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Showing posts sorted by date for query Claudia Kariuki. Sort by relevance Show all posts

Sunday, 20 October 2024

THEATRE NEWS ROUNDUP 13th-19th October 2024


It's been another week of exciting theatre announcements! Here’s a quick recap of the highlights, with links to the full stories:

Craig Wright’s gripping play, The Unseen will open at Riverside Studios next month.


The Lord of the Rings- A Musical Tale to Premiere at Theatre Royal Plymouth in October 2025
The musical is set for an exclusive UK run before embarking on a European tour, following its critically acclaimed performances in Chicago, Auckland, and Australia


Orange Tree Theatre's 2025 season brings an exciting mix of world premieres, classic revivals, and the launch of OT Under 30 Nights, making theatre more accessible to younger audiences with discounted tickets and engaging post-show events.


The auction aims to raise funds to support the charity’s mission of making theatre accessible to young people and their families, especially those facing financial, social, or physical barriers.


Jack and the Beanstalk: What a Whopper! promises to be a wildly entertaining adult pantomime, packed with cheeky humour, outrageous performances, and a fabulously queer twist on the classic tale.


A pop-up costume exhibition in Covent Garden celebrates Tina- The Tina Turner Musical, showcasing iconic looks from the production and honouring Tina Turner’s legacy with a special partnership supporting Women’s Aid.


The 2025 UK tour of Bat Out of Hell- The Musical brings Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf's iconic rock hits to life with a newly announced full cast, kicking off in January and running through September.


A new cast debuted in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre this week, as the production continues its acclaimed run through June 2025.


Deafinitely Theatre has been awarded £273,675 by The National Lottery to fund its Deafinitely Youth Theatre programme for the next five years, continuing its mission to provide free, accessible theatre training for deaf and hard of hearing young people aged 14-21.


This winter, La Clique is celebrating 20 years of thrilling cabaret with a star-studded cast, jaw-dropping performances, and exclusive shows in Leicester Square.


Grammy-nominated NSYNC star JC Chasez teams up with Golden Globe-winning songwriter Jimmy Harry for an exciting new musical theatre concept album, Playing With Fire, inspired by Frankenstein and set to release October 25, 2024.


The UK premiere of Dave Malloy’s Tony-nominated musical Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 is set to debut at Donmar Warehouse from December 9, 2024, featuring a stellar cast led by Declan Bennett and Chumisa Dornford-May.


The 2025 UK tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat is set to return with an all-star cast, including Donny Osmond as Pharaoh and Christina Bianco as Narrator, starting its magical Christmas run in Edinburgh this December.


Bradley Riches, Amber Davies, and Claudia Kariuki Join Scott Alan in Concert at Cadogan Hall
Renowned songwriter Scott Alan will perform live at Cadogan Hall on Sunday, November 10, 2024, joined by a star-studded lineup including Bradley Riches, Amber Davies, and Claudia Kariuki, along with Amy di Bartolemeo, Oliver Tompsett, and Stuart Matthew Price. Tickets are available now.


101 Dalmatians Cast Teams Up with Guide Dogs UK for a Pawsome Charity Event at Woking's New Victoria Theatre
The cast of 101 Dalmatians the Musical, led by Kym Marsh as Cruella de Vil, met real-life guide dogs and puppies in training during a special charity event at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking. The event raised £2,115 for Guide Dogs UK.


Have a brilliant, stagey week and we'll see you next Sunday for another theatre news roundup! In the meantime, keep an eye out on our socials for live theatre updates.
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Friday, 18 October 2024

Bradley Riches, Amber Davies, and Claudia Kariuki Join Scott Alan in Concert at Cadogan Hall


Fourth Wall Live has announced a stellar cast of guest vocalists set to perform with internationally acclaimed songwriter Scott Alan at his upcoming concert at Cadogan Hall on November 10, 2024. Headlining the event are Heartstopper star Bradley Riches (Babies The Musical), Amber Davies (Back to the Future, Pretty Woman), and Claudia Kariuki (Six, Sister Act), alongside previously announced performers Amy di Bartolemeo (The Devil Wears Prada, Bat Out of Hell), Oliver Tompsett (Kinky Boots, Wicked), and Stuart Matthew Price (The Rocky Horror Show, Parade). Tickets are on sale now at www.fw-live.com and www.cadoganhall.com.

Scott Alan is renowned for his work with some of the biggest names in theatre, TV, film, and recording, including Grammy Award-winning Pentatonix, Broadway stars like Sutton Foster and Lea Salonga, and Westlife’s Mark Feehily. Alan has released seven albums, beginning with Dreaming Wide Awake in 2007, and he continues to captivate audiences worldwide with his heartwarming and emotionally charged compositions. His music has been featured on major platforms such as American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance, and Entertainment Tonight, and he has performed sold-out concerts across the globe.

Most recently, Alan released Nothing More, a deeply personal collection of songs written for his daughter, which features Gay and Transgender fathers. His upcoming performance at Cadogan Hall marks the 15th anniversary of his debut album, and he has expressed immense excitement about returning to London, saying: 
Returning to London after so many years away feels like coming home... this night feels like a giant hug."
Fourth Wall Live has a history of producing unforgettable musical theatre concerts, with recent successes including Bonnie & Clyde The Musical, headlined by Jeremy Jordan, and the UK premieres of Something Rotten and Oklahoma!, which featured a star-studded cast. FWL’s ongoing commitment to bringing world-class talent to the stage continues with this exciting Scott Alan concert, set to be one of the highlights of the 2024 theatre calendar.

Scott Alan's live concert at Cadogan Hall is a must-see for theatre and music fans alike. Featuring an exceptional lineup of performers and celebrating the legacy of Alan’s impactful music, this one-night-only event will be an unforgettable celebration of musical theatre.
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Monday, 7 October 2024

West End Does: Christmas in Oz Casting Announced


West End Does: Christmas is returning this December, and this year, it’s bringing a delightful Oz-themed twist to the festivities. The concert will blend holiday classics with beloved songs from The Wizard of Oz and Wicked, just as the film adaptation of Wicked prepares to grace UK cinemas a few days before the event, making for perfect timing.

The concerts will feature two choirs and a full West End orchestra, all under the direction of musical maestro Samuel Wilson. This year’s impressive lineup includes notable musical theatre stars, particularly alumni from Wicked: Louise Dearman, Sophie Evans, Alice Fearn, Oliver Tompsett, Liam Tamne, and Claudia Kariuki, who have all played key roles in the production.

Hosting the event will be Rob Houchen and Matt Lucas, both known for their work in Les Misérables, promising an evening filled with festive cheer and theatrical magic.

Produced by Chorus Productions Ltd, West End Does: Christmas in Oz will take place in two concerts at Cadogan Hall in London on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at 2:30 PM and 6:30 PM. Tickets are available now through the Cadogan Hall website, so be sure to secure yours early for this festive celebration!
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Wednesday, 11 January 2023

Six the Musical, Vaudeville Theatre | Review


Six the Musical
Vaudeville Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday 10th January 2022 by Olivia Mitchell 
★★★★★

Entering the Vaudeville theatre last night there was a bustling energy, not just because everyone was excited to see Six but because the cast of the highly addictive tv show, the Traitors were in the audience. Murmurs of “traitor” and “faithful” filled the air and the buzz was certainly something, who knew we’d all be so starstruck!? However, once the curtain was drawn it was all eyes on the Queens and a glorious 75 minutes followed.


Going into a new year it’s great to see that Six the Musical is as vibrant and wonderful as ever. The current queens of the castle do an outstanding job of keeping the energy of the show fresh and truly engaging so that both first time audiences audiences and longtime Six fans can feel like they’re experiencing something special. 


The cast, made up of Rhianne-Louise McCaulsky, Baylie Carson, Claudia Kariuki, Dionne Ward-Anderson, Koko Basigara and Roxanne Couch are a complete group of powerhouses who give stellar solo performances as well as backing up and complementing each other brilliantly. The camaraderie on stage is clear to see and really adds to the overall message of empowerment and support which is at the heart of the show. Special mention must go to Baylie Carson who is an absolute dream to watch as they bring something completely fresh and charming to the role of Anne Boleyn; I cannot wait to see all their future theatrical endeavours (Fangirls UK please!)


Having been playing at the Vaudeville theatre since 2021 the show feels completely settled and has perfectly upgraded from its first long term home, the Arts, to now filling the space on the Strand. The bigger space allows more to witness to wonder of the musical but the clever, cosy set design means none of the intimacy is lost. Emma Bailey's design is the ideal backdrop for this concert style musical. The simplistic framework really allows the performances to shine but there are also some really clever elements such as the throne which rises up grandly. Paired with Tim Deiling's lighting, you really do get the fully visceral concert experience.


A Tudor tale like no other Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss' show continues to get better and better and there's no end in sight for its reign of brilliance. Six the Musical will have you bowing down to the queens and then on your feet to dance along with them- go see this show.


photo credit: Pamela Raith


{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}

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Tuesday, 8 November 2022

Benjamin Rauhala & his West End Besties at Cadogan Hall



Fourth Wall Live are delighted to announce BENJAMIN RAUHALA & HIS WEST END BESTIES at the Cadogan Hall on Sunday 5 February at 6.30pm. Tickets on sale now www.fw-live.com/ben 

 

One of Broadway’s most trusted music directors and collaborators, Benjamin Rauhala will be joined on stage by stars of the West End including Luke Bayer (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Soho Cinders), Paisley Billings (Six, The Lion King, ‘Tattoo Fixers’), Lauren Drew (Six, Heathers, Legally Blonde, ‘The Voice’), Hiba Elchikhe (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Aladdin), WhatsOnStage Award nominee Jordan Luke Gage (& Juliet, Bonnie & Clyde, Bat Out of Hell), Ben Joyce (Back to the Future, Jersey Boys), Claudia Kariuki (Six, Wicked, School of Rock), Olivier Award nominee Frances Mayli McCann (Bonnie & Clyde, Heathers, Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour), Zara MacIntosh (&Juliet, Six) Olivier Award nominee Natalie Paris (Six, Billy Elliot, Les Miserables), Courtney Stapleton (‘Belle’ in Beauty and the Beast, Six), Jodie Steele (Six, Heathers) Benjamin Yates (Jersey Boys, School of Rock, Wicked). Guests are subject to change. 

 

Music director Benjamin Rauhala’s love affair with the London theatre community and actors of the West End has been ongoing since his first sold-out concerts with Jeremy Jordan in the summer of 2016. Rauhala grew up obsessed with British pop music, including a subscription to Top of the Pops magazine! As a mainstay of the Broadway community, he has produced hundreds of sold-out concerts that spawned viral YouTube concert clips totalling * totalling over 56million views, including Jeremy Jordan’s ubiquitous cover of “It’s All Coming Back To Me Now” and the many medleys featured in his Broadway Princess Party concert series. 

 

Rauhala found that everyone he met in London had a favourite one of those videos and wanted to chat about it, so he had an idea: what if he gathered a dozen of his favourite West End performers with an epic band and re-created some of those beloved videos, as well as crafting some new arrangements for these amazing singers? On the heels of a sold-out run at Theatre Royal Drury Lane with Jeremy Jordan and in preparation to play the London Palladium with Ariana DeBose and for an upcoming international tour of Disney Princess The Concert, this was the perfect moment to create a concert unlike anything London has ever seen! BENJAMIN RAUHALA AND HIS WEST END BESTIES will be a night filled with Rauhala’s signature mashups and medleys, some of the best contemporary musical theatre, some radically rearranged Disney tunes, and, of course, tunes from the likes of Céline Dion, the Spice Girls, Selena Gomez, and Sam Smith! 

 

Benjamin Rauhala is the Music Supervisor, co-creator, and ‘Fairy Godfairy’ of Disney Princess - The Concert, touring over 100 cities in North America throughout 2022, and internationally in 2023. He helped conceive and arrange the opening and closing numbers of the 2022 Tony Awards for Academy Award winner Ariana DeBose. Rauhala has toured the world since 2014 as the music director forJeremy Jordan, the Tony-nominated star of Broadway's Newsies and TV’s ‘Supergirl’, and in 2020, Rauhala was named 'Best Musical Director' at the Broadway World Cabaret Awards.

 

His Broadway credits include Fiddler on the Roof, American Psycho, and Pippin. His Off-Broadway credits include Hit List, the meta-musical from the NBC television show Smash, Duncan Sheik’s The Secret Life of Bees and David Byrne’s Joan of Arc: Into The Fire. He is also the music director for Academy Award Winner Ariana DeBose, Halston star Krysta Rodriguez, Tony Award nominees Derek Klena, Jennifer Damiano, Kathryn Gallagher, and Disney legend Jodi Benson, as well as Nashville star Kyle Dean Massey, Anastasia star Christy Altomare, Smash star Andy Mientus, Moulin Rouge star Ashley Loren, and Frozen stars Caroline Bowman and Austin Colby. 

 

Rauhala co-founded the Write Out Loud songwriting competition with Mean Girls Tony Award nominee Taylor Louderman, which is currently in its fourth season of supporting the next generation of composers. Additionally, he is an Original Programming Producer at 54 Below, where he has created hundreds of sold-out concerts, including the Broadway Loves Series, that has famously honored Celine Dion, Britney Spears, Selena Gomez, Sam Smith, Demi Lovato, and many more beloved pop icons. 

Follow him @brauhala

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Tuesday, 8 October 2019

Priscilla Queen of the Desert (UK Tour), New Wimbledon Theatre | Review


Priscilla Queen of the Desert (UK Tour)
New Wimbledon Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday 7th October 2019 by Olivia Mitchell
★★★
You'd be hard pressed to find a touring production this year which features more glitter, sequins and colour than Priscilla Queen of the Desert, which is an explosion of all things camp and a treat of a night out.
Based on the 1994 movie of the same name, Priscilla tells the entertaining story of a trio of drag queens who venture across the Australian outback in a temperamental bus to put on the show of a lifetime. Along the way they meet a variety of people, some accepting, some not, and realise the importance of friendship and staying true to themselves. Despite appearing superficial, the story tackles some important issues including diversity and acceptance.
Miles Western plays Bernadette, the older drag queen who has seen the world change around her and often spends time reminiscing on her glamourous past. Whilst, Joe McFadden and Nick Hayes star as Tick/Mitzi and Adam/Felicia, the younger queens who are still discovering themselves and following in the footsteps of those who came before them. Behind all the lashes and costumes, the trio have a genuine chemistry on stage and give strong performances throughout. Miles is especially engaging and give a very well rounded and entertaining performance.

It's the Diva's who give the stand out performances of the show. Aiesha Pease, Claudia Kariuki and Rosie Glossop are absolute powerhouses who sing, sing, sing. Their voices are second to none ad they'd only be better if they had more stage time to wow us with their sass and sanging.

Charles Cusick-Smith and Phil R Daniels' set design is pretty basic, but the show is cleverly scaled for tour. The van Pricilla is a multi-piece design which works well as it's transformed various times. It's the glitzy costumes which are really the visual treats in this show as they create a rainbow coloured, feather filled spectacle on stage. Over the top beyond belief but wonderfully well executed, they are of the highest standard.

This is a dance heavy production which features non-stop motion, with Tom Jackson Greaves's choreography providing high energy action from start to finish. The ensemble do an excellent job of maintaining this and continually provide visual treats which fill scenes and make scene changes full of interest.

With a jukebox score of some incredibly catchy songs, you can't help but bop along to this mile a minute show. From It's Raining Men to I Will Survive and I Can't Stand the Rain, there's something everyone will know and you'll be tapping your stilettos along to the disco beat. The songs provide the momentum for the show as opposed to the storyline. Whilst there are moments of light and shade, the prejudice the group experiences often feels rushed and the darkness and intensity is lost.

Whilst this production could definitely do with a touch more heart and emotional oomph, it's certainly an enjoyable tour and a thrilling example of highly camp, highly glam show with an important message about tolerance.

Priscilla Queen of the Desert runs at the New Wimbledon Theatre until 12th October before continuing its tour

photo credit: Darren Bell


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Thursday, 21 February 2019

In Conversation With... Shaun McCourt | West End Live Lounge | Interview

West End Live Lounge is back at The Other Palace on March 10th for a celebration of WOMEN. The stellar line up of performers will sings songs from powerful ladies, all whilst raising money for Samaritans. I spoke to founder, Shaun McCourt about all things West End Live Lounge...



Can you tell us a bit about the creation of West End Live Lounge?
West End Live Lounge started in 2017 as an idea for a series of concerts to raise money for charity and has since grown to where it is today. I wanted to create an event which would allow West End performers the platform to sing material which was not from the world of musical theatre with a live band. There was a gap in the gig/concert circuit for such an event and I simply decided to go for it-and what an exciting journey it has been.


You’ve gone from the Union Theatre to the Other Palace Studio to the main house and each concert is getting bigger and better. What’s the next thing you’d like to achieve with your concerts?
I am always overwhelmed by the support that West End Live Lounge receives. It is great to see so many people enjoying the concerts. Without this support, its reputation would not be where it is now. The show continues to grow and there are certainly exciting plans in place for its future. However, I am going to keep the secrets for now I am afraid. Watch this space!

In terms of what I would like to achieve, my aim is to continue to produce concerts that not only entertain our audiences, but also raise as much money for charity as possible.


What’s your favourite part of putting the Live Lounge concerts together?
Though I may look slightly stressed on the day of a Live Lounge concert, I have to say that I enjoy the whole process of putting it together- from picking the theme, to casting the line-up, liaising with The Other Palace, to the day of the concert itself. However, if I had to pick a favourite moment, it would be the rehearsals and soundcheck on the day of each event. The Live Lounge band are all incredible musicians and our musical director, Sam Coates, is a genius. That moment when we are all set up and I hear the band play for the first time is really special. It is always a reminder of just how much hard work people put into making these events a success. 

West End Live Lounge has become a bit of a family. The central team is made up of Sam Coates (musical director), Will Miney (technical manager) and myself. However, all performers and musicians that have been involved become part of this family. Getting to work alongside so many talented individuals always makes this such a rewarding process.


What can people expect when they come and experience a West End Live Lounge?
People can expect a great night at the theatre. If this doesn't happen, then I am doing something wrong! A West End Live Lounge event promises a fantastic line up of incredible singers and musicians. Each concert has an exciting theme and gives the audience the chance to see their favourite West End performers step out of the world of musical theatre. 


Each concert you raise money for a different charity, how do you choose the charities to support and what do they mean to you?
Choosing the charity for each concert is always a tricky job. There are so many important charities, so rather than continue to raise money for just one, I decided that it was really important to me that each concert raised money for a different cause. For some concerts, the theme and charity often go hand in hand. There have also been times where a major event has happened in the world around the time of the concert and it makes total sense to donate the proceeds to this cause. 


If you could have any performer dead or alive to perform at a Live Lounge, who would you choose and why?
This is a tricky question! I am incredibly grateful to every single performer who has given up their time to be part of a West End Live Lounge event. They each bring an amazing talent and such a great energy to the stage. It is important to me that I continue to introduce new faces to the Live Lounge stage and that each concert offers a diverse and exciting line up.

But if I had to pick one person... 

Well...If I could get Jennifer Hudson along to sing a number, would I be excited? Absolutely!


Can you sum up in 5 words why people should come to the next West End Live Lounge?
Belting for a good cause.


West End Live Lounge tickets go on sale March 25th.

Full cast (subject to availability): Adam Bailey, Christina Bennington, Louise Dearman, Lauren Drew, Simon Gordon, Jennifer Harding, Matthew Harvey, Emma Hatton, Lisa Marie Holmes, Claudia Kariuki, Sejal Keshwala, Emma Lindars, Shekinah Mcfarlane, Kayleigh McKnight, Christina Modestou, Brady Isaacs Pearce, Lauren James Ray, Danielle Steers, Laura Tebbutt, Jennifer Tierney, Rodney Vubya.

 Interview by Editor, Olivia Mitchell
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