Theatre Interviews with Top West End Stars

‘Newsies’ star Michael Ahomka-Lindsay: “Anything is possible when we come together”

After a decade-long wait, Newsies finally makes headlines in London. Newsies dramatises the newsboys' strike of 1899 in New York, set to rousing Alan Menken ballads and explosive choreography that defies belief. Up until now, the UK's relationship with Newsies was limited to the Disney+ Broadway proshot, starring Jeremy Jordan, and watching the Tony Awards performances. But this winter, the young paperboys and girls finally leap and spin their way to Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre. “I came into...

'Matilda The Musical's Elliot Harper and Lauren Byrne on the power of imaginative storytelling

Matilda Wormwood is the little girl that could. Her inspiring thirst for knowledge knows no bounds. She isn’t afraid to stand up for what’s right. She can even move objects with her mind. With all her admirable qualities, it's no surprise that Matilda charms theatregoers. Matilda The Musical is a West End institution, inspiring generations of audiences. The charm of Roald Dahl's story is amplified throughout the meticulously crafted musical: The “School Song” cleverly uses the alphabet in a...

'Pretty Woman: The Musical' star Courtney Bowman on diverse representation in theatre

Pretty Woman: The Musical has a new queen in its cast! Courtney Bowman takes over as Kit de Luca. She previously played Anne Boleyn in Six in the West End, and most recently made history when she starred as Elle in Legally Blonde at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. Omigod you guys… Now, Bowman plays Kit in the hit West End musical based on the iconic 90s film Pretty Woman. Kit is best friends with fellow sex worker Vivian, and she gets to “burst in and supply all the fun bits between scenes,”...

Meg Hateley on following her mother's musical footsteps in 'Mamma Mia!'

Meg Hateley, the new Sophie in the West End cast of Mamma Mia!, is making musical theatre history. She follows in the hallowed footsteps of her mum Linzi Hateley – who previously played Donna Sheridan, Sophie’s mother in the show, first from 2007-9 and most recently in 2017. Meg has even shared an adorable video on Twitter of her aged eight in her mum’s dressing room, lip-syncing along to “Money, Money, Money,” which can be heard over the theatre tannoy. Now, she’s on that fantasy Greek island...

Luke Suri on playing the role of a lifetime as Frankie Valli in ‘Jersey Boys’

There are a lot of similarities between the multi-award-winning artist Frankie Valli and Jersey Boys's latest leading man, Luke Suri. Both started their careers in the local scene: Valli was one quarter of a New Jersey house band, while Suri auditioned for a Yorkshire-based theatre company. After decades of hard work, Valli and his Four Seasons were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. And now, after a decade, Suri achieves his dream of starring in a West End show. “For me as an...

Broadway star Sierra Boggess on 'The Phantom of the Opera' and her Cadogan Hall concerts

“Every time that I visit Christine Daaé, I feel sort of at home,” reflects Sierra Boggess. It’s little surprise that Boggess is so comfortable with The Phantom of the Opera’s lead character. Throughout her musical career, she’s played Christine Daaé in many cities: Las Vegas, New York, and in London for originating the role in the Phantom sequel Love Never Dies. But Boggess isn’t a one-trick pony. She’s tackled all types of roles: Disney princess Ariel in The Little Mermaid, headmistress Rosalie...

'Cirque du Soleil - Kurios's creator Michel Laprise on the joy of togetherness

Wherever you are, chances are you're in close proximity to one of the 19 Cirque du Soleil shows currently playing worldwide. There's no limit to what a Cirque show can focus on either: Michael Jackson and the Beatles-dedicated shows play in Las Vegas, or you can see the Disney-themed show in Orlando. As part of the Cirque du Soleil calendar, there's a London season at the Royal Albert Hall. To celebrate Cirque's 25th anniversary in London, the company present the European premiere of Kurios....

Harry Reid on why he could star in 'Witness for the Prosecution' for the rest of his life

Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution celebrates its fifth birthday – an impressive run for any London show, but in particular for a straight play. Of course, one of the reasons that audiences can’t get enough of this whodunit in its unique venue. The play is staged in London County Hall, immersing audiences in a courtroom-like setting that makes its action feel very real – particularly the high stakes of this murder trial. If Leonard Vole is convicted, he will be hanged. And you, the...

‘Eureka Day’ star Mark McKinney on his London debut and "enjoying the hell out of this play”

In 2020, seeing a vaccination play would probably be at the bottom of anyone's theatregoing wish list — watching a drama about a pandemic while living in one would be too on the nose. But now, nearly two years since the COVID jab rollout began, West End audiences can look forward to Jonathan Spector’s Eureka Day, a timely play that makes audiences sit up and consider their moral and political viewpoints. On the surface, Eureka Day – which, incredibly, was written before the pandemic even...

Oliver Tompsett is living his boy band dream as Shakespeare in ‘& Juliet’

The West End star has been with the musical since 2019, and he shares why he loves singing Max Martin’s songs every night.