Broadway vs .The West End - celebrating actors

[Lorelai]

Posted: 8/12/03 at 6:45pm

While I was in London, I had the opportunity to see a few shows and I kind of got the feeling that Broadway actors and actresses are a bit more celebrated by the audience than they are in The West End. I was talking to someone that lives there and it seems that it takes movie or tv stars to get the audience to go to the stage door, and even then it's nothing like it is here (NYC). Case in point, I saw We Will Rock You and (as I posted previously) I was really impressed with Hannah Jane Fox and Kerry Ellis and I was surprised to find almost no information with them on the internet, whereas usually you can find some info or articles on Broadway actors. Anyone else have an opinion on this?

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 8/12/03 at 6:49pm

I think it might be, for some reason, that Broadway actors have more 'prestige' to some people. I remember hearing Josefina Gabrielle comment when Oklahoma! opened about how it was such an honor to be on Broadway and how much more nervous she was making her broadway debut than her west End debut and also how most actors in teh West End dream of 'crossing the pond' to work on Broadway because she says that broadway is where "the big boys play" Updated On: 8/12/03 at 06:49 PM

Posted: 8/12/03 at 7:50pm

I agree Broadwayguy2,
The London West End Artist can reach popularity much easier there then here.
Look at Ruthie Henshall, Maria Friedman, Elaine Paige and many guys too. Darren Day is one that comes to mind.

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 8/12/03 at 7:52pm

elaborating on your thought, the caliber of talent you see on broadway tends to be a lot higher to to the lager, more competitave talemnt pool in New York.

[jo]

Posted: 8/12/03 at 8:11pm

I wouldn't say that -- it's probably just natural curiousity ( exhibited also on Broadway) about movie celebrities which draw crowds. But good shows also abound which draw thick crowds, standing ovations, and stage door crowds -- without a film or TV celebrity in the leads. The only celebrity play I had seen recently was PROOF with Gwyneth Paltrow -- but other good Donmar( where Sam Mendes became the famous artistic director) shows had also been as much a sellout.

I have seen a lot more shows at the West End than Broadway in the last decade or so ( as I have visited London every year in the last 12 years or so)-- and the theatregoing audience come not just from greater London but from around the UK and many have been exposed to the theatre early on. It's not unusual to see a lot of children in the theatre ( including school field trips). Also, the West End seems to offer a greater variety in theatre fare - with a very active Royal National Theatre going through a very successful season with the new head, Nicholas Hyntner) - on Broadway, it's basically just the musicals which hog the limelight ( except for Take Me Out and Long Day's Journey...) these days.

But I agree that many West End actors dream of coming to Broadway ( look at Hugh Jackman )...Come to think of it - I have tickets for The Boy from Oz because he is very famous on film -- and also to seen him once again on stage ( which the West End gave me the opportunity a few years ago when I saw him perform the role of Curly in Oklahoma! ).

jo

[sharon1]

Posted: 8/12/03 at 8:55pm

But on the other hand many Broadway actors dream of performing in the West End. I also don't really know if one is more competitive than the other. I would think both would be highly competitive. But like anything else you want to try something different. Rock stars want to do dramas and musical comedy. Opera singers want to try rock. The list is endless. I am just grateful that in either London or New York I can spend my money on a wealth of good music, drama or comedy. Neither is best just different and great