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Killian Donnelly

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Killian Donnelly BIO

Donnelly has appeared in many different roles around Ireland and has also directed and written shows. His first theatre role was in 2005 where he featured in the chorus of The Wireman at the Gaiety Theatre, Dublin. He then continued to play Rod in Singin' in the Rain and Ethan in The Full Monty, both at the Olympia Theatre, Tony in West Side Story at the Solstice Theatre, Aladdin in Aladdin and Collins in Michael Collins: A Musical Drama, both at the Cork Opera House, Prince Charming in Cinderella at the Gaiety Theatre, Dublin and Chorus in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street at the Gate Theatre.

In 2008, he joined the West End production of Les Misérables as a swing and, as a member of the cast, was part of the Les Misérables concert with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra on the Isle of Wight. He became second cover Javert and Enjolras in the following season of 2009/10, during which time he also performed the lead role of Jean Valjean as an emergency cover multiple times. With the following cast change he was promoted to principal Enjolras and was officially listed (and performed) as third cover Valjean. He eventually finished in Les Misérables on 18 June 2011.

Donnelly's next role was Raoul in Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty's Theatre. During this time, he also featured in commercials for McDonald's and Jameson Whiskey, and appeared on such television shows as The Tudors, The Open House, The Late Late Show and Showbands. He later performed in You Should Be Dancing at the National Concert Hall.

On 3 October 2010, Donnelly played the role of Courfeyrac in the 25th Anniversary Concert of Les Misérables at The O2 Arena in London. He also played the role of Combeferre in the film of the show, released in 2012.

On 12 November 2012, Donnelly took over the role of Tony in Billy Elliot The Musical at the Victoria Palace Theatre.

On 20 August 2013, it was confirmed that Donnelly would originate the role of Deco in the West End Musical The Commitments from 21 September. The following year Donnelly began playing the role of Huey in Memphis from 9 October 2014 for which he was nominated as Best Actor in a Musical in the 2015 Olivier Awards

On 23 April 2015, it was announced that Donnelly would play Charlie in the West End production of the musical Kinky Boots, at the Adelphi Theatre. The first preview was on 21 August 2015. On 29 February 2016 Donnelly was nominated as Best Actor in a Musical at the 2016 Olivier Awards. He left the show on 13 August 2016 and moved back to Ireland to play Jackie Day in Donegal, a new play by Frank McGuinness.

On 6 December 2016, he made his Broadway debut, reprising the role of Charlie Price in Kinky Boots.

On 12 June 2017, Donnelly returned to the West End production of Les Misérables to play the lead role, Jean Valjean, subsequently reprising the role in the 2018 tour in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

On 29 February 2020, he returned to The Phantom of the Opera, this time playing The Phantom on the 2020 UK Tour. Due to the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, the tour was closed just a few weeks into its run at Curve, Leicester, ending Donnelly's run as the Phantom on tour.

On 4 December 2020, it was announced that Donnelly would reprise the role of The Phantom in the West End production of The Phantom of the Opera when it was scheduled to reopen in June 2021. After two and a half years in the role, Donnelly performed his last show as The Phantom on 3rd February 2023.

On 31 October 2023, Donnelly rejoined Les Misérables in the new West End production at the Sondheim Theatre reprising his role of Valjean for 15 weeks.

Donnelly is set to perform at the 10th-anniversary concert of the Made in Dagenham musical at the London Palladium in March 2024.

Killian Donnelly Photos

Killian Donnelly STAGE CREDITS

[West End]
West End Revival, 2021
Jean Valjean [Replacement]

[West End]
Original London Production, 2021
Raoul [Replacement]

The Phantom [Replacement]

[West End]
West End, 2015
Charlie Price

[West End]
West End Premiere Production, 2014
Huey Calhoun

[West End]
West End Original Production, 2013
Deco

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2013
Charlie Price [Replacement]

[West End]
Original London Production, 2005
Tony [Replacement]

[West End]
Original London Production, 1985
Jean Valjean [Replacement]


Killian Donnelly Awards and Nominations

Olivier Awards - 2016 - Best Actor in a Musical

Killian DonnellyKinky Boots

Evening Standard Awards - 2015 - Best Musical Performance

Killian DonnellyKinky Boots

Olivier Awards - 2015 - Best Actor in a Musical

Killian DonnellyMemphis The Musical

Killian Donnelly Videos

Killian Donnelly News


West End Star Bradley Jaden Makes His US Debut At Sony Hall This June


West End's Bradley Jaden makes his US debut at Sony Hall on June 3rd with a special guest, a three-time Tony Award winner.

Bradley Jaden Sells Out Cadogan Hall and Adds Second Date


Due to demand, West End Superstar Bradley Jaden has added a second London date to his first ever international solo concert tour. The new performance is on 15 June.

Bradley Jaden Will Perform in Concert at Cadogan Hall


West End Superstar Bradley Jaden will play a very special London concert at Cadogan Hall on Friday 14 June as part of his first ever international solo concert tour, BRADLEY JADEN LIVE IN CONCERT.

London Theatre Week - See over 50 Award-Winning Musicals and Plays with Tickets from £15, £25 or £35


London Theatre Week is the West End’s biggest promotion, giving you the chance to see over 50 amazing award-winning musicals and stunning plays with tickets from £15, £25 or £35

Peter Duncan Joins Pixie Lott and Bonnie Langford in MADE IN DAGENHAM Concert; Full Cast Revealed!


Full casting has been announced for the 10th Anniversary Concert of MADE IN DAGENHAM at the London Palladium on Saturday 16 March 2024.

Alfie Boe, Killian Donnelly, Michael Ball & Bradley Jaden to Lead LES MISERABLES Arena Tour


Alfie Boe and Killian Donnelly will share the role of Jean Valjean and Michael Ball and Bradley Jaden will share the role of Javert in the UK, leading a cast and orchestra of over 65 in the forthcoming World Tour of LES MISÉRABLES THE ARENA SPECTACULAR. Learn more about the tour here including more about the cast, tour dates and more!

Video: Behind the Scenes of MADE IN DAGENHAM, Starring Pixie Lott, Killian Donnelly and Bonnie Langford


Pixie Lott, Killian Donnelly and Bonnie Langford lead the cast of the 10th Anniversary Concert of Made in Dagenham. In an all new video, get a first look as the cast meet for the first time.

Peter Joback and Milan van Waardenburg to Join LES MISERABLES at the Sondheim Theatre


New casting has been announced for LES MISÉRABLES at the Sondheim Theatre, with Swedish star, Peter Jöback and Dutch leading artist, Milan van Waardenburg taking on the role of Jean Valjean respectively in the critically acclaimed production. 

Bonnie Langford Joins MADE IN DAGENHAM Concert


Stage and screen legend Bonnie Langford will play ‘Barbara Castle’ in the 10th Anniversary Concert of Made in Dagenham at the London Palladium on Saturday 16 March 2024. She joins the previously announced Pixie Lott and Killian Donnelly in this highly anticipated one-off show, directed by Shaun Kerrison. Further casting will be announced at a later date.

Photos: See New Production Images of LES MISERABLES in the West End


Check out new production photos of Les Miserables in the West End!

MY FAVORITE THINGS Concert, Featuring Audra McDonald, Julian Ovenden, Aaron Tveit, and More, Will Come to Cinemas This February


CinemaLive has announced a new season of musical events to play in 475 cinemas across the UK and Ireland in 2024, including My Favorite Things, starring Audra McDonald, Julian Ovenden, Aaron Tveit, and more. Check out the full slate here!

Pixie Lott and Killian Donnelly Will Lead 10th Anniversary Concert of MADE IN DAGENHAM


Pixie Lott and Killian Donnelly will lead the cast of the 10th Anniversary Concert of MADE IN DAGENHAM at the London Palladium on Saturday 16 March 2024. Learn more about the concert and how to get tickets here!

Killian Donnelly to Return to LES MISERABLES as Jean Valjean For 15 Weeks Only


Killian Donnelly will return to LES MISÉRABLES as Jean Valjean in the production at the Sondheim Theatre. Learn how to purchase tickets!

KINKY BOOTS, FALSETTOS & More Among BroadwayHD's Pride Month Selections


BroadwayHD is delivering a variety of titles this June for viewers to stream featuring themes of acceptance, individuality, family dynamics, censorship, freedom of expression, and LGBTQ+ issues

London Theatre Week: Tickets from £35 for THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA


London Theatre Week: Tickets from £35 for The Phantom of the Opera Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera has returned to its home, Her Majesty’s Theatre London.

Interview: Jon Robyns and David Thaxton of LES MISERABLES Discuss Singing the Wrong Lines, Cast Camaraderie and the Show's Evolution


BroadwayWorld UK had the chance to interview David Thaxton and Jon Robyns, who currently play Javert and Jean Valjean respectively, in the iconic show Les Misérables. On a Zoom meeting from their dressing room, the two actors talked about their years of playing a variety of roles, their struggles with muscle memory, and what Les Mis means to them. 

Photos: THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Extends Booking; Releases All New Photos!


THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA at Her Majesty’s Theatre has announced a booking extension until Saturday 30 September 2023 and released new production photos.

DJ And Producer Supermini Releases Brand New Remix of 'THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA'


A brand new remix of The Phantom of the Opera, the title song from Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom of the Opera, one of the most successful and spectacular productions of all time, has been released on streaming platforms. 

Listen: THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA Global Edition Released, Featuring Complete Cast Recordings in 7 Languages


The Phantom of the Opera special Global Edition album has been released! Made up of 8 discs of complete cast recordings in 7 languages (including Korean, German, Swedish, Japanese and more). Listen here!

Killian Donnelly FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Killian Donnelly been in?

Killian Donnelly has appeared on Broadway in 1 shows.

How many West End shows has Killian Donnelly been in?

Killian Donnelly has appeared on London's West End in 8 shows.

What was Killian Donnelly's first West End show?

Killian Donnelly's first West End show was Les Miserables which opened in 1985

What awards has Killian Donnelly been nominated for?

Killian Donnelly has been nominated for several awards, including Best Actor in a Musical at the Olivier Awards for "Kinky Boots," Best Musical Performance at the Evening Standard Awards for "Kinky Boots," and Best Actor in a Musical at the Olivier Awards for "Memphis The Musical."

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