Rona Kelly - Page 4

Helena Morais explains why people need to see this production right now, and shares just what being part of the Young Company has meant to her: 'It's not enough to just be in a certain space; it's to feel welcome in that space'.

Sharing what brings her back to this theatre time and time again, Olivia also reveals one of her first questions for director Blanche McIntyre, as well as her excitement for getting to take on a comedy.

With rehearsals underway for As You Like It, this is a formative time for Lucy in what is her first encounter with not only the play, but also the character. Talking ensemble and expectations, Lucy also shares her initial impressions of Rosalind, namely (and in her own words): 'How has she not been in my life before now?!'

The original cast recording of Marianne Elliott's acclaimed production of Company dropped mere hours ago. We caught up with Musical Director Joel Fram once again, to take you behind the scenes of how the cast album was made.

This Christmas, an adaptation of The Boy in the Dress will play the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, penned by Mark with music and lyrics from Robbie Williams and Guy Chambers. As news of the musical broke, we spoke to Mark about adapting the text, and his own favourite books from childhood.

As news of the West End transfer of Fiddler on the Roof broke, we chatted to Judy Kuhn and Andy Nyman to get their reactions, share their journeys with the show, and lift the lid on married life onstage.

With two months left, Musical Director Joel Fram speaks to us about developing the show with Elliott and Sondheim, how the show continues to change across the run, and working with the very special company of Company.

With rehearsals for All About Eve underway, Monica Dolan shares her excitement for taking on a similar role of direct address (playing both Karen and a narrator). She also gives an insight into working with Ivo van Hove, and adapting the classic 1950's film for the stage.

An icon of the theatre world, Chita Rivera comes to London next month to play Cadogan Hall for just two concerts. Talking to her about returning to her 'second home', Chita also shares what audiences can expect from the concerts, as well as her journey from having 'never seen a Broadway show' to being presented with the 2018 Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre.

The Tragedy of King Richard the Second marks the Almeida's first National Theatre Live, broadcasting to audiences around the world on 15 January. We spoke to actor Leo Bill and caught up with Camera Director Tony Grech-Smith, to find out how those onstage and those behind the scenes (and screens) prepare.

Music sits very much at the heart of director Rebecca Fracknell's vision of Summer and Smoke, the stage surrounded by pianos. Giving us an insight into how that world is created on stage, actor Forbes Masson also shares how that music continues offstage with a certain cast tradition.

'Forget, forgive, conclude and be agreed...' Sure, the Almeida's The Tragedy of King Richard the Second is one you won't soon forget, thanks to stand out performances from Simon Russell Beale and Leo Bill. Even staunch devotees of the original text will be able to forgive Jeff James' edit, which lifts and drives the piece. But to conclude: it's unlikely that all will agree on Joe Hill-Gibbins' chaotic and sometimes polarizing vision.

Discussing how relevant the play is to not only our time but this very week, Saskia Reeves also shares the joys of working on Shakespeare with Declan Donnellan and Joe Hill-Gibbins, 'directors who have real imagination and love the text and storytelling'.

Straight off her win for Best Actress in a New Production of a Play at BroadwayWorld's UK Awards, Patsy Ferran shares what it's like to have a character in your head for that long a time. Taking us through how her own impressions of Alma have changed, she also reveals just how Alma has changed her too.

Having recently worked on a number of musicals (including the acclaimed Half a Sixpence), Rachel Kavanaugh returns to the RSC for a play which has some ghosts of the past and present. Sharing some of her earliest experiences with theatre, Rachel reveals what it's like to work alongside a figure from then, and what audiences can expect from this show now.

The Royal Shakespeare Company brings their latest season to the Barbican this Winter, made up of Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth and The Merry Wives of Winter. A number of the cast appear in one or two of these shows; Stevie Basaula features in all three, taking on more than ten roles.

The Tell-Tale Heart marks Tamara Lawrance's third appearance at the National Theatre. Reuniting with writer Anthony Neilson, Tamara gives us an insight into his rehearsal rooms, how they've adapted originally a six page story, and what audiences can expect from the play.

Chatting to the teams at the Prince Edward Theatre (Aladdin) and the Theatre Royal Haymarket (Heathers the Musical), both explained how being 'a people person' is so key to the role. In addition to being the eyes and ears of the theatre, in a way they're the heart of it too, a sentiment echoed by others in the buildings...

Kathryn Hunter returns to the Royal Shakespeare Company to take on the titular role in Timon of Athens. Simon Godwin's production marks the first time this play has been staged with a female lead at the RSC. Kathryn, however, is no stranger to taking on such parts.

Fiddler on the Roof returns to the London stage this Winter. Trevor Nunn's already sold out production is currently in rehearsals, before it opens at the Menier Chocolate Factory. Playing Yente, Louise Gold shares her journey across stage and screen, how the show resonates with her, and how she thinks it will resonate with London today.