In The Frame: Theatre Interviews from West End Frame

Ellis Kirk is the alternate Frankie Valli in the new UK and Ireland tour of Jersey Boys.Featuring the music and story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, Jersey Boys has a book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, music by Bob Gaudio and lyrics by Bob Crewe. Directed by Des McAnuff and choreographed by Sergio Trujillo, the Tony and Olivier Award-winning musical tells the true story of the rise of one of the biggest bands in music history and has returned for a new UK and Ireland tour to celebrate its 20th anniversary.Ellis' theatre credits include Evan in Dear Evan Hansen (Asia Tour), alternate Marty McFly in Back to the Future (Adelphi Theatre), JD in Heathers (The Other Palace), understudy Dougal in Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York (Criterion Theatre), understudy Evan Hansen and Connor Murphy in Dear Evan Hansen (Noël Coward Theatre) and Dirk Lloyd in The Dark Lord (MTFest, The Other Palace).His television credits include Emmerdale, Jericho, Billionaire Boy and Hank Zipzer.In this episode, Ellis takes a deep dive into what it's like to be playing Frankie Valli, which is one of the toughest roles in musical theatre. He also reflects on his journey with Dear Evan Hansen, navigating life as an understudy, standby and alternate, the path of his career and more.Jersey Boys tours the UK and Ireland until August 2027. Visit www.jerseyboysmusical.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. 

Morgan Gregory is currently starring as Humanity in Hot Mess at The Other Palace.Written by Ellie Coote and Jack Godfrey, Hot Mess premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe before transferring to Southwark Playhouse. The musical has now returned for a limited season at The Other Palace, with Morgan joining the show to star alongside Danielle Steers. His theatre credits include the European premiere of Freaky Friday (HOME Manchester), Percy Jackson in The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical (The Other Palace), the world premiere cast of 42 Balloons (The Lowry), Newsies (Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre), Elf the Musical (Dominion Theatre) and the original West End cast of Back to the Future: The Musical (Adelphi Theatre).His screen credits include: Moki in The Power (Sister Pictures/ Amazon), You Bet! (ITV) and There Must Be An Angel (Corinthia Hotel London).In this episode, Morgan discusses all-things Hot Mess, including how his casting came about, why it’s such a unique piece to perform and what it's like to work opposite Danielle Steers. He also talks about his path into theatre, playing Percy Jackson and some of his other career highlights so far. Hot Mess runs at The Other Palace until 6th September. Visit www.theotherpalace.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. 

Natey Jones is starring as Ivan in The Harder They Come at Theatre Royal Stratford East.Following acclaimed runs in New York and London, Natey has returned to the role for the production's second season at Stratford East. His performance as Ivan was named West End Frame's Top Performance of 2025.Natey's theatre credits include Richard Bullock and Raymond Hill in Tina: The Tina Turner Musical (Aldwych Theatre), Get Up, Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical (Lyric Theatre), Death of a Salesman (Piccadilly Theatre), Small Island (National Theatre), Rockets and Blue Lights (Royal Exchange Theatre), Doctor Faustus, Don Quixote and The Alchemist (Royal Shakespeare Company), Romeo and Juliet (International Tour) and Tomorrow (White Bear Theatre). His screen credits include Casualty, Doctors, Father Brown, Waffle the Wonder Dog and Shakespeare Live! From the RSC.In this episode, Natey discusses returning to The Harder They Come and how his portrayal of Ivan has evolved across the show's different productions. He also reflects on the demands of the role, his journey into theatre via law school, why he doesn't consider himself a singer despite starring in major musicals, and lots more along the way.The Harder They Come runs at Theatre Royal Stratford East until 4th July. Visit www.stratfordeast.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. 

Tosh Wanogho-Maud is the alternate Lola in the West End revival of Kinky Boots.Tosh guest stars as Lola on Monday evenings at the London Coliseum, having previously played the role full-time on the European leg of the show's tour.Prior to joining Kinky Boots, Tosh starred as The Iceberg in the West End production of Titanique (Criterion Theatre). His theatre credits also include David Ruffin in Ain't Too Proud (Prince Edward Theatre), Ben E. King and Rudy Lewis in The Drifters Girl (Garrick Theatre), Jimmy "Thunder" Early in Dreamgirls (Savoy Theatre), Pharaoh in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Toronto), Little John in Robin Hood (London Palladium), Jud Fry in Oklahoma! in Concert (Theatre Royal Drury Lane), Reverend Hightower in Bat Boy in Concert (London Palladium), Buddy Foster in Side Show in Concert (London Palladium), Joe in Show Boat (Gillian Lynne Theatre), Mutumbo in The Book of Mormon (Prince of Wales Theatre), Young Simba in The Lion King (Lyceum Theatre) and Winston in Whistle Down the Wind (Aldwych Theatre).His screen credits include Man on Phone in Still Up (Apple TV+), Suitor in Bridgerton (Shondaland/Netflix), Husband in Roadkill (BBC One), Police Officer in A Discovery of Witches (Bad Wolf) and Pip in Jingle Jangle (Netflix). Marking his third time In The Frame, in this episode Tosh discusses returning to Kinky Boots and stepping into the heels of Lola in the West End. He talks about how he approaches the role and why it's meaningful to be embracing a different side of his identity onstage. Tosh also shares his thoughts on advocating for yourself in this industry, with lots of other reflections (and plenty of chaos!) popping up along the way.Kinky Boots runs at the London Coliseum until 11th July, with Tosh performing as Lola every Monday.Visit www.kinkybootslondon.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. 

Kayna Montecillo is playing Ocean in the London production of Ride The Cyclone.Following a record-breaking run at Southwark Playhouse last year, the cult musical is returning to London, with Kayna joining the cast as Ocean O'Connell Rosenberg.Kayna made her professional debut as Pearl in the original cast of the London revival of Starlight Express at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre. She subsequently took part in the workshop of Bliss and starred as Annabeth in the UK tour of The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical.In this episode, Kayna discusses joining Ride The Cyclone and why she's excited to be playing Ocean. She also talks about making her professional debut in Starlight Express, navigating the early stages of her career, her training and path into theatre, and lots more along the way.Ride The Cyclone runs at Southwark Playhouse Elephant 19th June - 22nd 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. 

Angela Marie Hurst is in her third year as the alternate Satine in the West End production of Moulin Rouge The Musical.Angela made her West End debut as a child, when she played Young Nala in The Lion King.Her theatre credits include: West Side Story (Salzburg), Rock Follies (Chichester Festival Theatre), Motown The Musical (Shaftesbury Theatre) and Tina: The Tina Turner Musical (Aldwych Theatre). In an incredible full-circle moment, Angela returned to The Lion King in the West End as an adult and understudied the role of Adult Nala.In this episode, Angela discusses what it's like to play Satine and why she loves being part of Moulin Rouge. She also talks about her path into theatre, going from Young Nala to Adult Nala, growing her confidence in singing and lots more. Moulin Rouge runs at the Piccadilly Theatre. Follow Angela on Instagram: @angemariehurstThis 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. 

Ryan Carter is coming to the end of his run as The Iceberg in the West End production of Titaníque at the Criterion Theatre.Ryan is a multi-faceted performer and creative. Prior to his run in Titaníque, Ryan starred as Jagwire in Bat Out Of Hell in the West End and on tour.His other theatre credits include: Motown The Musical (Shaftesbury Theatre), Choir Of Man (Edinburgh Fringe Festival), The Boyfriend (Menier Chocolate Factory) and The World Goes Round (Barn Theatre). Most recently, Ryan played Smokey Robinson and covered Eddie Kendricks in the West End production of Ain’t Too Proud (Prince Edward Theatre).As the Creative Producer of RyCa Productions, Ryan produced the acclaimed Refresh concerts, as well as a series of shows at Jack Solomons. Ryan was one of the Creative Directors for Turn Up London and was Creative Director of Digital Projects for The Barn Theatre, where he made the interactive concert The Secret Society of Leading Ladies and worked on Now Or Never by Matthew Harvey. He was the Casting Director for The Wiz at the Hope Mill Theatre and has also worked with Urdang. Ryan also does graphic design and creates and manages social media content for productions within the theatre industry, including the UK premiere of Ride The Cyclone and the reunion concert of Spring Awakening.In this episode, Ryan discusses landing his role in Titaníque and the impact of Bat Out Of Hell. He also delves into his work as a creative, explains why it is important for him to stand up for what he believes in and reflects on his path into theatre.Ryan plays The Iceberg in Titaníque at the Criterion Theatre until 7th June 2026. Follow him on Instagram: @ryanjesse95 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. 

Glenn Adamson and Lauren Jones are back In The Frame!Glenn and Lauren are starring as John and Barbara in the UK premiere of Dark of the Moon at the Charing Cross Theatre. The show is described as a "supernatural tale of powerful witchcraft, small-town prejudices and the power of love".Glenn’s theatre credits include Strat in Bat Out of Hell (West End, UK, & International Tours), and Dave in Closer to Heaven (Turbine Theatre). He has also been seen as Theo in American Idiot (UK Tour), Rick in Bat Boy (London Palladium), and understudy Galileo in We Will Rock You at the London Coliseum.Lauren’s theatre credits include the title role in Rebecca (Charing Cross Theatre) and Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family (UK Tour). Her other roles include Little Fan in A Christmas Carol (The Old Vic), Trish and alternate Bonnie in Bonnie & Clyde (West End & UK Tour) and Kim in Scissorhandz (Southwark Playhouse). Dark of the Moon runs at the Charing Cross Theatre until 8th August. Visit www.darkofthemoonmusical.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.