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One of the most exciting musical revivals this year is of course Assassins at Chichester Festival Theatre. A firm favourite among Sondheim aficionados, the musical tells the stories of the assassins and almost assassins of US Presidents. One of the show's stars is Amy Booth-Steel who's playing Sara Jane Moore; the woman who attempted to assassinate Gerald Ford. The production marks the first time Amy has performed in Chichester and also the first time working with long-time friend Polly Findlay who directs her first musical. We hear Amy talk about her fondness for Polly as well as for Stephen Sondheim who she calls a genius and expects the run to be an emotional one as Sondheim was involved in the new revisions for this production before he passed.

In this brand new interview, Amy Booth-Steel opens up about what drew her to the part of Sara Jane Moore and why this show feels particularly relevant today. Throughout her career, Amy has openly spoken about her views on politics and current affairs, and here she shares that she feels it's particularly important to keep an eye on politics following the pandemic. Over her career, Amy has also starred in some of the most acclaimed productions in recent years including The Light Princess, Tammy Faye and Heathers. More recently, Amy also starred in Georgia Oakley's Blue Jean, a film that discusses the story of teachers who abseiled down the Houses of Parliament in protest against Section 28. Now, as she heads to Chichester for this hugely exciting revival, she re-emphasises her love for acting and telling stories and she shares her hope that the show will help audiences have a new perspective on the real life people the show talks about.

Assassins runs at Chichester Festival Theatre from 3rd June - 24 June with tickets on sale now!

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After playing to sold out performances at the London Palladium in The King and I in 2018, Dean John-Wilson is currently reprising the role of Lun Tha in the current UK Tour. In our interview, Dean talks about the experience rejoining the show after 5 years and the joy of getting to rediscover the character that saw him woo audiences and critics alike in the West End. A seasoned performer with credits on Aladdin, From Here to Eternity and Passion, Dean tells us how this show feels more relevant than ever and how it feels particularly special now being able to tell this story to audiences up and down the country.  We also spend some time delving into the legacy of Rodgers & Hammerstein as a renaissance of their work seems to be happening with successful revivals of Oklahoma and South Pacific recently. Dean also tells us about his experience working with Tony winning director Bartlett Sher and shares his reasons for why he thinks this production has been so successful.

In this new interview, Dean John-Wilson also opens up about his career as a vocal coach with VCA - a company helped establish in 2015 where he offers coaching sessions to aspiring performers. He remains humble about his career beginnings as he shares his own experiences of how having coaches and mentors in his own career have helped him enhance his mindset. Over the years, he's also developed a reputation for his physical fitness - similarly offering classes to students wanting to lose weight or gain muscle mass. As he now returns to the role of Lun Tha, he stresses how he feels it's important to be able to show people it's possible to be performing full time whilst also running an online business. As the interview closes, he shares his own  hopes for the future and continues to encourage aspiring performers to make their dreams a reality by making bold choices.

The King and I continues its UK Tour till 2024 before commencing a West End run at Dominion Theatre.

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Over the last 2 decades, Laura Rogers has worked consistently as a hugely dynamic actress on both stage and screen. Her latest role sees her playing Clementine "Clemmie" Churchill in Jack Thorne's new play: When Winston Went to War with the Wireless at the Donmar Warehouse. In this interview, Laura talks about exploring the world of 1926 Britain and the foundations of the BBC. She talks about her personal admiration for Clemmie who was known as a rod of steel and the "backbone to Winston", and what it's been like working opposite Adrian Scarborough's Winston. This is the first time Laura has worked with Adrian and also the first time she has played the Donmar Warehouse which she describes as a very special institution. On this production, Laura is also reuniting with director Katy Rudd whom she worked with on the National Theatre's acclaimed production of The Ocean at the End of the Lane. Here, we're given a fascinating insight into the rehearsal process and she shares her excitement at bringing the piece to audiences when the show opens.

In our very special interview, Laura Rogers also gives her take on politics today and how they perhaps differed to in 1926. In a time where various industries are striking and the BBC is again under much scrutiny, we hear Laura talk about the parallels between the events of 1926 and to that of 2023. We also hear Laura praise the work of Jack Thorne as she discusses how unique and epic his writing is and why this piece seems so well-suited to the Donmar Warehouse. After Arts Council England announced it would be withdrawing funding for Donmar Warehouse, there's been great concern about the future of the theatre industry, a concern which Laura shares. However, she also feels assured that the Donmar will continue to thrive as she shares her hopes for the future of the industry. She talks about the family-feel of working at the Donmar and also expresses her admiration for Michael Longhurst as he prepares to step down from his role as Artistic Director. It's a truly fascinating listen and we look forward to seeing her portrayal of Clemmie when the show opens.

When Winston Went to War with the Wireless runs at the Donmar Warehouse from 2 June - 29 July with tickets available now.

With thanks to Kate Morley PR.

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After spending close to a decade with the  Royal Ballet School, Ellie Young's transition into Musical Theatre has been one that has wowed both her peers and herself. In this new interview, Ellie talks about her ballet roots and what it's like joining the company of one of the West End's biggest shows. As Meg Giry, Ellie gets to revisit some of her ballet skills, dancing across the newly renamed His Majesty's Theatre. But this is the first time audiences will get to hear her sing solo, act and of course close the show. A clearly multi-talented and very versatile performer, it was fascinating to hear her talk about her journey into the West End post-Covid and how she has no regrets about diverting from her original ballet path.

In this interview, Ellie also talks about her experience performing on the Cats International Tour. She looks back at the hurriedness of her initial audition and how the "stars aligned" when she was given time to attend the audition and then got to travel around the world with one of the most beloved shows. Throughout our conversation, Ellie remains very humble however pointing out that she has taken singing lessons to ensure the standard of her voice matches that of her peers too. As she now continues to tread the boards eight times a week in Phantom of the Opera, she looks ahead with great optimism that is truly inspiring.

Phantom of the Opera is currently booking at His Majesty's Theatre until March 2024

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A recent graduate from LAMDA, Ned Costello has been making quite the impact on the theatre scene. Since his debut understudying Nero in the Lyric Hammersmith's production of Britannicus last year, Ned has gained a reputation for playing being one of few young actors truly able to capture the essence of a theatrical villain. He's currently preparing to open the Park Theatre's highly anticipated revival of Philip Ridley's Leaves of Glass where he will play the central character of Steven. After a period of playing to large houses like the Lyric Hammersmith and Nottingham Playhouse, this will also mark a return for Ned performing in an intimate studio space with the play arriving at Park Theatre's PARK90 auditorium.

In their first major interview, Ned Costello opens up about the past year - stepping onto the Lyric Hammersmith stage last minute to play the legendary Roman Emperor Nero and then playing opposite Olivier Award winners Adrian Scarborough and Sophie Thompson in The Clothes They Stoop Up In. His debut has excited audiences and his peers as anticipation grows around Leaves of Glass. Throughout our interview, he shares his unwavering enthusiasm for the industry that he's joined. After finishing a Politics and International Relations degree at University of Bristol, his transition to acting was perhaps not unexpected after spending some time with NYMT - he even shares he was mentored by West End leading lady Alex Young! When we ask him if he'd be interested in returning to musicals, he immediately sprites up - expressing his love for Standing at the Sky's Edge and Cabaret which have opened to huge acclaim. Nevertheless, Ned Costello remains one of the most exciting new actors to emerge onto the stage and we look forward to Leaves of Glass and anything he does next.

Leaves of Glass plays at Park Theatre on 11 May - 3 June and tickets are available now.

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Ahead of the opening of Breeding at the King's Head Theatre, Barry McStay sat down to talk about his latest play and why he felt compelled to tell Eoin and Zeb's story. He opened up about the experience of working at the King's Head following his earlier play Verspertillio being part of the theatre's Plays on Film season in 2021. Forming part of Tom Ratcliffe's guest Queer Interrogation season at the King's Head Theatre, Breeding is a story about a gay couple looking into adoption and the real life challenges that come with this. As an openly gay man himself, Barry tells us about his own personal experiences coming to London from Ireland and developing work as both an actor and a writer that authentically reflected the realities of being in the LGBTQ+ community. In this interview, he also praises the King's Head for continuing to bravely tell unconventional stories that provide a platform for queer writers and actors that powerfully move audiences.

Since starting his career, Barry McStay has performed on both stage and screen with his plays staged at the VAULT Festival, Dublin Fringe Festival and Galway International Festival. Breeding will mark the first time Barry has also performed in his own play but he insists the show is not autobiographical. Instead, he states that the show is his way of reclaiming a narrative that has been traditionally told from the view of heterosexual couples. A proud advocate for gay rights, stories and representation, audiences should expect to be wowed by his latest work which promises to challenge and entertain everyone who buys a ticket.

Breeding runs at King's Head Theatre from 19 April - 7 May with tickets available now!

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For many musical theatre fans, Rob Houchen represents a pinnacle in musical theatre talent. Since he made his debut as Marius in Les Miserables, Rob has established an enviable career as one of the West End's finest leading men taking on roles like Fabrizio in The Light in the Piazza and Joe Cable in South Pacific. As well as being highly sought after actor though, Rob Houchen is also one of the most exciting young producers after establishing West End Does / Chorus Presents, staging sell-out concerts at venues like Cadogan Hall featuring some of the West End's most popular stars. One highlight was producing a 30th anniversary concert of personal favourite: Children of Eden with the blessing of composer Stephen Schwartz and also brought together original cast members: Ruthie Henshall and Ray Shell. Here, Rob also made his directing debut and audiences got an insight into another talent of the multi-talented actor. Now, he is currently preparing to star in a new musical theatre concert: At Last, It's Summer, where he will also be making his London Palladium debut before also returning to Cadogan Hall for West End Does: Hollywood The Sequel.

In this special interview, Rob Houchen opened about the last decade in his career on the West End, both as an actor and as a producer. We get to see a personal side to Rob as well, as he opened up about his relationship with fellow actor Jack Butterworth as well as his past struggles with body image and a difficult relationship with food. Rob also shared his thoughts on audience behaviour and his experiences with fans in the past. Still, he shares his gratitude for all of his experiences during his career and remains ambitious for the future. After turning 30 during the pandemic, he seems to have found a new sense of security within himself and looks forward to new challenges ahead as well as setting new goals for his career. 

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Over the last decade, Celinde Schoenmaker has cemented herself as the West End's favourite soprano taking on roles like Christine in The Phantom of the Opera, Fantine in Les Miserables and Franca in The Light in the Piazza. Now, Celinde is taking on the role of Sarah Brown in the Bridge Theatre's new immersive production of Guys & Dolls. Since the show premiered on Broadway, the show has experienced numerous revivals, a film adaptation and this latest production has received rave reviews from critics and audiences alike. Celinde will also soon be returning to the role of Lara in Doctor Zhivago at the London Palladium following 2 sold out concerts at Cadogan Hall in 2019. On top of her work in musical theatre, Celinde was also seen in the Golden Globe winning film Rocketman starring opposite Taron Edgerton and Richard Madden and was also recently in Hong Kong Love Story. More recently, she also got engaged to fellow actor Richard Fleeshman who is currently starring in Marjorie Prime and we get to hear her express her excitement at being able to work at the same time as her partner.

In this special interview, Celinde looks back over the last ten years of her luminating career.  Throughout the conversation, she seemed genuinely humbled by her experience of being able to play in some of the world's biggest shows as well as being given the opportunity to recreate one of the most iconic roles in the musical theatre canon.  Musical theatre fans will be familiar with her crystal clear soprano and be delighted with her unique portrayal of the passionate and loveable Sarah Brown. Celinde also praises Nicholas Hytner's vision for creating such a brilliant experience for Bridge Theatre's audiences and encourages other theatre creatives to be more innovative with their productions as immersive shows become more popular. It's a fascinating discussion and we get to really feel the warmth of Celinde's character as she reflects over her life and career as she optimistically looks forward to new opportunities ahead.

Guys & Dolls is playing at the Bridge Theatre until 2nd September and Doctor Zhivago plays at the London Palladium on 7th May.

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After finishing in the final 12 for SSSPOTY (Stephen Sondheim Society Performer of the Year) awards, Cassius Hackforth has continued to make a name for himself within the industry. Shortly after the performing at the final, Cassius was announced to be joining the company for the Charing Cross Theatre's production of From Here to Eternity. It was here where he was reunited with SSSPOTY winner Desmonda Cathabel and he got to make his professional West End debut. Earlier this year, Cassius also joined headed to Guildford to play Peter in the premiere production of Alex Parker and Katie Lam's The Railway Children. In both shows, Cassius demonstrated an enthusiasm and determination to succeed in an industry which can be very unpredictable. Indeed, he charmingly admits to regularly writing to writers, directors and producers to express his desire for work.

In one of his first ever interviews, Cassius Hackforth sat down to reflect on his recent successes - making his West End debut and being competing as a finalist at SSSPOTY. He revealed his love for screen work too having recently completed work on a  short film: Move On Up and getting to play speaking role in the upcoming Indiana Jones film. We also get to hear Cassius open up about his struggles too - namely his battle with anorexia and admitting the difficulties of gaining work in the industry. After receiving an eating disorder diagnosis during his training at Trinity Laban, he sought treatment and bravely came forward about his experience hoping to inspire more people to come forward about their struggles. There's something quite remarkable about Cassius' love for performing and we are sure there'll be further opportunities to watch him on stage or on screen going forwards.

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Many will know Lewis Cornay as the two Johns in Southwark Playhouse's revival of John and Jen which recently played a 30th anniversary concert at 54 Below in New York. What many may not know is that Lewis Cornay has been performing for the best part of 20 years having been a child actor in shows such as Mary Poppins and The King and I. Since graduating from Guildford School of Acting, Lewis has been a powerful force in the industry, starring in The Book of Mormon on the West End, She Loves Me at Sheffield Crucible as well as performing in his own shows: Lewis Cornay and Friends and The Curious Case of Lewis Cornay. As a writer, Lewis' writing debut arrived at Seven Dials Playhouse at the end of last year with Daddy Issues starring Bebe Cave.

In this exclusive interview, Lewis Cornay opens up about his career and what it has been like juggling being an actor, writer and composer. He discusses his love for theatre and why certain projects like She Loves Me and John and Jen have meant so much to him. We hear him frankly discussing challenges that the theatre is facing too with the current socio-economic climate and why it still feels like a blessing to be in a job. Later this year, Lewis will also be reuniting with Christie Bhima on SpongeBob the Musical which will tour the U.K. before a run at Queen Elizabeth Hall. It’s a fascinating interview with a fascinating figure in the industry who’s name we can expect to hear a lot more of in the coming years.

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