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

Jak Malone (Operation Mincemeat) co-hosts The West End Frame Show! Andrew and Jak discuss The Witches (National Theatre) and Elf The Musical (Dominion Theatre) as well as the latest news about For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Hue Gets Too Heavy, two Gwyneth Paltrow skiing musicals, Wicked casting, Operation Mincemeat's plaque for Hester Leggatt and lots more. Jak's theatre credits include A Clockwork Orange (Liverpool Everyman), Diva: Live From Hell (Jack Studio Theatre) and Max & Ivan: Fugitives (Storyglass Podcasts). Jak is currently starring in Operation Mincemeat at the Fortune Theatre which continues to take the West End by storm. He has been with the show since its premiere in 2019 at the New Diorama Theatre. In the show, Jack plays Hester Leggett, Bernard Spilsbury, Captain Jewell, Willie Watkins, Ivor Montagu and others; he has received tremendous acclaim for his performance. Follow Jak on Instagram: @jakmalone_ Operation Mincemeat is booking at the Fortune Theatre until 15th June 2024. Visit www.operationmincemeat.com for info and tickets. Hosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.

Jacob Fowler (Heathers / Cinderella) co-hosts The West End Frame Show! Andrew and Jacob discuss Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York) (Kiln Theatre), Super You In Concert (Lyric Theatre) and The Play That Goes Wrong (Duchess Theatre) as well as the latest news about Hadestown, Dear Evan Hansen, Tammy Faye, Next To Normal and lots more. Jacob joined Heathers in 2021, understudying JD at The Other Palace and went on to takeover the role. Jacob returned to Heathers this year, reprising his performance as JD for the musical's 2023 UK tour which recently completed its run. Jacob won the 2020 BBC reality show Little Mix: The Search and went on to support Little Mix on their Confetti Arena Tour. His theatre credits also include playing Prince Topher in Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella (Hope Mill Theatre), Bobby in Dreamboats and Petticoats (UK Tour), Mohr in Vanara: The Legend (Hackmey Empire), Hunter in In Pieces (Turbine Theatre) and Kings Of Broadway (Palace Theatre). Next year Jacob is reuniting with Grace Mouat - who he starred opposite in Cinderella - in the brand new musical Before After at the Southwark Playhouse. Follow Jacob on Instagram: @thejacobfowler Before After runs at the Southwark Playhouse 7th February – 2nd March 2024. Visit www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk for info and tickets. You can hear Jacob on season seven of In The Frame. Hosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.

We're bringing you a bonus episode with Jean-Luke Worrell (Peter Pan Goes Wrong / A Strange Loop) and Bernie Dieter (Club Kabarett). Jean-Luke Worrell is currently playing Francis in Peter Pan Goes Wrong. Michief's show is back for a UK tour and West End run. Jean-Luke previously worked with Michief when he did The Comedy About a Bank Robery in the West End at the Criterion Theatre. His other theatre credits include Cluedo on tour and most recently he was an understudy in the London transfer of A Strange Loop at the Barbican Centre. Peter Pan Goes Wrong runs in the West End at the Lyric Theatre 23rd November - 14th January 2024 and tours the UK until April 2024. Visit www.peterpangoeswronglive.com for info, tour dates and tickets. Kabarett superstar (aka the mistress of mayhem) Bernie Dieter is back in London with her show Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett. Renewed worldwide, the show features a live band and some of the world’s best circus, cabaret and sideshow acts at their "provocative" best. Club Kabarett is the first production at the newly reopened and renamed Underbelly Boulevard Soho. Bernie Dieter’s Club Kabarett runs at Underbelly Boulevard Soho until 6th January 2024. Visit www.underbellyboulevard.com for info and tickets. Hosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.

Maliq Henry (Bird College graduate) co-hosts The West End Frame Show! Andrew and Maliq discuss Sunset Boulevard starring Rachel Tucker (Savoy Theatre), The Time Traveler's Wife (Apollo Theatre), Treason (UK Tour, Alexandra Palace Theatre), Six (Vaudeville Theatre) and Babies In Concert (Lyric Theatre) as well as the latest news about Opening Night starring Sheridan Smith, Drew McOnie, Standing at the Sky's Edge and lots more. Maliq graduated from Bird College in 2020. His credits whilst training include: Dog Boy in Side Show, Brooklyn in Bring It On, Wars, Yin & Yang, Lucky Stiff and Destinations. His screen credits include The Media Files (MTJ Media) and The Winning Household (DRP Productions). Follow Maliq on Instagram: @maliqhenry Hosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.

Evelyn Hoskins (42 Balloons / Waitress) co-hosts The West End Frame Show! Andrew and Evelyn discuss Stephanie J Block's concert (Cadogan Hall), Bat Boy (London Palladium) and Kin (Theatro Technis) as well as the latest news about Sweeney Todd, Burlesque, Musical Con, the Black British Theatre Awards and lots more. They also pay tribute to Friends actor Matthew Perry. Evelyn starred as Thea in the original London production of Spring Awakening at the Lyric Hammersmith and in the West End. Just a few of her theatre credits include playing Wendy in Peter Pan (US Tour), the title role in Carrie (Southwark Playhouse), Maureen in Mrs Henderson Presents (Toronto) and Dawn in Waitress (West End / UK Tour). In addition to playing Liesl in The Sound of Music LIVE (ITV), Evelyn has worked extensively on screen. Evelyn most recently played Louise in Gypsy (Mill At Sonning). Last year she played Carol in 42 Balloons for its developmental performances in the West End. Next year she’s reprising her performance in the musical’s fully staged premiere at The Lowry in Salford. She's also about to star in Susie McKenna’s pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk at the Broadway Theatre in Catford this Christmas. 42 Balloons runs at The Lowry 18th April – 19th May. Jack at the Beanstalk runs at the Broadway Theatre in Catford 13th – 31st December. Hosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.

Join Voice Coach and Rehabilitation Specialist, Dane Chalfin, for a special episode about vocal injury. In this episode, Dane discusses his own vocal injury and the stigma surrounding vocal injury within the theatre industry. Dane is is a Voice, Singing and Performance Coach, Voice Rehabilitation Specialist, Director and Author. In theatreland, Dane has coached principal performers in the majority of shows in the West End and further afield. Dane has also worked across television and film as well as in the music industry. He has written multiple books and contributed to many magazines and newspepers alongside charity work and roles in education. Dane has been working in voice clinics since 2003; he has had contracts with the NHS and worked as a private consultant for many ENT clinics. For more information about Dane and his work, visit www.danechalfin.com. Hosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.

Actor and composer Matthew Harvey returns to co-host The West End Frame Show! In this episode Andrew and Matthew discuss the latest news about Side Show starring Rachel Tucker and Louise Dearman, Come From Away and Kerry Ellis, plus there's an exclusive first listen to the song "One Two Three" performed by Sharon Rose from Matthew's new album Whatever Happens Next. Andrew and Matthew also pay tribute to producer Bill Kenwright who has passed away after long illness. As an actor, Matthew's credits include Les Miserables, Jesus Christ Superstar, Violet and Murder Ballad. Last year he joined the cast of Kinky Boots at the Queens Theatre Hornchurch as an emergency swing and cover for Charlie Price. As a writer, Matthew's song cycle Now Or Never premiered during lockdown in a digital, one take production. One of the songs "The Road" was a finalist in the 2021 Stiles and Drew Best New Song Prize. He is about to release his debut album Whatever Happens Next on 20th November. Supported by Help Musicians, the album original songs from five of Matthew's musicals with an all-star West End cast including the likes of Hadley Fraser, Tyrone Huntley, Alexia Khadime, Emma Kingston, Sharon Rose, Courtney Stapleton and more. Visit Matthew's website, www.matthewharveymusic.com Hosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.

Crystal Nicholls (The Lion King / wellness coach) co-hosts The West End Frame Show! Andrew and Crystal discuss Musical Con 2023 (ExCel Centre), Dear England (Prince Edward Theatre), The Ocean at the End of the Lane (Duke of York's Theatre) and I Have A Dream (ITV) as well as the latest news about My Son's A Queer's Broadway transfer, Rehab The Musical, West End Musical Christmas, & Juliet and more. They also pay tribute to West End legend Haydn Gwynne who has passed away aged 66. Crystal started out as a performer, working across stage and screen. She spent six years at the Lyseum Theatre in the West End production of The Lion King. Crystal is now a wellness and health coach for West End performers. She’s currently working with the dancers in Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures, with students at The Dang and is a member of Applause for Thought where she delivers regular mental health and wellbeing sessions to support various West End performers. Visit Crystal's website www.crystalnicholls.com and follow her on Instagram @crystal_nich Hosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.

Arts journalist Marianka Swain returns to co-host The West End Frame Show! Andrew and Marianka discuss Sunset Boulevard (Savoy Theatre), Choir Boy (Bristol Old Vic), Moulin Rogue (Piccadilly Theatre) and Wicked (Apollo Victoria Theatre) as well as the latest news about 13 Going On 30, Tinker Bell The Musical, Shucked and lots more. Marianka is a London-based arts journalist. She writes about theatre, dance, TV, film, books and more for publications like the Telegraph, London Theatre, The i Paper and Musicals magazine. She also live-blogs Strictly Come Dancing for the Telegraph. For more information, visit www.mkmswain.com or follow Marianka on Instagram/X @mkmswain Hosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.

Angeline Bell (Matilda / Mary Poppins) co-hosts The West End Frame Show! Andrew and Angeline discuss Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends (Gielgud Theatre) and Flowers For Mrs Harris (Riverside Studios) as well as the latest news about the Just Stop Oil protests, Mean Girls, the Tony Awards and lots more. Angeline's theatre credits include Disney’s Aladdin and Mary Poppins (both at the Prince Edward Theatre). Most recently she was in Matilda (Cambridge Theatre), understudying Mrs Phelps and Mrs Wormwood. In addition to other performing work, Angeline is an award winning teacher, having picked up Best Teacher at the 2019 Black British Theatre Awards. She is a permanent faculty member at Urdang. Additionally, Angeline's son, Maddison Tyson, is currently making his West End debut in Hamilton, making them a mother and son West End powerhouse duo! In this episode Angeline talks about putting her theatre career on hold to raise her son and what it was like to reenter the industry later in life. She also discusses balancing performing with teaching, being the first black Mrs Wormwood and lots more. Follow Angeline on Instagram: @thtgirlangeline Hosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.

Jairus McClanahan (Raymond Hill in Tina) co-hosts The West End Frame Show! Andrew and Jairus discuss Close Up: The Twiggy Musical (Menier Chocolate Factory) and Derren Brown's Unbelievable as well as the latest news about Some Like It Hot, 13 Going On 30, Amber Davies, the Live Aid musical Just For One Day and lots more. After growing up in South Carolina, Jairus moved to London to do a masters at the Royal Academy of Music. He made his West End debut as a swing in The Lion King (Lyceum Theatre) before show jumping straight into Tina: The Tina Turner Musical (Aldwych Theatre) where they are playing Raymond Hill whilst also covering Ike Turner. Follow Jairus on Instagram: @jairusjmac Hosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.

Luke Suri (Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys) co-hosts The West End Frame Show! Andrew and Luke discuss Rebecca (Charing Cross Theatre) and Cake: The Marie Antoinette Playlist (Apollo Theatre) as well as the latest news about Starlight Express, A Chorus Line, You're A Good Man Charlie Brown, The Baker's Wife, Hamilton and lots more. Luke previously did an episode of our interviews podcast In The Frame, discussing his journey from performing at holiday parks, hotels and onboard cruise ships across the world through to making his UK theatre debut. Luke went viral during the pandemic which led to him finding an agent and being cast as the alternate Frankie Valli in the UK & Ireland tour of Jersey Boys. Last year he transferred to the West End production of Jersey Boys at the Trafalgar Theatre, as London's full-time Frankie Valli. Follow Luke on Instagram: @lukesuri Hosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.

Nate Simpson (Get Up Stand Up / Motown) co-hosts The West End Frame Show! Andrew and Nate discuss The Little Big Things (@SohoPlace), Police Cops (Southwark Playhouse Borough) and Back To The Future (Adelphi Theatre) as well as the latest news about The Devil Wears Prada, The Watermill Newbury, Love Birds by Robert J Sherman, Babies The Musical and lots more. In the world of theatre, Nate played Intermediate Bob Marley in the original West End cast of Get Up Stand Up (Lyric Theatre). His other credits include understudying Berry Gordy, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder in the West End production of Motown (Shaftesbury Theatre), playing Simba in The Lion King (Disneyland Paris) and playing Nat King Cole in The Crooners (UK Tour). Nate has also worked extensively in the world of music; he has performed with lots of artists including Jessie J, Boy George and Beverley Knight. He has released EPs and performed all over the world on various cruise ships. Nate made it to the final six boys on The X Factor (ITV) in 2016 and appeared on Eurovision You Decide (BBC) in 2017. Nate is currently on tour across the UK, headlining his own show The Songbook of Marvin Gaye which kicked off in August and continues through to 2024. In this episode Nate reveals big plans for his show; he also delves into balancing his theatre career with music and speaks openly about the aftermath of a major accident and how it made him reevaluate his career decisions. You can see Nate next in The Songbook of Marvin Gaye at the Millfield Theatre in Edmonton on 20th October. Follow @natesimpsonlive to stay up-to-date with tour dates and info. Hosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.

Myles Hart (The Doctor in The Book of Mormon) co-hosts The West End Frame Show! Andrew and Myles discuss Why Am I So Single? (Lilian Baylis Studio), Death Note (Lyric Theatre), A Strange Loop (Barbican Centre) and Everybody's Talking About Jamie (The Lowry, UK & Ireland Tour) as well as the latest news about Moulin Rouge, Wicked, Six, Disney's Aladdin and lots more. Myles is about to complete his six-year run in the West End production of The Book of Mormon at the Prince Of Wales Theatre. He originally joined the cast in 2017 as a swing before taking over as The Doctor. Having trained at Urdang, Myles has performed at sea with P&O as a lead vocalist, danced at the Brit Awards and appeared in Duncton Wood at the Union Theatre. Myles is the host of Get The Belt podcast which is all about pop culture, society and black excellence. It's described as “a weekly dose of unapologetically raw, black, unfiltered and relatable entertainment”. Myles can regularly be heard on various radio shows participating in panel discussions. Follow Myles on Instagram: @myleshart Hosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.

We're back for a brand new season of The West End Frame Show with Simon Bailey (Moulin Rouge / The Third Man) in the co-host seat. Andrew and Simon discuss Guys & Dolls (Bridge Theatre), The Odyssey: Episode 5 - The Underworld (National Theatre), Ain't Too Proud (Prince Edward Theatre) and Chase - The Table Read (The Other Palace Studio) as well as the latest news about Once Upon A One More Time, Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York), A Very Very Bad Cinderella, Declan Bennett's Boy Out The City and lots more. Simon is currently playing Crabbit and Harry Lime in the world premiere of The Third Man (Menier Chocolate Factory) having recently played The Duke in the original West End cast of Moulin Rouge (Piccadilly Theatre). Later this month Simon is presenting an interactive concert called Dukebox at The Other Palace Studio which will give the audience control over the setlist. Some of Simon's theatre credits include: Ram's Dad / Big Bud Dean / Coach Ripper in Heathers (Theatre Royal Haymarket & London Workshop), Tommy DeVito in Jersey Boys (Piccadilly Theatre & UK Tour), Liam O’Deary in I Can’t Sing! (London Palladium), Pharaoh in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat (Gillian Lynne), Tom Watson/Officer Starnes in Parade (Southwark Playhouse), understudy Galileo in We Will Rock You (Dominion), Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty’s), Enjolras in Les Misérables (Queens), Passion (Donmar Warehouse) and Romeo & Juliet The Musical (Piccadilly). You can see Simon in Dukebox at The Other Palace Studio on Sunday 17th September 2023. Visit www.theotherpalace.co.uk for info and tickets. Hosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.

We're back with part two of our summer catchup episode! Andrew and theatre journalist Lisa Martland discuss The SpongeBob Musical (Southbank Centre), Dear England(National Theatre), A Strange Loop (Barbican Centre), Cabaret (Kit Kat Club, Playhouse Theatre), A Little Life (Savoy Theatre) and Jersey Boys (Trafalgar Theatre). Having spent many years at The Stage – including five years as Deputy Editor – Lisa is the Founding Editor of one of the UK’s top theatre websites, Musical Theatre Review which is currently celebrating its tenth anniversary. Lisa is also Sub-Editor for Musicals Magazine. Hosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.

It's almost time for a new season of The West End Frame Show, so we're bringing you up to speed with this summer's hottest shows! In part one of this catchup episode, Andrew is joined by theatre journalist Lisa Martland to discuss Next To Normal (Donmar Warehouse), La Cage aux Folles (Regent's Park Open Air Theatre), Miss Saigon (Sheffield Crucible) and In Dreams (Leeds Playhouse). Having spent many years at The Stage – including five years as Deputy Editor – Lisa is the Founding Editor of one of the UK’s top theatre websites, Musical Theatre Review which is currently celebrating its tenth anniversary. Lisa is also Sub-Editor for Musicals Magazine. Hosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.

We're back for a special episode about Searchlight Pictures’ brand new feature film Theatre Camp which is released in UK cinemas this Friday 25th August. Created by Noah Galvin, Molly Gordon, Nick Lieberman and Ben Platt, Theatre Camp started life as a short film. The movie follows what happens when the owner of an upstate New York Theatre Camp falls into a coma, leaving her non-stagey son to run the camp which is going through financial difficulties. Theatre Camp won the U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Ensemble at Sundance Film Festival where it premiered earlier this year. In this episode, join West End Frame Editor Andrew Tomlins for a debrief about all-things Theatre Camp ahead of a special interview with Nick Lieberman who co-directed the movie with Molly Gordon. Theatre Camp can be seen in UK cinemas from Friday 25th August 2023. Hosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.

In this year's Edinburgh Fringe Festival round-up, West End Frame Editor Andrew Tomlins discusses Boy Out The City, Public, Kathy & Stella Solve a Murder, Annabel Marlow: Is This Okay, Four Felons & A Funeral and Chriskirkpatrickmas. Hosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.

For the final episode of the season, Billy Nevers (& Juliet / Groundhog Day) returns to co-host The West End Frame Show! Andrew and Billy discuss a mystery EdFringe show as well as the latest theatre news about Bat Boy, Kin, Great Gatsby and lots more. Billy is currently playing Fred in the London revival of Groundhog Day (Old Vic). His theatre credits include: Jesus Christ Superstar (Barbican/Regent’s Park Open Air), Wonderful Town (Opera Holland Park), Turn Up, The Color Purple in Concert, Overture (Cadogan Hall) and Wonderful Town (Opera Holland Park). Billy was nominated for Outstanding Performance in a Musical at the 2022 Black British Theatre Awards for his performance as Store Manager and Dewey in the London revival of Legally Blonde (Regent's Park Open Air Theatre). Billy was part of the original cast of & Juliet in Manchester and in the West End; last year he returned to the show as Francois. Hosted by Andrew Tomlins. @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.