Ruthie Henshall

“You’re going out a youngster, but you’ve got to come back a star!” Ever since the pandemic forced theatres to close, then threw their return into jeopardy as actor after actor tested positive for COVID, and performances were either cancelled or more cover than normal was called on at short notice, the importance of the understudy has been back at the forefront of theatregoers’ minds. This is one very good reason for a new production to be mounted, just four years after the Theatre Royal Drury Lane version closed its doors.

Actor Nicole-Lily Baisden is playing the role of Peggy Sawyer; fresh off the bus from small-town America, she arrives in New York City dreaming of her name in lights. Nicole-Lily spoke to BroadwayWorld about the necessary stamina she needs for this show within the show and what playing Peggy has taught her about herself.

See photos of the cast of 42nd Street arriving at Sadler’s Wells ahead of their first performance, where it will play until Sunday 2 July!

Production photos have been released from 42nd Street at Curve, Leicester ahead of playing Sadler’s Wells. The production plays at Curve, Leicester until Saturday 3rd June, followed by a season at Sadler’s Wells, London from Wednesday 7th June 2023.

See rehearsal photos for 42nd Street, playing Curve, Leicester and Sadler’s Wells!

​​​​​​​Samantha Womack will star as Dorothy Brock, alongside Michael Praed as Julian Marsh, Faye Tozer as Maggie Jones, Les Dennis as Bert Barry and Nicole-Lily Baisden as Peggy Sawyer in the UK tour of 42nd STREET.

The 2023 Olivier Awards have officially announced the shows performing in this year's ceremony. The Awards will take place on Sunday 2 April at the Royal Albert Hall, hosted by Hannah Waddingham. 

Magic Radio's Magic at the Musicals has added a further six theatre shows to its 2023 line-up. Learn more about the lineup here!

​​​​​​​Olivier Award-winning actress Ruthie Henshall will star as Dorothy Brock, alongside Olivier-nominee Adam Garcia as Julian Marsh, stage and TV personality Les Dennis as Bert Barry and Nicole-Lily Baisden as Peggy Sawyer in 42nd STREET at Curve, Leicester and Sadler's Wells.

Lionel Bart's Oliver! has been a household name since its premiere in 1960 but has not been seen on a New York City stage for nearly 40 years. While we await its return, study up on videos of some of the greatest performances of the show's most iconic anthem, Nancy's 'As Long As He Needs Me.'

The Broadway company of the Tony Award-winning, record-breaking hit musical Chicago will welcome back Bianca Marroquín, a longtime veteran of the show, in the role of “Velma Kelly” for a limited run beginning Monday, March 13 through Sunday, April 9 at the Ambassador Theatre (219 W. 49th St., NYC).

The cast has been announced for the world premiere of BERLUSCONI at Southwark Playhouse. Rehearsals begin on 13 February with first preview on 25 March and press night on 29 March.

Top stories include Jessica Chastain returning to Broadway in A Doll's House in 2023! Plus, Ruthie Henshall will open a drama school in London, Funny Girl will release a cast recording, and more!

 Ruthie Henshall has announced plans to open CAST, a new drama school offering a three-year diploma in Musical Theatre Industry Preparation; with its first intake in September 2023. 

Abingdon Theatre Company rang in their 30th anniversary at their annual gala on October 24 at The Edison Ballroom. Stars came out to celebrate Abingdon’s milestone 30th anniversary as ATC honored Legacy Award Recipient Tony Award winner David Zippel and ATC Board President DMW Greer. See photos from the event here!

Abingdon Theatre Company (Chad Austin, Artistic Director) has announced additional casting for their upcoming 30th Anniversary Gala on Monday, October 24 at The Edison Ballroom (240 W. 47th Street). The star-studded cast will be celebrating Abingdon’s milestone 30th anniversary as ATC honors Tony Award winner David Zippel and ATC Board President DMW Greer. 

Abingdon Theatre Company has announced casting for their upcoming 30th Anniversary Gala on Monday, October 24 at The Edison Ballroom. Stars will come out to celebrate Abingdon’s milestone 30th anniversary as ATC honors Tony Award nominee David Zippel and ATC Board President DMW Greer. 

Magic at the Musicals is returning to London's Royal Albert Hall this September, bringing you the most popular and celebrated shows from the West End, and it has been announced on Magic Radio Breakfast that Ruthie Henshall and Jason Manford will both be returning as hosts.

Alice Ellen Wright, best known for her performances as both Eponine and Fantine in the West End production of Les Misérables, and Luke Harley, renowned for his performances around the UK and internationally as Leo Bloom in The Producers and in Titanic, will join the cast of the Edinburgh production of the award-winning musical revue I Wish My Life Were Like A Musical.

When I first created the London Lifestyle Awards® back in 2009, one of the initial categories that I wrote on my A4 sheet of paper was ‘Theatre Show of the Year’. There were several reasons for doing this and, from the first awards in 2010 right up until this year, it has remained one of the most nominated and most voted for categories across the entire awards.