Lauren Samuels News

This Autumn, Lauren Samuels (Bend it Like Beckham, BBC's Over the Rainbow, Grease), Ashleigh Gray (Wicked, Cool Rider) and Lizzy Connolly (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Xanadu) star in the European debut of Vanities, a classic American story. This brand new production features never before seen material with all new direction and choreography from Racky Plews (Footloose, American Idiot).

The capital is never short of theatre temptations, whether big West End shows, epic dramas or bold fringe offerings. From two theatrical titans taking on Pinter to the RSC in London and an unusual dining experience, here are some of this month's most eye-catching openings. Don't forget to check back for BroadwayWorld's reviews...

Lauren Samuels became a household name thanks to BBC reality show Over the Rainbow, and has since had starring roles in Bend It Like Beckham, Grease and We Will Rock You in the West End and The Last Five Years at Tabard Theatre. Now, she's joining Ashleigh Gray and Lizzy Connolly in the European debut of American show Vanities: The Musical at Trafalgar Studios, directed and choreographed by Racky Plews. It follows the travails of three friends as they go from from cheerleading and sororities to jobs, families and hard-won wisdom.

West End Stars Kieran Brown, Lauren Samuels and Siobhan Dillon, patrons of the Birmingham Institute of Theatre Arts, are gearing up to support the part-­time performing arts school as they stage Jason Robert Brown's teen rock musical, '13' at Redditch Palace Theatre in September.

The award-winning charity football match LES MISERABLES v THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is returning for The Decider!

This Autumn, Lauren Samuels (Bend it Like Beckham, BBC's Over the Rainbow, Grease), Ashleigh Gray (Wicked, Cool Rider) and Lizzy Connolly (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Xanadu) star in the European debut of Vanities, a classic American story. This brand new production features never before seen material with all new direction and choreography from Racky Plews (Footloose, American Idiot).

After their smash hit Olivier Award nominated musical Loserville, Busted's James Bourne and award winning writer Elliot Davis team up with critically acclaimed Youth Music Theatre UK for a third time to present electrifying new show What I Go To School For - the Busted musical!

London 2012. The world is watching. Can the city deliver the greatest Olympics ever? Pulling the strings is media mogul, broadcaster and puppet master, Jeremiah Peachum. Together with his star of the show, Lockitt, the Mayor of London, they are perfectly placed to capitalise on Team GB's gold and drive their political agenda across the finish line.

For their 30th album release, SimG Records have announced their new concept album Ms. A Song Cycle, created in aid of MS Society UK. The aim is to increase awareness and raise funds for this brilliant charity and worthwhile cause.

We talk to one of the West End's favourite leading ladies about her work with the John Wilson Orchestra, their new album of Gershwin repertoire, the UK tour of Guys and Dolls - and all the concerts she has lined up!

BWW reviewer Natalie O'Donoghue reports on her time on the red carpet for the 2016 Olivier Awards!

It's our Olivier Awards liveblog! We updated the coverage all through Sunday, with reports live from the red carpet, plus tweets and pictures. Miss any of it? Catch up right here...

London 2012. The world is watching. Can the city deliver the greatest Olympics ever? Pulling the strings is media mogul, broadcaster and puppet master, Jeremiah Peachum. Together with his star of the show, Lockitt, the Mayor of London, they are perfectly placed to capitalise on Team GB's gold and drive their political agenda across the finish line. Enter satirical street busker Macheath and his gang of dissenters 'The Ninety Nine Percenters'...

Casting has been announced for The Buskers Opera, a brand new musical from the pen of Dougal Irvine (Departure Lounge, The Snow Queen, Britain's Got Bhangra), which will open at Park Theatre on 28 April and play until 4 June, with a press night on 5 May.

Bend It Like Beckham The Musical recently extended booking at the Phoenix Theatre to 5 March 2016 when the show will then play its final performance at the end of the cast's year-long contract.  Rehearsals began for the critically acclaimed production in March 2015 with a company led by Natalie Dew as Jess and Lauren Samuels as Jules.  The Producers are currently finalising both national and international touring offers including a tour of India visiting multiple stadia.

Today (14 December) Jamie Muscato joins the cast of Bend It Like Beckham The Musical to play coach Joe alongside Natalie Dew as football crazy Jess and Lauren Samuels as Jules, a player with the Harriers, a local women's football team. Sophie-Louise Dann plays the role of Paula with Jamal Andreas as Jess' good friend Tony. Preeya Kalidas plays Pinky, Jess' sister, with Tony Jayawardena and Natasha Jayetileke as her parents, Mr and Mrs Bhamra.  

From 14 December 2015 Jamie Muscato joins the cast of Bend It Like Beckham The Musical to play coach Joe alongside Natalie Dew as football crazy Jess and Lauren Samuels as Jules, a player with the Harriers, a local women's football team.Sophie-Louise Dann plays the role of Paula with Jamal Andreas as Jess' good friend Tony. Preeya Kalidas plays Pinky, Jess' sister, with Tony Jayawardena andNatasha Jayetileke as her parents, Mr and Mrs Bhamra.