Carrie Dunn - Page 32

West End theatres have confirmed their safety certificates are up to date following last night's ceiling collapse at the Apollo.

Seven people have been seriously injured after a ceiling collapse at the Apollo Theatre tonight. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is currently playing at the venue.

There was always going to be a great atmosphere at this gig. One of London's newest and best performance spaces - and just across the road from the Apollo Victoria - the St James Studio played host to Louise Dearman's Christmas cabaret, entitled 'The Perfect Year', and showcasing ner new album 'It's Time' as well as some of her festive favourites.

The West End's Ratty on reprising his role as a 'dashing, debonair, rakish, river rodent', Sir Tony Robinson, and rodents running up his leg.

What do our stage stars remember most fondly from 2013? In this first part of our yearly round-up from some of our favourite performers, see what they say!

The UK editor-in-chief reflects on the ups and downs of West End theatre in 2013. So, another busy year in the West End - and a busy year for BWW:UK. I've been the editor-in-chief of BWW:UK for nearly five years now, working closely with our US newdesk (and dealing with that inconvenient time difference), and overseeing our ever-expanding reviewing squad (as well as our London writers, we also have a team at the Edinburgh Festival every year, and regional reviewers in cities around the UK including Glasgow, Birmingham, Sheffield and Bristol).

'We're having such fun!' enthuses Sharon D Clarke. She sounds remarkably perky for someone who's just started the traditional gruelling British panto schedule. But then the Hackney Empire panto isn't your usual panto.

From Here To Eternity - the Musical released its very first full length theatrical trailer, showcasing the array of memorable songs, stunning sets and exotic costumes in the production.

Theatre Royal Bath Productions presents a new production of THINGS WE DO FOR LOVE written by Alan Ayckbourn and directed by Laurence Boswell, at the Theatre Royal Bath from Wednesday 16th- Saturday 26th April 2014, followed by a UK tour (details be to be announced). Making her UK stage debut, NATALIE IMBRUGLIA will play Nikki Wickstead, the victim of a classic Ayckbourn love triangle in a long-awaited revival of one of the most popular plays of the nineties. Further casting to be announced.

Join Mouse on an adventurous journey through the deep, dark wood in Tall Stories' magical, musical adaptation of The Gruffalo, based the award-winning picture book by Children's Laureate Julia Donaldson MBE and Axel Scheffler.

As Keeler continues its run at the Charing Cross Theatre, Stephen Ward is preparing to open just up the road. Alexander Hanson is taking the title role - and in Andrew Lloyd Webber's new musical, Ward is presented as a much more sympathetic chap than the shadowy svengali that's entered into popular legend...

Including the Dr Seuss stories Green Eggs and Ham, Horton Hears a Who! and The Cat in the Hat, this family-friendly musical by Tony and Drama Desk Award winning team Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens and co-conceived by Monty Python's Eric Idle returns for a second year at the Arts Theatre. A cast of 12 tell the story of Horton the Elephant and the tiny world of Who, interwoven with other madcap Seuss characters who pop up to help and hinder Horton and the Who he heard.

In the final part of our Russell Watson interview, he talks about his plans for an international tour in 2014, and the experience of working with Claude-Michael Schonberg.

Dominic Thorburn answers our tough questions - he's just joined the cast of the comedy hit One Man Two Guvnors. Fired from his skiffle band, Francis Henshall becomes minder to Roscoe Crabbe. But Roscoe is really Rachel, posing as her own dead brother - who's been killed by her boyfriend Stanley Stubbers. Francis spots the chance of an extra meal ticket and takes a job with one Stanley Stubbers - but to prevent discovery, he must keep his two guvnors apart. Simple.

It's a thundery, soggy afternoon when I speak to Robert Lonsdale; we've both, weirdly, had the same experience of getting caught in the rain earlier in the day, running from our respective physio appointments to shelter from the seasonal storm. He sounds on good form, though; and why wouldn't he be?

Voting closed for the 2013 BWW:UK Awards at 12 noon today. The West End's leading new musicals were battling in out in their categories - and now Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Once, The Book of Mormon and The Bodyguard must sit tight to see who wins.

We talk to the British tenor about his forthcoming album, collaborating with the creators of Les Miserables. Watson's new album, Only One Man, is out now.

It's still tight at the top of all the BWW:UK 2013 Award categories! Your votes can still make a difference as The Book of Mormon, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Once all battle it out for the musical theatre prizes.

Voting closes on Friday for this year's BWW:UK Awards! The Book Of Mormon, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Once all look set to win for the musicals - and Hadley Fraser may pick up a special double award for his performances in a musical and a play.

The first part of UK editor-in-chief Carrie Dunn's chat with the tenor…