricia, while James Purefoy admirably conveys the sense of exclusion felt by being caught up in wartime action, in which he takes no part. Sheridan Smith and Mark Dexter make an unlikely couple, but the dynamics of their relationship and their own drama add to the roller-coaster of emotions that is Flare Path.

Harry Hadden-Paton is first class in portraying his role, which does at times require him to outwardly show an extreme and dramatic emotional state.

The cast are strongly supported by Jim Creighton as Corporal Jones and Matthew Tennnyson as Percy, together with Richard Beanland, Kate Colebrook and Ian Shepherd.

Flare Path represents a different era, and to his credit Rattigan seems to have captured what is historically portrayed as being the essence of the British people during the 2nd World War. During January 1943, Prime Minister Winston Churchill attended a performance of the play and was quoted as saying: “I was very moved by the play. It is a masterpiece of understatement. But we are rather good at that, aren’t we.”

If you want to step back in time and take a glimpse of what it was like for some people during a very difficult period of time then go and experience the style of Rattigan.

Flare Path Tickets

The hosts for the evening were (in no particular order), Christopher Biggins who was dazzling not only with his wit, banter and gay repartee (gay of course being used in the traditional use of the word meaning happy), but also in his attire with his sparkling blazer reflecting his personality. Well done for being a fabulous host, as well as stage hand, even when you weren’t meant to be.

Everything that Miranda Hart touches seems to turn to gold at the moment and to see her as part of the hosting team, brought humour to every moment she was on stage. Clearly she is at home in front of an audience and has the ability to grasp humorous moments from out of thin air, whether that is in front of a television camera or on stage. During the evening Miranda clearly expressed a desire to perform in a musical as she demonstrated several dance moves that highlighted the level of her musical talent. I can’t wait to see the musical, Miranda!

Sheridan Smith has co-hosted the awards before, both times with James Corden, and it was of course a delight to see one of the current stars of both television and stage on hand to give out (and receive) awards. Having seen Sheridan perform so brilliantly in Little Shop of Horrors it is no surprise that her career is in an ever upward spiral, achieving the award for Best Actress for her role as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde The Musical. She is currently rehearsing for Flare Path which opens soon at the Theatre Royal Haymarket. Many of the stars on stage had loved ones and family in the audience and it was wonderful to see Sheridan’s parents and her brother enjoying the evening and celebrating her much deserved success.

Okay, on to the awards and for that part I will only mention some of the highlights of the evening, as I am sure that if you want a full-picture you will head off to Whatsonstage.com (and congratulations to them for hosting this brilliant event).

For Zoe Wanamaker (All My Sons) to win Best Actress in a Play and David Suchet (All My Sons) to win Best Actor in a Play should come as no surprise as these are two of our finest actors on the stage and screen. Thoroughly well deserved.

Best Supporting Actress in a Play (The Little Dog Laughed) was Tamsin Greig who allegedly was taught to walk in high-heels by Sheridan Smith. That I just cannot believe! Tamsin is born to be on the stage and is such a comedienne. Her banter with Sheridan and Miranda Hart (who recently won 3 awards) was very funny, so if you get the chance then go and see her on stage. With a figure many women would be envious of, Tamsin also won the ‘tightest dress of the evening’ competition.

On a more serious note, Best Supporting Actor in a Play was Nigel Lindsay in Broken Glass, who will stake his claim to greater fame when he appears as Shrek this coming summer in Shrek The Musical at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.

Best actress in a musical was of course Sheridan Smith in Legally Blonde, and having seen the musical several times I have to say that she was simply superb in the part. She has the natural ability to ‘make contact’ with the audience and of course to make people laugh and smile.

Ramin Karimloo won the Best Actor in a Musical (Love Never Dies), and again a richly deserved award for an actor with such a fantastic voice in what is proving to be an extremely popular sequel to Phantom of The Opera. As part of the evening Ramin sang with the West End Gospel Choir and collectively they were outstanding – I hope that they will release their performed song as a single (or a download) as it will rock!

Of course particular mention must be made to Jill Halfpenny, Joseph Millson, Les Miserables and Meera Syal for their respective awards. A special well done to Legally Blonde for winning Best New Musical and also Best Choreographer, which emphasises that shows are comprised of many stars and not just the leading actors and actresses.

Rachel Tucker in Wicked

Rachel Tucker was rewarded for her excellent and popular performances as Elphaba in Wicked for which she achieved the winner of Best Takeover in a Role.

Rachel mentioned that several years ago she watched Wicked on Broadway and told her family that was what she wanted to be in. She aimed high and has certainly reached the stars.

My apologies for not mentioning the rest of the winners individually as your awards were richly deserved, but I am sure that you have your credit and praise elsewhere.

The highlight of the evening (apart from the winners of the awards) was a tough decision to make and for me there was nothing to choose between Caissie Levy and Alfie Boe.

As part of the awards concert, Caissie provided us with an insight into the forthcoming production of Ghost The Musical at the Piccadilly Theatre. A beautiful actress and with a voice to match, Caissie had the audience in the palm of her hand. If the rest of this new musical is of this standard I am sure that awards will be heading in the direction of both the show and the leading actors. Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore were incredible in the film Ghost, but rest assured that Caissie as Molly Jensen and Richard Fleeshman as Sam Wheat will capture many hearts.

To conclude the evening we were treated to Bring Him Home from Les Miserables performed by Alfie Boe. With a voice that makes your spine tingle and the hairs stand up on the back of your neck, you know that this man not only has an incredible voice but has the ability to reach out and touch you. Alfie had previously enthralled fans as Jean Valjean at the Les Miserables 25th Anniversary concert at the O2 Arena. This was indeed a treat and along with many other performers on the night, endorses what is very special about our theatre industry.

Congratulations to all on the night, whether nominated or winners, and indeed those behind the scenes.  A thoroughly enjoyable evening which endorses what is so special about our theatre industry.

If you attended the evening please feel free to comment either here, follow us on Twitter (LondonTheatre1), or on Facebook (Londontheatre). Many of the stars above are on Twitter and have thousands of followers. My recommendation would be for you to follow @caisofyou and Hannah Waddingham as they should have far more followers.  Happy Tweeting!

Smith has been taking over the West End. She has made Legally Blonde the Musical her own – the Daily Telegraph even described her interpretation of the role as better than Reese Witherspoon’s in the film version- did Into the Woods at the Donmar Warehouse, Little Shop of Horrors and Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew and A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Open Air Theatre, Regent’s Park.

Savoy Theatre London

Smith was born in Lincolnshire and from an early age studied dance. She also trained in movement and dance with Kay Traviss. She attended South Axholme Community College where she studied performing arts.

Between March and June 2011, she will appear as a Barmaid Doris in Trevor Nunn’s production of Flare Path at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, alongside Sienna Miller and James Purefoy. She is one of Britain’s finest stars.

Love Never Dies has been nominated for best new musical, it’s up against Legally Blonde The Musical, Fela! and Love Story. Love Never Dies has also been nominated in the lighting design, set design and costume design categories. The star of Legally Blonde, Sheridan Smith, has received a well deserved nomination for best actress in a musical.

Love Never Dies

Thea Sharrock has also received a nomination for After the Dance at the National Theatre, Lyttelton. After the Dance has received 6 nods in total.

The awards take place on March 13 at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Let the writing of the acceptance speeches begin.

The nominations are below:

BEST ACTRESS
• Tracie Bennett for End of the Rainbow at the Trafalgar Studios 1
• Nancy Carroll for After the Dance at the NT Lyttelton
• Tamsin Greig for The Little Dog Laughed at the Garrick
• Sophie Thompson for Clybourne Park at the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs at the Royal Court

BEST ACTOR
• Roger Allam for Henry IV Parts 1 & 2 at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
• Derek Jacobi for King Lear at the Donmar Warehouse
• Rory Kinnear for Hamlet at the Olivier
• Mark Rylance for La Bete at the Comedy
• David Suchet for All My Sons at the Apollo

BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
• Sarah Goldberg for Clybourne Park at the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs at the Royal Court
• Anastasia Hille for The Master Builder at the Almeida
• Gina McKee for King Lear at the Donmar Warehouse
• Rachael Stirling for An Ideal Husband at the Vaudeville
• Michelle Terry for Tribes at the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs at the Royal Court

BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
• James Laurenson for Hamlet at the Olivier
• Hilton McRae for End of the Rainbow at the Trafalgar Studios 1
• Lee Ross for Birdsong at the Comedy
• Adrian Scarborough for After the Dance at the National Theatre, Lyttelton

MASTERCARD BEST NEW PLAY
• Clybourne Park by Bruce Norris at the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs at the Royal Court
• End of the Rainbow by Peter Quilter at the Trafalgar Studios 1
• Sucker Punch by Roy Williams at the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs at the Royal Court
• The Little Dog Laughed by Douglas Carter Beane at the Garrick
• Tribes by Nina Raine at the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs at the Royal Court

BEST MUSICAL REVIVAL
• Into the Woods at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
• Passion at the Donmar Warehouse
• Sweet Charity at the Theatre Royal Haymarket

BEST NEW MUSICAL
• Fela! book by Jim Lewis and Bill T Jones, music and lyrics by Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, additional lyrics by Jim Lewis, arrangements and additional music by Aaron Johnson and Jordan McLean at the National Theatre, Olivier
• Legally Blonde the Musical book by Heather Hach, music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefeand Nell Benjamin at the Savoy
• Love Never Dies music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Glenn Slater, book by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Ben Elton at the Adelphi
• Love Story by Erich Segal, book and lyrics by Stephen Clark, music and additional lyrics byHoward Goodall at the Duchess

BEST ENTERTAINMENT
• Beauty and the Beast devised by Katie Mitchell, text by Lucy Kirkwood at the Cottesloe
• Ghost Stories by Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman at the Duke of York’s
• Potted Panto by Daniel Clarkson, Jefferson Turner and Richard Hurst at the Vaudeville
• The Railway Children by E Nesbit, adapted by Mike Kenny at the Waterloo Station Theatre

BEST ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL
• Sierra Boggess for Love Never Dies at the Adelphi
• Elena Roger for Passion at the Donmar Warehouse
• Sheridan Smith for Legally Blonde the Musical at the Savoy
• Emma Williams for Love Story at the Duchess

BEST ACTOR IN A MUSICAL
• Alex Gaumond for Legally Blonde the Musical at the Savoy
• Ramin Karimloo for Love Never Dies at the Adelphi
• Sahr Ngaujah for Fela! at the Olivier
• David Thaxton for Passion at the Donmar Warehouse
• Michael Xavier for Love Story at the Duchess

BEST PERFORMANCE IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MUSICAL
• Josefina Gabrielle for Sweet Charity at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket
• Jill Halfpenny for Legally Blonde the Musical at the Savoy
• Summer Strallen for Love Never Dies at the Adelphi
• Michael Xavier for Into the Woods at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

BEST DIRECTOR
• Dominic Cooke for Clybourne Park at the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs at the Royal Court
• Howard Davies for The White Guard at the National Theatre, Lyttelton
• Michael Grandage for King Lear at the Donmar Warehouse
• Thea Sharrock for After the Dance at the National Theatre, Lyttelton

BEST REVIVAL
• After the Dance directed by Thea Sharrock at the National Theatre, Lyttelton
• All My Sons directed by Howard Davies at the Apollo
• King Lear directed by Michael Grandage at the Donmar Warehouse
• When We Are Married directed by Christopher Luscombe at the Garrick

BEST THEATRE CHOREOGRAPHER
• Leon Baugh for Sucker Punch at the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs at the Royal Court
• Bill T Jones for Fela! at the National Theatre, Olivier
• Stephen Mear for Sweet Charity at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket
• Jerry Mitchell for Legally Blonde – the Musical at the Savoy

BEST LIGHTING DESIGN
• After the Dance designed by Mark Henderson at National Theatre, Lyttelton
• Deathtrap designed by Hugh Vanstone at the No‚àö¬¥l Coward
• Love Never Dies designed by Paule Constable at the Adelphi
• The White Guard designed by Neil Austin at the National Theatre, Lyttelton

XL VIDEO AWARD FOR BEST SET DESIGN
• Design for Living designed by Lez Brotherston at the Old Vic
• Earthquakes in London designed by Miriam Buether at the National Theatre, Cottesloe
• Love Never Dies designed by Bob Crowley at the Adelphi
• The White Guard designed by Bunny Christie at the National Theatre, Lyttelton

BEST COSTUME DESIGN
• After the Dance designed by Hildegard Bechtler at the National Theatre, Lyttelton
• Design for Living designed by Lez Brotherston at the Old Vic
• London Assurance designed by Mark Thompson at the National Theatre, Olivier
• Love Never Dies designed by Bob Crowley at the Adelphi

BEST SOUND DESIGN
• End of the Rainbow designed by Gareth Owen at the Trafalgar Studios 1
• Ghost Stories designed by Nick Manning at the Duke of York’s
• King Lear designed by Adam Cork at the Donmar Warehouse
• The Railway Children designed by Craig Vear at the Waterloo Station Theatre

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN AN AFFILIATE THEATRE
• The Royal Court and Drum Theatre Plymouth for Empire at the Jerwood Theatre Upstairs at the Royal Court
• Soho Theatre and ATC for Ivan and the Dogs Soho Theatre
• Donmar Warehouse for Les Parents Terribles
• Lyric Hammersmith for Blasted

BEST NEW OPERA PRODUCTION
• English National Opera and Young Vic’s Elegy for Young Lovers at the Young Vic
• De Nederlandse Opera, English National Opera and Complicite’s A Dog’s Heart at the London Coliseum
• Royal Opera, Vienna State Opera, San Francisco Opera, the Liceu, Barcelona, and Opera Bastille’s Adriana Lecouvreur at the Royal Opera House
• OperaUpClose and Soho Theatre’s La Boheme at the Soho Theatre

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN OPERA
• Jonas Kaufmann for his performance in the Royal Opera’s Adriana Lecouvreur at the Royal Opera House
• Andrew Shore for his performance in English National Opera’s The Elixir Of Love at the London Coliseum
• Christian Gerhaher for his performance in the Royal Opera’s Tannhauser at the Royal Opera House

BEST NEW DANCE PRODUCTION
• Mambo 3XX1 by Danza Contemporanea de Cuba at Sadler’s Wells, choreographed byGeorge Cespedes
• Babel (Words) by Eastman vzw and Theatre Royal de la Monnaie at Sadler’s Wells, choreographed by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui and Damien Jalet
• Cinderella by New Adventures at Sadler’s Wells, choreographed by Matthew Bourne

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN DANCE
• John MacFarlane for his designs for Asphodel Meadows by the Royal Ballet at the Royal Opera House
• Antony Gormley for his set design of Babel (Words) by Eastman vzw and Theatre Royal de la Monnaie at Sadler’s Wells
• Yoshi Sunahata for her drumming in Gnosis by Akram Khan at Sadler’s Wells

The whole cast is extremely talented, full of energy and seem to love every minute of their performance. Sheridan Smith is absolutely amazing. I saw her in ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ and she was so good…but incredibly, she’s even better in ‘Legally Blonde’. Her great voice, her sense of humour, her ability to bring across any kind of emotion and make people believe she means every word… she is just brilliant. Plus she looks amazing!

‘Legally Blonde’ the film was ok…’Legally Blonde – the musical’ however is a must-see and if you don’t go and see it, you really are missing out. I take my hat off to the cast and the Legally Blonde team and would SO TOTALLY go and see it again (hopefully I will!). SNAPS!

Sandra