In The Frame: Theatre Interviews from West End Frame

Pippa Cleary is In The Frame!Pippa is the only British female composer to have had three musicals produced in the West End - My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do?), The Great British Bake Off Musical and The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾.  Over her 16 year career, Pippa has worked in theatre, TV, animation, pop and advertising. She wrote the first original opening number for the 2023 Olivier Awards performed by Hannah Waddingham.One of Pippa’s latest projects is Treasure Island: A New Musical Adventure which she is writing with Jake Brunger. The show is premiering at the Bristol Old Vic, directed by Paul Foster, for a festive run later this year. Pippa made her West End performing debut in Rob Madge’s show Regards To Broadway which featured their original song 'All In Good Time'.In this episode Pippa had just returned from NYC and spoke all about My Son’s A Queer's run at New York City Centre and the journey she and Rob Madge have been on with the show. Pippa also discusses Treasure Island as well as where we’re at with new musicals in the UK, the path of her career and lots more. Treasure Island: A new Musical Adventure runs at Bristol Old Vic 4th December – 10th January. Visit www.bristololdvic.org.uk for info and tickets. This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. 

Amara Okereke is In The Frame!Amara is playing She in Echo by Susan Eve Haar at the King's Head Theatre. Following runs in Edinburgh and New York, Echo has opened in London directed by Abigail Zealey Bess. The psychological thriller delves into the ethics of reproductive technology, the performance of intimacy and the terrifying beauty of being made.Amara made her West End debut as Cassie in 13 The Musical. She went on to train at Arts Ed and then won Best Actress in a Musical at the 2018 Stage Debut Awards for her adult West End debut as Cosette in Les Misérables.Amara’s other theatre credits include Laurie in Oklahoma! (Chichester Festival Theatre), Polly in The Boyfriend (Menier Chocolate Factory) and Wendla in Spring Awakening (Almeida). Amara starred as Eliza Dootlittle in the West End revival of My Fair Lady (London Colesium). She has made West End history twice as the first black actress to play both Cosette and Eliza Doolittle.More recently Amara played Stella in A Streetcar Named Desire (Sheffield Crucible). Her film and television credits include The Morning After (Amazon), Red Rose (BBC/Netflix), The Choral (Sony) and In The Lost Lands (Constantin Films).In this episode Amara speaks about the whirlwind process of Echo and why she’s loving "weirding people out"! She also delves into her incredible career, discussing some of the major roles she has played, life as a soprano and making history as the first black Cosette and Eliza Dootlittle.Echo runs at the Kings Head Theatre until Sunday 17th August. Visit www.kingsheadtheatre.com for info and tickets. This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. 

Roshani Abbey is starring as Jean Leslie & Others in the West End production of Operation Mincemeat.Operation Mincemeat premiered on the London Fringe at the New Diorama Theatre in 2019. The show quickly gained a devoted following, and played sold out runs at Southwark Playhouse and Riverside Studios. The musical transferred to the West End in 2023, winning Best New Musical at the Olivier Awards. In addition to its London run, Operation Mincemeat is also playing on Broadway and will soon launch a world tour, opening in Salford next February.Roshani's theatre credits include: Tahlia the Beautiful in Sleeping Beauty (Broadway Theatre Catford), Soloist in Criterion Theatre 150th Anniversary Gala (Criterion Theatre), Marie in In Clay in Concert (The Other Palace), Lucy/cover Juliet in &Juliet (Shaftesbury Theatre), Rumi: The Musical (Concept album / London Coliseum) and Ensemble/cover Louise in Gypsy (Royal Exchange). She played Peggy/Maria in the West End production of Hamilton and went on to become a standby for all three Schuyler Sisters. Earlier this year Roshani returned to Hamilton to star as Eliza for a limited run on the UK & Ireland tour. In this episode Roshani discusses the whirlwind of joining Operation Mincemeat, their journey with the show so far and why it’s such a special moment. Roshani also reflects on their path into theatre after studying Mathematics at Imperial College and talks about their history with Hamilton - and lots more pops up along the way!Operation Mincemeat runs in the West End at the Fortune Theatre. Meanwhile the show continues on Broadway and is about to launch a world tour. Visit www.operationmincemeat.com for info and tickets. This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. 

Taylor Bradshaw is in the ensemble of the London revival of Brigadoon by Frederick Loewe and Alan Jay Lerner. Directed and choreographed by Drew McOnie, the show opens next month at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre where Taylor previously performed in La Cage aux Folles.Taylor made his West End debut in Mamma Mia! (Novello Theatre). His other theatre credits include: How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (Southwark Playhouse), 42nd Street (Théâtre du Châtelet, Paris), Spring Awakening (Almeida Theatre) and South Pacific (Chichester Festival Theatre). He was also in the Barbie movie (Mattel Films/Warner Bros).Most recently Taylor was in the original cast of the UK & Ireland tour of Hamilton. Recorded during a break from rehearsals, in this episode Taylor discusses when he fell in love with Brigadoon, why he’s over the moon to be working with Drew McOnie and how his Scottish accent is coming along. Taylor also talks about the path of his career, what has surprised him along the way and why he unapologetically LOVES musical theatre.Brigadoon runs at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre 2nd August – 20th September. Visit www.openairtheatre.com for info and tickets.This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. 

Chelsea Halfpenny is starring as Tracy in the brand new musical Maiden Voyage at Southwark Playhouse Elephant. Written by Mindi Dickstein and Carmel Dean, the show brings to life the true story of the first all-female sailing crew in the Whitbread Round the World Race.Chelsea started out her career in the world of television, playing roles in Casualty and Emmerdale. She made her West End debut as Judy in 9to5 at the Savoy Theatre and went on to star as Jenna in the UK & Ireland tour of Waitress. On screen, Chelsea has also played roles in Grantchester, The Good Ship Murder, Vera and Inventing The Ripper. Recorded as rehearsals for Maiden Voyage were coming to an end, in this episode Chelsea discusses why she was drawn to the show, what it's like to be part of an original cast and why she fell in love with the score. She also talks about her path into theatre and how she conquered singing 'Get Out And Stay Out' and 'She Used To Be Mine' in 9to5 and Waitress. Maiden Voyage runs at the Southwark Playhouse Elephant 19th July - 23rd August. Visit www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk for info and tickets. This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. 

Shanay Holmes is starring as Nancy in the West End revival of Oliver!. The new production has been reconceived by Cameron Mackintosh, with direction and choreography by Matthew Bourne and co-direction by Jean-Pierre van der Spuy. Shanay opened with the show last summer at Chichester Festival Theatre before transferring to the Gielgud Theatre in London where Oliver! continues to play.Shanay recently played Ellen in Miss Saigon (Sheffield Theatres) and created the role of Cindy Breakspeare in Get Up Stand Up! (Lyric Theatre).After making her professional debut in Thriller Live (Lyric Theatre), Shanay went on to become the youngest person to ever play Rachael Maron in The Bodyguard (Adelphi Theatre). Her theatre credits also include: Close To You (Criterion Theatre), Jesus Christ Superstar (Open Air Theatre), Joanne in the 20th anniversary production of Rent (UK Tour/The Other Palace), Glinda in The Wizard of Oz (Birmingham Rep), Narrator in Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Kilworth House), Marian in The Bridges of Madison County (Menier Chocolate Factory) and Laura in High Fidelity (Turbine Theatre).Alongside her performing career, Shanay is a producer and the co-founder of West End Musical Productions. Shanay and her husband Chris Steward are the masterminds, creators and producers of Musical Con, the world's biggest musical theatre fan convention. Musical Con returns for a fourth time this October at the ExCeL Centre. They also produce West End Musical Brunch, a plethora of West End Musical concerts and a variety of other projects. Shaney originally did the third episode of this podcast and has co-hosted The West End Frame Show a couple of times, but this is her first time back In The Frame for six years!In this episode, Shanay takes a deep dive into her journey with Oliver!; she reflects on how she has tackled such an iconic role and made it her own. She also discusses what plans are bubbling away for Musical Con and reflects on the path of her career over the past few years (and lots more pops up along the way!). Olivier! runs at the Gielgud Theatre. Visit www.oliverthemusical.com for info and tickets. Musical Con returns to the ExCeL Centre 18th-19th October 2025. Visit www.musicalcon.co.uk for info and tickets. This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. 

Maria Omakinwa is playing Mrs Neilsen in Girl from the North Country.Written and directed by Conor McPherson with music and lyrics by Bob Dylan, the Olivier Award winning show has returned to the Old Vic for another run. Maria is no stranger to Girl from the North Country, having previously performed in the West End production and UK tour. Maria has worked at the Old Vic previously, appearing in A Christmas Carol and Sylvia. Her theatre credits include Tina: The Tina Turner Musical (West End/Theatre Royal Sydney), Show Boat, The Bodyguard and Avenue Q (West End), A Monster Calls and Soul Sister (UK Tour), One Love: The Bob Marley Musical (Birmingham Rep), Grimm Tales for Young and Old (Bargehouse) and Little Shop of Horrors (Kilworth House Theatre). Maria also appeared in the film adaptation of Matilda The Musical (Netflix). In this episode Maria discusses her history with Girl from the North Country and what makes it such a special piece to perform. She also talks about her journey into theatre and some of the shows she has been in along the way.Girl from the North Country runs at the Old Vic until 23rd August. Visit www.oldvictheatre.com for info and tickets. This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. 

Aaron Lee Lambert is playing Agustín Magaldi in Jamie Lloyd’s West End revival of Evita.Written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, Evita is running at the London Palladium starring Rachel Zegler as Eva Peron.Aaron worked with Jamie Lloyd ten years ago when he was in the UK premiere of Urinetown at the Other Palace and Apollo Theatre. He was part of the original West End cast of Hamilton in 2017 as a standby for several of the Principal roles, and stayed with the show until earlier this year marking a seven-and-a-half year run.Some of Aaron's other theatre credits include: Unicorn (Other Palace), Sister Act (Curve Leicester/UK Tour), Sunset Boulevard (London Coliseum), Miss Saigon (Prince Edward), Sweeney Todd (London Coliseum), Sister Act (Aberystwyth Arts), Next Thing You Know (Landor), Shrek (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), Sister Act (London Palladium), Show Boat (Carnegie Hall), Meet John Doe (Goodspeed Opera House) and But the Giraffe/Brundibar (Yale Rep/New Victory, Off-Broadway).Recorded as Evita previews came to an end ahead of press night, in this episode Aaron reflects on returning to work with Jamie Lloyd, the rehearsal process and what it’s been like to share the stage with Rachel Zegler. He also discusses his seven year journey in Hamilton and the path of his career in musical theatre.Evita runs at the London Palladium until 6th September 2025. Visit www.evitathemusical.com for info and tickets.This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts. 

Ricardo Afonso is playing Gomez in The Addams Family.With a book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice and music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, The Addams Family launches a new national tour in July for a limited summer season. Ricardo is starring opposite Alexandra Burke as Morticia in the production which is directed by Matthew White and choreographed by by Alistair David.Ricardo is celebrated for his iconic performances as Galileo in We Will Rock You (Dominion Theatre) and Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar (Barbican Theatre, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre & Royal Arena Denmark).Some of his other credits include: Cardinal Dalla Costa in Glory Ride (The Other Palace), Zorro/Don Diego de La Vega in Zorro (Cadogan Hall), Lead Vocalist in The Classic Rock Show (UK & Europe Tour), Frankie Belize in Carmen (London Workshop), Taxi Driver in Women On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown (Playhouse Theatre), Lead Vocalist in The Don Black Songbook (UK Tour), Alberto Beddini in Top Hat (Aldwych Theatre & UK Tour), Lead Vocalist in Thriller Live (Lyric Theatre), Lead Vocalist in The Wonderful World of Captain Beaky and His Band (Royal Albert Hall), Lead Vocalist in Strictly Come Dancing: The Professionals (UK Tour), Willie Lopez in Ghost (London Workshop) and Lead Vocalist in The Night of 1000 Voices (Royal Albert Hall).Alongside his theatre work, Ricardo is a guest entertainer onboard the luxury cruise line Seabourn, having produced his own shows A Life Through Song and Icons. Ricardo is the lead vocalist of The Deccan Traps band and has extensive concert and recording credits. He also runs a performing arts academy and previously appeared on The Voice UK.In this episode, Ricardo discusses why he's excited to be playing Gomez as well as how he fell into musical theatre and his key memories and learnings from We Will Rock You and Jesus Christ Superstar. The Addams Family tour opens at the Birmingham Hippodrome on 10th July before visiting Curve Leicester, Lowry Salford, Marlowe Canterbury and Blackpool Opera House. Visit www.theaddamsfamily.co.uk for info, tour dates and tickets.This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins @AndrewTomlins32 Thanks for listening! Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.