Meet the West End cast of 'Frozen', including Samantha Barks
Find out more about the Frozen London cast and see Frozen at Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
It’s coronation day for the West End cast of Frozen! Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen, the Disney Frozen musical tells the story of Elsa, a queen with the power to turn everything she touches to ice. Growing up, Elsa fears her abilities, so she wears gloves to curtail her powers. As she’s coronated and touches the sceptre, she turns Arendelle to ice and runs away in fear.
There’s only one person who can reach out to Elsa — her sister Anna. With the help of explorer Kristoff and his reindeer Sven, the helpful trio go out in search of Anna. But can they bring her back? Will the storm rage on?
Frozen opened up the West End gates at Theatre Royal Drury Lane in 2021. There’s iconic roles like Elsa, Anna, and Prince Hans, as well as the adorable snowman, Olaf. Find out more about the Frozen West End cast and book your trip to Arendelle today.
Samantha Barks plays Elsa
Samantha Barks plays Elsa in Frozen in the West End. When Barks was 18 years old, she competed in I’d Do Anything, a reality competition show that looked to cast a Nancy in Oliver!. Barks did not win the role, but she did go on to play Nancy in an Oliver! concert at the O2 and the Oliver! national tour.
Barks’s West End credits include Eponine in Les Misérables — a role she eventually reprised in the Les Misérables musical film and the Les Misérables 25th anniversary concert. She also played Cathy in The Last Five Years opposite Olivier-winning actor Jonathan Bailey as Jamie.
In recent years, Barks has appeared in American shows: Chicago at the Hollywood Bowl, and originating the role of Vivian Ward in Pretty Woman: The Musical in Chicago and on Broadway. Samantha Barks originated the role of Elsa in the West End production of Frozen. In a London Theatre review of Frozen, our critic said: "Barks's Elsa is serious and scared, and you can see every emotion travel across her face and through her body as she seems to haunt the stage. And of course, she nails the prerequisite for the role by hitting every note and riff in "Let It Go," not to mention the expert magical costume change into one of designer Christopher Oram's fairytale fever dream gowns."
Emily Lane plays Anna
Emily Lane plays Anna in Frozen. As a child, Lane starred in West End productions of Les Misérables as young Cosette, and The Sound of Music as Brigitta von Trapp, as well as Before the Party at the Almeida Theatre. After graduating from Arts Ed, Lane was cast in the original Frozen London ensemble. She then took over the role of Anna fulltime in Frozen from September 2022 from Stephanie McKeon.
Djavan van der Fliert plays Kristoff
Djavan van der Fliert plays Kristoff in Frozen. Frozen marks his West End debut after graduating from Arts Ed in 2022. Van der Fliert takes over the role of Kristoff from Obioma Ugoala.
Craig Gallivan plays Olaf
Craig Gallivan plays Olaf in Frozen. Gallivan got the bug for acting after starring in Oliver! in 1994. Gallivan’s West End credits include Tony in Billy Elliot and as Dewey Finn in School of Rock. He’s also appeared in nationwide tours of Oliver! and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Aside from television, Gallivan is best known for playing Callum Watson in the ITV drama Footballers Wives. Craig Gallivan originated the role of Olaf in the West End production of Frozen.
Oliver Ormson plays Hans
Oliver Ormson plays Hans in Frozen. Ormson’s appeared in shows across London including The Book of Mormon, Protagonists at The Other Palace and High Fidelity at the Turbine Theatre. Ormson was also cast in the original company of of Back to the Future: The Musical in Manchester before the show transferred to London. Ormson originated the role of Hans in the West End production of Frozen.
Richard Frame plays Duke of Weselton
Richard Frame plays the Duke of Weselton in Frozen. Frame is no stranger to Disney musicals; he played Timon in The Lion King for five years. Frame typically stars in Shakespeare plays: Richard III, The Comedy of Errors, Love’s Labour Lost and A Midsummer Night’s Dream all appear on his theatre CV. Richard Frame originated the role of the Duke of Weselton in the West End production of Frozen.
Mikayla Jade plays Sven
Mikayla Jade is one of two actors to play Sven in Frozen. The Australian actress makes her West End debut in Frozen; she’s previously performed stunts in Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, The Old Guard, and Wonder Woman 1984.
Ashley Birchall plays Sven
Ashley Birchall is one of two actors to play Sven in Frozen. They’ve previously starred in West End productions of Wicked and We Will Rock You, as well as tours of Oklahoma! and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Who is in Frozen in London?
Rhianne Alleyne, Jeremy Batt, Danny Becker, Marianne Bardgett, Rebecca Botterill, Char Burnett, Collette Coleman, Davide Fienauri, Laura Emmitt, Jemal Felix, Jordan Fox, Molly Francis, Matt Gillett, Harriet Samuels, Isabella Glanznig Santos, Ben Irish, Justin-Lee Jones, Aoife Kenny, Jordan Livesey, Joshua Robinson, Jacqui Sanchez, Jak Skelly, Kerry Spark, Caitlin Tipping, Rodney Vubya, Anna Woodside and Luke Fraser Yates also star in Frozen.
See more shows in the West End
Book Mamma Mia! tickets on London Theatre.
Book The Lion King tickets on London Theatre.
Book Wicked tickets on London Theatre.
Photo credit: Frozen cast (Photo courtesy of production)
Frequently asked questions
What is Frozen the Musical about?
Do you wanna build a snowman? The global phenomenon hits the West End, bringing all your favourite characters to life. Telling the now iconic story of two sisters who must save their kingdom and their love for one another, the musical contains all-new songs by award-winning duo Robert Lopez and Kristin Anderson-Lopez. Experience Frozen the Musical — book your tickets at Theatre Royal Drury Lane today.
Where is Frozen the Musical playing?
Frozen the Musical is playing at Theatre Royal Drury Lane. The theatre is located at Catherine Street, London, WC2B 5JF.
How long is Frozen the Musical?
The running time of Frozen the Musical is 2hr 15min. Incl. interval.
What's the age requirement for Frozen the Musical?
The recommended age for Frozen the Musical is Ages 6+. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult ticketholder (18+). Under 4s will not be admitted. Every customer must have their own ticket. To ensure everyone enjoys the show, little ones need to be able to sit in their own seat without any help..
How do you book tickets for Frozen the Musical?
Book tickets for Frozen the Musical on London Theatre.
What are the songs in Frozen?
Frozen the Musical features many well-known songs from the movie, including “Let It Go” and “For the First Time in Forever.” You can also expect to hear a range of new songs written for the show.
Who wrote Frozen?
The original creative team from the film, including Jennifer Lee, Kristen Anderson-Lopez, and Robert Lopez, transformed Frozen: The Musical for the stage. Lee, co-director of the original film, wrote the book, while Anderson-Lopez and Lopez, composers of the film's songs, created the musical's music and lyrics.
Who directed Frozen?
Michael Grandage, former artistic director of the Donmar Warehouse, directed Frozen the Musical.
Is Frozen appropriate for kids?
All ages can enjoy Frozen but Disney recommend audience members being ages 6 and up. Children under the age of 4 will not be allowed entry into the auditorium. An adult must accompany those under 16.
Is Frozen good?
Frozen the Musical is a spectacle that includes all the well-known songs and characters from the movie. Read our five-star review of Frozen here.
How many new songs are in Frozen the Musical?
The stage musical Frozen reunited Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez to pen 12 new songs. These include "Monster," "What Do You Know About Love," and "Hygge." Read our guide to Frozen for the complete song list.
Who plays Elsa in Frozen in the West End?
Jenna Lee-James covers the role of Elsa from 23 August 2023 whilst Samantha Barks is on maternity leave. Barks will return to the role in 2024.
How do Sven and Olaf work in Frozen the Musical?
Skilled puppeteers and actors bring Sven and Olaf to life in Frozen the Musical. To portray Sven, Kristoff’s reindeer companion, an actor wears a full-body puppet, allowing for authentic movements and interactions with other characters. Olaf, the friendly snowman, is brought to life by a puppeteer who controls his gestures and expressions.
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