COMING HOME: Holly-Anne Hull, in Les Miserables at the Sondheim Theatre and soon to be playing Christine Daaé in The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty's Theatre

Pocket Size Theatre and Liza Heinrichs (Captured by Liz) have teamed up again and created our new series 'Coming Home'. In this new piece, we look at the reopening of Theatres in London and around the country and celebrate our industry coming back. We got together some performers who will be some of the first to return to theatres and created this piece to bring some positivity to the theatre industry which has been through one of the toughest years in our lifetime. Whilst it is important to acknowledge the hardships we've all gone through, it's important we pull together as a community and celebrate our beloved industry finally coming back! 

The Phantom of the Opera is a musical theatre staple in the theatre industry, with a run of almost 35 years in the West End and over 33 years on Broadway, the show has certainly made its mark as a legendary piece of theatre and a must-see for everyone around the world. The lead roles have become iconic with huge stars across the globe snapping up the chance to play them. Christine Daaé is probably one of the most famous musical theatre soprano roles in history; with stars such as Sarah Brightman and Sierra Boggess having the role on their CV (amongst so many other fantastic actresses). The next to follow in their footsteps is Holly-Anne Hull. 

The West End production of The Phantom of the Opera has recently announced that Lucy St Louis will be playing the role of Christine when it reopens on the 27th July 2021, a huge mark in the history timeline for the show as she will be the first black actress to play the role. An important step forward for diversity and inclusion in our industry. Following her short run on the UK touring production, Holly-Anne will move her way over to Her Majesty's Theatre as the alternate Christine alongside Lucy. 

COMING HOME: Lewis Cornay, soon to be starring in John & Jen at the Southwark Playhouse

Pocket Size Theatre and Liza Heinrichs (Captured by Liz) have teamed up again and created our new series 'Coming Home'. In this new piece, we look at the reopening of Theatres in London and around the country and celebrate our industry coming back. We got together some performers who will be some of the first to return to theatres and created this piece to bring some positivity to the theatre industry which has been through one of the toughest years in our lifetime. Whilst it is important to acknowledge the hardships we've all gone through, it's important we pull together as a community and celebrate our beloved industry finally coming back! 

Lewis Cornay is someone with fingers in many, many pies (his words, not mine). With a fantastic career in musical theatre, he also works as a writer and photographer. Not long before theatres shut their doors, Lewis was appearing in the West End production of The Book of Mormon and had just left the show in Feb 2020 after a year with the production. He’s also appeared in Just So at the Barn Theatre, was in the UK Tour of Titanic the Musical, played Ryder in Paw Patrol Live and as a child appeared in The King and I, The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins. 

We met with Lewis fresh from the announcement that he’ll be starring in John & Jen, the world premiere of the brand new updated musical from Andrew Lippa, Tom Greenwald and Jason Robert Brown. We shot with him at the Southwark Playhouse which is where the show will be running from the 28th July to the 21st August 2021. He’ll be starring opposite musical theatre legend Rachel Tucker and will be under the direction of her partner, Guy Retallack. 

COMING HOME: Nicole-Lily Baisden, soon to be starring in Anything Goes at the Barbican Centre

Pocket Size Theatre and Liza Heinrichs (Captured by Liz) have teamed up again and created our new series 'Coming Home'. In this new piece, we look at the reopening of Theatres in London and around the country and celebrate our industry coming back. We got together some performers who will be some of the first to return to theatres and created this piece to bring some positivity to the theatre industry which has been through one of the toughest years in our lifetime. Whilst it is important to acknowledge the hardships we've all gone through, it's important we pull together as a community and celebrate our beloved industry finally coming back! 

Nicole-Lily Baisden only graduated from Arts Educational Schools in 2019 and pretty much went straight into her first professional job, as she played Nabulungi in the original UK & International touring production of The Book of Mormon. The tour opened in June 2019, so they had a reasonable run before the theatres shut down but still, unfortunately, didn’t fulfil the full list of touring dates they had prepared themselves for. 

Nicole-Lily has recently been announced as playing the role of Hope Harcourt in the London revival of Anything Goes at the Barbican, featuring a full star line up! She’ll be starring alongside the likes of Broadway legend Sutton Foster, Robert Lindsay, Felicity Kendal and Gary Wilmot as well as West End regulars Samuel Edwards, Haydn Oakley and Carly Mercedes Dyer. 

COMING HOME: Nuwan Hugh Perera, soon to open in Amélie the Musical at the Criterion Theatre

Pocket Size Theatre and Liza Heinrichs (Captured by Liz) have teamed up again and created our new series 'Coming Home'. In this new piece, we look at the reopening of Theatres in London and around the country and celebrate our industry coming back. We got together some performers who will be some of the first to return to theatres and created this piece to bring some positivity to the theatre industry which has been through one of the toughest years in our lifetime. Whilst it is important to acknowledge the hardships we've all gone through, it's important we pull together as a community and celebrate our beloved industry finally coming back! 

Making his West End debut in Amélie the musical, this break is a long time coming for Nuwan Hugh Perera. This time last year he was actually meant to be in the West End in a completely different show, The Life of Pi. Based on the award-winning novel and hit film, the play adaptation of The Life of Pi had previously played at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield to rave reviews and was due to transfer to the Wyndham’s Theatre in London’s West End in June 2020. It has since been announced that this will indeed still go ahead and will open in November 2021. But, with that well into the future, it's time for Nuwan to focus on his current project, Amélie the musical. 

 

Having previously been in the show on tour around the UK, Nuwan has also appeared in Side Show at the Southwark Playhouse, How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying at Wilton’s Music Hall, played The Ghost of Christmas Present in The Christmas Carol at the Barn Theatre, in Godspell at G Live, in Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again on screen and most recently, in the Fosse Forest Ballet online. 

COMING HOME: Kelly Agbowu, soon to go back to Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theatre

Pocket Size Theatre and Liza Heinrichs (Captured by Liz) have teamed up again and created our new series 'Coming Home'. In this new piece, we look at the reopening of Theatres in London and around the country and celebrate our industry coming back. We got together some performers who will be some of the first to return to theatres and created this piece to bring some positivity to the theatre industry which has been through one of the toughest years in our lifetime. Whilst it is important to acknowledge the hardships we've all gone through, it's important we pull together as a community and celebrate our beloved industry finally coming back!

A visit to the Sondheim Theatre with the incredibly talented and infectiously smiley Kelly Agbowu was just what we needed on this busy Saturday in London. Having joined the cast of Les Miserables in 2019 fresh from her run in the West End premiere of Waitress, she is one of the few people to say she has appeared in the full production at the Sondheim and in the concert version! Whilst she appears in the ensemble of the show, she also covers Madame Thenardier. Having only performed the role for one day, she can’t wait to get back and give the character another stab. 

Before being a part of Les Miserables, Kelly played Nurse Norma and was covering the role of Becky in the original West End production of Waitress at the Adelphi Theatre. Prior to that she had also appeared in The Wizard of Oz at the Birmingham Rep, in the West End production of The Book of Mormon, on the international tour of The Lion King and RENT at the Greenwich Theatre. 

INTERVIEW: Miriam-Teak Lee, Star of & Juliet on how she is teaming up with her brother, Dex Lee, for an online Festive Concert!

Miriam-Teak Lee originated the role of Juliet in the West End production of '& Juliet' at the Shaftsbury Theatre, a role she has gone on to win an Olivier Award and a Black British Theatre Award for Best Actress in a Musical. Not only that but she is a past winner of The Stage Debut award, for which she won for her performance in Dre McOnies production of 'On The Town' at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre. As well as appearing in these shows, she was also apart of the original London company of Hamilton at the Victoria Palace Theatre, Lee was in the ensemble and also covered all of the Schuyler Sisters! 

Alongside her Brother, Dex Lee (star of BBC1's Doctors, The Wild Party, Grease, In the Heights), have put together a festive Christmas online stream to get us all to really start feeling all those festive feels! 'Simplee Christmas' is being streamed through the 25th December. Click here to check it out and buy tickets!

Firstly, a huge congratulations! You’ve recently become an Olivier Award winner for your performance in & Juliet! In such a bizarre year, what does it mean to you to be recognised for your portrayal of Juliet? 

Thank you so much! You know it’s not every day that you get to originate a role and work with the entire creative team to find these wonderful nuances and manifest a role that could be become to inspirational to many people. And also, being able to work with an iconic songwriter such as Max Martin whilst getting to live my pop star dreams! I have always been very passionate about this role and this story so it warms my heart and fills me with so much pride to be recognised for that, and to see that the industry feels the same way. Even now I still can’t believe that I won an Olivier Award! I’m still pinching myself! 

Where are you keeping your award? I hear a lot of people keep theirs in the toilet… 

Oh goodness! Who keeps it in the toilet? I actually keep it in my bedroom on my shelf next to my WhatsOnStage, BBTA and my Stage Debut Award (all of which I am unbelievably grateful for!) It does make me smile when I see it every morning when I wake up and before I go to sleep. It’s like a little motivation to kick start a fantastic day!

INTERVIEW: Dex Lee, star of Stage & Screen on how he is teaming up with his Sister, Miriam-Teak Lee, for an online Festive Concert!

Dex Lee is currently one of the stars of the BBC Soap Opera, Doctors, playing Bear Sylvester. Now being on one of the biggest soaps around at the moment, he is also a huge musical theatre star! His theatre credits include In The Heights (Southwark Playhouse & Kings Cross Theatre), The Scottsboro Boys (Garrick Theatre), Carrie (Southwark Playhouse), Seaweed in Hairspray (UK Tour), Danny in Grease (Leicester Curve), Know Moe in Five Guys Named Moe (Marble Arch Theatre), Curly in Oklahoma (Grange Park Opera) and Bill in Kiss Me, Kate (Sheffield Crucible ) to name a few! 

Alongside his Sister, Miriam-Teak Lee (Star of & Juliet, original London cast of Hamilton, On the Town), have put together a festive Christmas online stream to get us all to really start feeling all those festive feels! 'Simplee Christmas' is being streamed through the 25th December. Click here to check it out and buy tickets!

You are currently in the BBC Soap opera, Doctors, after having a very successful career in Musical Theatre what made you want to make the transition to TV? 

Yes, I am and loving every minute of it so far! So, musical theatre is my biggest love that’s for sure, but I wanted to take a break, too much of a good thing can stop you enjoying it so much. I wanted to take a break and I wanted to learn a new set of skills. I want a chance to get to do a bit of everything in my career and so I thought this was the perfect time to attempt to take that step.

We hear a lot about the struggles Musical Theatre performers face when transitioning into other media, did you experience any prejudice because of your career background? 

I can’t say that I experienced prejudice in my transition due to my musical theatre background, but what I can say is that my musical theatre background had me approaching TV/film scripts in the wrong way. On a stage you have to project, express, be bold with choices, be a character. On-screen, the camera is the only audience member, expressing yourself more subtly and through the eyes is key, it's better to become the version of yourself that’s closest to your interpretation of the character.

The fundamentals of being a truth-speaking storyteller remains the same but the execution is different which I’d learned through many audition mishaps!

INTERVIEW: Jack Hinton, presenting his one-man Concert THE BAGGY TROUSERS CONCERT at Above The Stag

Jack Hinton is presenting his own one-man show 'The Baggy Trousers Concert' at Above The Stag on the 3rd December 2020, he will also be streaming it later that month online. In 2019, whilst out in Germany rehearsing for Starlight Express, welsh musical theatre performer Jack Hinton was diagnosed with testicular cancer. In this concert, he will share his experience of his battle with cancer and mental health, telling all about how he got back on his feet (well, in a pair of roller skates) on the Starlight Express stage 2 weeks after his surgery. Through an array of musical theatre, pop and Christmas songs, performed alongside the fabulous Ben Papworth on piano, you can be sure for a unique and heartfelt extravaganza taking place for one night only at the Above The Stag Theatre.  

You will be performing your first one-man show at Above The Stag on the 3rd December, ‘The Baggy Trousers Concert’ tells the story of your cancer journey through an array of musical theatre and pop songs. What inspired the idea to create this show and tell your story in this way?

2020 have been a bleak and testing year for everyone! I left 2019 certain that 2020 would be a better year- LOLS! Especially given the lack of theatre we have had this year; I put one and one together and came up with the idea of sharing something I struggled with; with hope it would resonate with others. Of course the show is to raise money and awareness on testicular cancer and the charity Baggy Trousers, but the sentiment of the show is for anyone to watch and feel like they can celebrate whatever they have gone through as well. My hope is by telling my story, it will help others whether they’ve been fighting/fought the same battle as me or have fought a different battle in celebrating their strength and feeling proud of what they’ve overcome. And the best way I can do that is, of course, is through theatre! 

You were diagnosed with testicular cancer whilst out in Germany performing in Starlight Express, What was it like receiving this news whilst not only having to focus on your job but also whilst being in a different country? 

When you get told something like that, nothing else around you really exists and your only focus is facing it head-on. You kind of automatically resort to tunnel vision and everything also around you is just black. Though there was an obvious language barrier between myself and the doctor’s, I felt very lucky with the amazing healthcare out there and am so grateful to have received the amazing treatment I did- and so quickly! On top of this, I was also doing what I loved and was working with the most wonderful cast. 

INTERVIEW: Anthony Alderson, Director of the Pleasance Theatre Trust

Anthony Alderson is the director of the Pleasance Theatre Trust. The Pleasance opened as part of the 1985 Edinburgh Fringe with two theatres facing onto a deserted courtyard-come-car-park at an unfashionable eastern end of Edinburgh’s Old Town. Thirty-four seasons later the Pleasance has become one of the biggest and most highly respected venues at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with the Pleasance Islington also being one of the most exciting Off-West-End theatres in London since it opened its doors in 1995. We chat to Anthony about what the pandemic has done to the Edinburgh Fringe and his hopes for the future. 

The cancelation of the 2020 Edinburgh Fringe was a devastating blow but of course, was vital in protecting people’s health. How did it feel to initially cancel the festival? 

So many mixed feelings. It was completely the right thing to do, but it was heartbreaking to know how many shows and performers we would be turning away. 

And of course, the plan is for the festival to come back stronger than ever in 2021! How do you think the work will be affected by the pandemic? 

All shows in the 2020 programme will be invited to return in 2021. It is a great line-up. However, with so many freelancers and independent small theatre companies affected, with long stretches without any income, I just hope they are able to survive to next year. 30% of our fundraising effort on Crowdfunder will go to assist shows doing their debut next year. 

The Pleasance Theatre Trust is such a fantastic organisation who are running a fabulous raffle to raise money where you can win a free pair of tickets to every Pleasance Show at the 2021 Edinburgh Fringe! Can you tell us a bit about the charity and your work with it?

Developing artistic ideas is not only challenging, but it is also expensive. At the Pleasance, we believe it is important to give people affordable space and the freedom to take risks, both on and off stage. From this spirit of innovation springs personal confidence through which they can flourish/ We give great careers a springboard. Giving our audiences the widest possible diversity of performance from the farthest reaches of the cultural spectrum is also central to the Trust’s aim. This spirit has embodied the Pleasance throughout the past 35 years, during which we have become world-renowned for spotting great talent both on and off stage, building an environment that nurtures, encourages and develops the brightest new ideas, raw talent and skill. Providing these opportunities is why we exist.

INTERVIEW: Michael Matus, about to star in The Astonishing Times of Timothy Cratchit at the Hope Mill Theatre

Michael Matus is currently in rehearsals for The Astonishing Times of Timothy Cratchit at the Hope Mill Theatre. His other credits include The Split (Sister Pictures/BBC), Richard III(UK Tour), ‘King Lear’(The Duke Of York's Theatre), ‘Broken Glass’ (Watford Palace), ‘The Wizard of Oz’ (The Crucible Theatre) ‘The Roman Actor’(RSC), ‘Endeavour’ (ITV), A Midsummer Nights Dream (The Globe), Phantom of the Opera(Her Majesty's Theatre), Oklahoma! (Chichester Festival Theatre), Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (West End), The Sound of Music (Regents Park), Imagine This (West End) and Lend Me A Tenor (West End), to name only a handful!

You’re about to star in The Astonishing Times of Timothy Cratchit at the Hope Mill Theatre this Christmas season. Tell us a bit about the show. 

It’s tiny Tim at 16, looking for work, wanting to break free from uncle Srooge, his crutch and explore the world, filling the void left by the loss of his Dad. He meets a circus troupe and things get wild.

And you’ll be playing Grimaldi, can you tell us a bit about the character?

Grimaldi leads the circus troupe. He’s vain and selfish, an impossible man with an incredible talent and energy. He meets Timothy and they form an inseparable bond.

This is a new musical written by Allan Knee, whats the process like for you as an actor working on a new musical?

I love it. It’s about adding/taking away from the canvas. It’s a huge privilege being at the inception of a show, and also the pressure to get it right is thrilling and addictive.

INTERVIEW: Harriet Thorpe, currently starring in MAME at the Hope Mill Theatre

Harriet Thorpe is best known for her roles as Carole in the BBC’s The Brittas Empire and Fleur in Absolutely Fabulous. Harriet has performed extensively with French and Saunders, in Girls on Top, Mirrorball and The Life and Times of Vivienne Vyle. Most recently, Harriet has appeared on television as guest lead Miranda Hill in Doctors (BBC One), Betty in Hollyoaks (Channel 4), Casualty, Our Friend Victoria, The Three Musketeers, Celebrity Antiques Road Trip alongside Gok Wan, The Secrets – The Conversation, Doctors, Material Girl and Midsomer Murders. She also worked with Victoria Wood in Victoria Wood’s Mid Life Christmas. Her extensive theatre credits include Mamma Mia, Wicked, Crazy for You, Ruthless!, Sweeney Todd, Les Miserables, Cabaret, The Girls, The Dresser, All my Sons, Richard II, Great Britain and many more. 

You’re starring in the first professional revival MAME at the Hope Mill Theatre, with a short tour following. How does it feel to be a part of this production?

It’s an honour and a joy. It has a wonderful cast and creative. It’s spellbinding and heartwarming. 

And for those who don’t know, tell us a bit about the show. 

It’s a classic 60’s musical about friends, love and purpose in life. 

You’re playing the role of Vera, could you tell us a bit about her? 

She’s a lovely lush with a lot of laughs.

INTERVIEW: Emma Kingston, about to star in London Musical Theatre Orchestra's A Night At The Musicals

Emma Kingston has just finished playing the title role in the international touring production of Evita, under the direction of original director Hal Prince. She is also about to star in A Night at the Musicals on tour starting with the Royal and Derngate in Northampton on 22nd October. Her other credits include Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof (Chichester Festival Theatre); Naomi in 21 Chump Street (Tristan Bates Theatre); Vanessa in In the Heights (King’s Cross Theatre and Southwark Playhouse); Clara in The Light in the Piazza (Bernie Grant Arts Centre); Ensemble/cover Éponine in Les Misérables (Queens Theatre); Diva 1 in Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Miss Lynch/cover Jan in Grease (UK tours); Honeymoon in Vegas (London Palladium) and Something Wonderful (Royal Festival Hall).

You’re appearing in A Night at the Musicals with the London Musical Theatre Orchestra on tour very soon, tell us a bit about how this opportunity came about for you. 

I have had some amazing opportunities to work with LMTO previously. It all started around 3 years ago when I went to my first LMTO Playthrough, now called “SITZ” . Since then Freddie and I have worked a lot together, one thing being my solo cabaret at Zedels, he was my MD. So when he asked if I was available for this concert, I jumped at the chance.

Tell us a bit about this upcoming show, A Night at the Musicals. 

It’s going to be a musical extravaganza. All your favourite contemporary musical pieces in one show with a 30 piece orchestra.

What kind of songs can we expect you to sing at London Musical Theatre Orchestras A Night at the Musicals? 

You’ll have to buy a ticket to find out! 

INTERVIEW: Luke McCall, about to star in London Musical Theatre Orchestra's A Night At The Musicals

Luke McCall is about to star with the London Musical Theatre Orchestra, in A Night at the Musicals on tour starting with the Royal and Derngate in Northampton on 22nd October. He is the youngest person ever to play the title role in The Phantom of the Opera and Jean Valjean in Les Miserables. He made his West End debut in Les Mis before heading over to Phantom and has since appeared in Man of La Mancha at London Coliseum, followed by the UK and International Tour of Titanic – The Musical. 

You’re appearing in A Night at the Musicals with the London Musical Theatre Orchestra on tour very soon, tell us a bit about how this opportunity came about for you. 

I have worked with LMTO a couple of times singing in their SITZ which is a full score sing through of a musical. 

Tell us a bit about this upcoming show, A Night at the Musicals. 

The show is going to be extremely fun and I know the audience are in for a treat with some incredible talent coming along and a brilliant orchestra playing musicals that everyone knows and love, what more could you want!

INTERVIEW: Dianne Pilkington, currently starring in The Only Fools and Horses and soon to star in Rogers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella

Dianne Pilkington is currently playing Raquel in the musical version of The Only Fools and Horses at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket. She will soon be appearing in the semi-staged concert version of Rogers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella at the Cadogan Hall with Take Two Theatricals and Club 11. Her other credits include Elizabeth in Young Frankenstein (Garrick Theatre); Aunt Lily in Whisper House (The Other Palace); Donna Sheridan in Mamma Mia! (Novello Theatre); Sophie De Palma in Master Class (Vaudeville Theatre); Amalia in She Loves Me (Minerva Theatre, Chichester); Pamela/Margaret/Annabella in The 39 Steps (Criterion Theatre); Glinda in Wicked (Apollo Victoria Theatre); Grizabella in Cats (National Tour); Mary in Tonight’s the Night (Victoria Palace); Belle in Disney's Beauty and the Beast (National Tour), Kim in the original cast of Boy George’s Taboo;  Protestant Girl in The Beautiful Game (Cambridge Theatre) and understudied and played Fantine and Cosette in Les Miserables (Palace Theatre).

You’re appearing in a semi-staged concert version of Rogers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella at the Cadogan Hall with Take Two Theatricals and Club 11, tell us a bit about the show and what we can expect from this production.

The show is a classic, and has some of Roger & Hammerstein’s most beautiful songs in the score. It has been updated and will be the first time this new version has been performed here.

And you’re playing Marie, tell us a bit about her.

She’s pinned as a crazy lady, and all is not as it seems! She’s a wise woman, and wants to reward goodness and kindness.

You’re playing another Fairy, pretty close to the role that many people will know you from! How is it to return to a magical role again?

Ah, but she’s a Fairy, not a Witch! I can’t wait. At least this time I should be good at the magic bit...

INTERVIEW: Vivienne de Vil, who is about to bring her one woman show to the Underbelly on the Southbank

Vivienne de Vil, Broadway veteran and confidant to the stars, is bringing her one woman show to the Underbelly at the Southbank this summer. In the show she celebrates some of the most iconic women of Musical Theatre; From Streisand to Minnelli, Paige to LuPone. With One Look is an intimate evening of untold stories and the songs these women made famous featuring live musicians, read our ★★★★ star review here. We managed to catch her for a brief few minutes to chat to her about this wonderful show. 

Tell us a bit about your solo show at the Underbelly at the Southbank

It’s a celebration of some of the most iconic women of Musical Theatre, with little known stories from their careers, and the music they made famous. It’s also my big return to showbiz after a nasty divorce!

What inspired you to put together this show?

I’ve written and performed several solo shows throughout my career, but this show is much more intimate, and gives the audience a chance to get to know me better. And, being such a close friend of so many stars means that I’ve got a lot of stories about their lives that you won’t find in the history books.

Did you get any tips from any of your famous friends in the creation?

It was actually Julie Andrews who convinced me to write the show in the first place! I’d been away from the biz for a while and was nervous at the thought of treading the boards again, and Jules suggested I invite a small crowd of friends to dip my toe back into the water!

INTERVIEW: AJ Bentley, currently in Mamma Mia! The Party at the O2

AJ won Gary Barlow's BBC’s talent search Let It Shine, with his band Five to Five. From this, he embarked on an 18-month UK tour in The Band Musical, including an eight-week run in London’s West End. AJ Bentley plays Adam in Mamma Mia! The Party at the O2.

Mamma Mia! The Party is set in a taverna on the island of Skopelos, where most exteriors of the first MAMMA MIA! film were shot. Nikos and his wife Kate run this exotic and wonderful restaurant together with their family and friends. Told through dialogue and ABBA songs, a warm, romantic and funny story evolves and unfolds during the evening, taking place around the guests as they sit at their tables enjoying a delicious Greek meal. The evening ends with the main floor transforming into a 1970s disco, where audience members are welcome to stay to sing and dance to original ABBA recordings.

Mamma Mia! The Party is going to be an experience like no other, tell us a bit about the concept for this show.

Mamma Mia! The Party is an immersive theatrical dining experience, set on the magical island of Skopelos - the same island the Mamma Mia! movies are set. You arrive at ‘Nikos Taverna’ and immediately you feel like you’ve been transported to a Greek Island. During your evening you will enjoy a three course Greek meal, a three act show written by the amazing Sandi Toksvig and featuring the music of ABBA, and an ABBA disco at the end. The show happens around you... You’re not just coming to see this show, you are IN this show, and that’s what adds to the magic! 

Tell us a bit about the story that centres around the immersive experience.

The story follows an action packed evening in ‘Nikos Taverna’. Nikos and his wife Kate run the restaurant, with Nikos’ mother (Grandma) overlooking the action from her balcony. Nikos’ daughter Konstantina and Kate’s nephew Adam (who both work in the restaurant) have fallen for each other - much to the dismay of Nikos and Grandma who think Adam is just trouble. As the evening goes on, tensions rise and the story evolves whilst everyone frantically attempts to keep the restaurant running smoothly for the guests.

INTERVIEW: Eve Polycarpou, currently in Captain Corelli's Mandolin at the Harold Pinter Theatre

Eve Polycarpou is currently in Captain Corelli's Mandolin at the Harold Pinter Theatre, playing the role of Drosoula. Her other credits include Abuela in Strictly Ballroom (Piccadilly Theatre West End, West Yorkshire Playhouse and Princess of Wales Theatre, Toronto), Yiayia Agape in Sunset at Villa Thalia for The National Theatre, Abuela Claudia in In the Heights at Southwark Playhouse and King’s Cross Theatre, The title role in The Manchester Library Theatre's production of Brecht's Mother Courage, Nerhjas in Judith Thompson's award-winning Palace of the End (M.E.N. nomination for Best Actress) and Agave in The Bacchae, both at Royal Exchange Manchester and Chanson Performer in Jacques Brel is Alive and Well at Charing Cross Theatre.

You’re currently in Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, tell us a bit about the piece.

It’s all set in the Second World War on the small Greek island of Cephalonia which has been occupied by the Italians first and then the Germans. The occupation has a huge impact obviously on all the islanders; their livelihood is affected, there’s a shortage of food, their families and relationships, the fact that they are invaded and then feel imprisoned in their own homes.

A young Italian Captain, Antonio Corelli, comes onto the island. He plays the mandolin and in spite of the horrors of war that he’s witnessed and indeed what we go on to see him witness, his music gives him life and hope and also touches the hearts of some of the islanders, somehow bridging the divide.

A young Greek woman, the doctor’s daughter, Pelagia, is already betrothed to a fisherman, Mandras, an islander, the son of feisty widow Drosula however Mandras has to serve in the army and on his return we see how he has been very badly traumatised. He’s not the man they all knew or even the young innocent boy that his mother knew before he left. Pelagia sees her childhood ‘sweetheart’ disappear and starts to fall in love with Captain Correlli.

Ultimately this story is all about love in its various forms and the effect the war has on it; romantic love, people coming from two opposing situations being captivated by each other and dreaming of a peaceful family life together and unrequited love. The love of a young man who wants to have an ordinary normal life, with his childhood love, but who has been badly affected by war and cannot express his love through fear of more pain and hurt. The love of two soldiers who would ‘die for each other’, whose love ‘dare not speak its name’. The love of a mother for her son as she wants the best and fears the worst for her child, her island and her home, then indeed suffers the ultimate loss. Yet through all her pain she still believes in love to survive, to live and to ‘carry on even if the world is destroyed’.

You’re playing Drosoula in the production, tell us a bit about her.

Drosoula is a passionate strong hardworking woman, a widow who wants the best for her son. Striving for affluence for her fisherman son, she works alongside him to have a good job a good wife and a good home. She loves her son, her only son and only child and has strived to teach him how to be the best in many ways. We see her struggle to make a better life for him, care for him after he’s been wounded, grow to love Pelagia for the healing she gives her son, Mandras, and finally we see a mother who survives through the ultimate of losses. In this particular version we also hear her sing, representing the voice of Cephalonia, which is like the existential side of herself. We hear her sing some covers, Greek songs, well known in this period. We also hear her sing pieces of music created by the inimitable Harry Blake, musical director and composer. We also hear her improvise and lament the biggest most painful grief of all.

INTERVIEW: Madison Clare, currently in Captain Corelli's Mandolin at the Harold Pinter Theatre

A recent graduate of LAMDA, Madison Clare is currently playing Pelagia in Captain Corelli's Mandolin at the Harold Pinter Theatre after having been with the show on its UK tour. Her other credits include Plastic (Old Red Lion),Holby City (BBC) and I Knew Jesus (Nutopia/History Channel)

You’re currently in Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, tell us a bit about the piece. 

It's a story about love in many different forms, and how it survives under the pressure of war. It's told through various visual forms, music and movement in many different ways by a number of artists and creatives

You’re playing Pelagia in the production, tell us a bit about her. 

Pelagia brings a new way of thinking to the island. She pushes against the restraints and expectations of being a woman in the 1940s. She's very strong-willed, independent and feisty. She’s insanely intelligent, and fearless in challenging people. 

At only 17 when the play begins, she really doesn't understand the dangers of war until it comes to her. It not only brings risk and tragedy, but also more restrictions - which means she pushes harder against them. She’s constantly being told what she can’t do, so the audience get to witness her grow, and bravely make decisions in taking what she wants.

INTERVIEW: Christie Prades, currently starring in On Your Feet at the London Coliseum

Christie Prades is currently starring as Gloria Estefan in the UK premier of On Your Feet, having played at the Leicester Curve it is now playing at the London Coliseum before embarking on a UK tour. She previously understudied the role in the Broadway company and then lead the American touring company of the show. Her other credits include In the Heights (Miami & American Stage Theatre), West Side Story (Actors Playhouse) and Orange is the New Black. 

You’re currently making your UK debut in On Your Feet, you opened the show at the Leicester Curve before heading to the West End and performing with the show at the London Coliseum. How is the UK treating you so far? 

The UK is treating me absolutely wonderfully!I’ve always wanted to visit London, so to be able to make two dreams of mine come true in one shot is a blessing! Audiences have been incredible, cast members are beyond amazing and insanely talented, and London life sits nicely with me I must admit.

INTERVIEW: Louis Gaunt, currently starring in the new UK tour of Grease the Musical

Louis Gaunt is current playing the role of Kenickie in the new touring production of Grease the Musical. His other credits include Manfred in Sweet Charity at the Nottingham Playhouse, Standing At The Sky's Edge at the Sheffield Crucible and playing Will Parker in Oklahoma! at the Grange Park Opera which he won the 2018 The Stage Debut Award for Best Actor In A Musical. We caught up with Louis whilst in rehearsals for Grease before he heads out on tour. 

Tell us what we can look forward to in this new production of Grease. 

Audiences can look forward to a vibrant & youthful performance of a production that pays homage to the truth of the subjects and matters tackled in Grease and the 1950s era. 

What is it like to be part of a brand new production of Grease, the first of its kind to tour the UK?

Very privileged to be part of such a magical piece of theatre, that audiences from all over the UK will be able to see a little bit of themselves in the show. 

Grease is obviously one of the most well known musicals in the world, but tell us a bit about your exposure with the show prior to getting cast in it. 

I had only ever seen the film version of Grease the Musical, so when I was able to get my hands on the script for this production, my mind was opened entirely to what Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey we’re portraying. There are so many finer details in the musical that are kind of washed over in the film.