In The Frame: Theatre Interviews from West End Frame

Brandon Lee Sears is about to head off on tour as Donkey in the brand new production of Shrek The Musical.

He most recently starred as Jimmy Early in the first ever UK & Ireland tour of Dreamgirls to tremendous acclaim.

Brandon's theatre credits also include: understudy Squip in Be More Chill (Shaftesbury), standby in Come From Away (Phoenix), understudy Big Bud Dean & Veronica's Dad in Heathers (Theatre Royal Haymarket), understudy Berry Gordy in Motown the Musical (Shaftesbury) and On the Town (Regents Park).

On screen, Brandon's credits include Artemis Fowl and Cinderella (Disney) as well as Marriage of Reason and Squalor (Sky Arts) and Greta (Metropolitan Films).

Follow Brandon on Instagram: @brandonleesears
Visit Brandon's website: www.brandonleesears.com

Shrek tours the UK & Ireland from 21st July, opening at the Theatre Royal Plymouth. Visit www.shrekuktour.com for info, tour dates and tickets.

Hosted by Andrew Tomlins
@AndrewTomlins32

Thanks for listening!

Email: [email protected]
Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.

Brandon Lee Sears is about to head off on tour as Donkey in the brand new production of Shrek The Musical.

He most recently starred as Jimmy Early in the first ever UK & Ireland tour of Dreamgirls to tremendous acclaim.

Brandon's theatre credits also include: understudy Squip in Be More Chill (Shaftesbury), standby in Come From Away (Phoenix), understudy Big Bud Dean & Veronica's Dad in Heathers (Theatre Royal Haymarket), understudy Berry Gordy in Motown the Musical (Shaftesbury) and On the Town (Regents Park).

On screen, Brandon's credits include Artemis Fowl and Cinderella (Disney) as well as Marriage of Reason and Squalor (Sky Arts) and Greta (Metropolitan Films).

Follow Brandon on Instagram: @brandonleesears
Visit Brandon's website: www.brandonleesears.com

Shrek tours the UK & Ireland from 21st July, opening at the Theatre Royal Plymouth. Visit www.shrekuktour.com for info, tour dates and tickets.

Hosted by Andrew Tomlins
@AndrewTomlins32

Thanks for listening!

Email: [email protected]
Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.

Teddy Hinde is currently starring as Mike Teavee in the first ever UK and Ireland tour of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Based on the novel by Roald Dahl, Charlie and Chocolate Factory has a book by David Greig, music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Mark Shaiman and Scott Wittman. This new production is directed by James Brining and designed by Simon Higlett.

Having graduated from Trinity Laban in 2022, Teddy made his professional debut in Anyone Can Whistle by Stephen Sondheim and Arthur Laurents at the Southwark Playhouse.

Teddy is trans and proudly speaks up for trans rights whilst calling for better representation for trans people in theatre. In this episode, Teddy discusses landing the role of Mike Teavee and his path in theatre so far, as well as all things transness and queerness.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is touring the UK and Ireland until January 2024, including a run at the New Wimbledon Theatre 21st June - 1st July. Visit www.charlieandthechocolatefactory.co.uk for info and tickets.

Hosted by Andrew Tomlins
@AndrewTomlins32

Thanks for listening!

Email: [email protected]
Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.

Teddy Hinde is currently starring as Mike Teavee in the first ever UK and Ireland tour of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Based on the novel by Roald Dahl, Charlie and Chocolate Factory has a book by David Greig, music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Mark Shaiman and Scott Wittman. This new production is directed by James Brining and designed by Simon Higlett.

Having graduated from Trinity Laban in 2022, Teddy made his professional debut in Anyone Can Whistle by Stephen Sondheim and Arthur Laurents at the Southwark Playhouse.

Teddy is trans and proudly speaks up for trans rights whilst calling for better representation for trans people in theatre. In this episode, Teddy discusses landing the role of Mike Teavee and his path in theatre so far, as well as all things transness and queerness.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is touring the UK and Ireland until January 2024, including a run at the New Wimbledon Theatre 21st June - 1st July. Visit www.charlieandthechocolatefactory.co.uk for info and tickets.

Hosted by Andrew Tomlins
@AndrewTomlins32

Thanks for listening!

Email: [email protected]
Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.

Olivier nominee Rachel John is In The Frame for an extra special episode!

Rachel is currently starring as August in the UK premiere of The Secret Life of Bees at the Almedia Theatre. Adapted from Sue Monk Kidd's novel, the musical has a book by Lynn Nottage, music by Duncan Sheik and lyrics by Susan Birkenhead.

Taking us back to the civil rights era of the American South, The Secret Life Of Bees follows an unlikely pair who flee their small town and seek salvation at a remote honey bee farm run by the remarkable Boatwright sisters.

Rachel made her professional debut in The Legend of the Lion King at Disnleyland Paris and went on to join the West End productions of The Lion King and Sister Act.

After understudying Meat and Killer Queen on the first UK & Ireland tour of We Will Rock You, Rachel transferred to the West End production as Meat, becoming the first black actor to play the role.

Rachel went on to play Mimi in Rent (UK Tour) and after a run as the alternate Felicia in the original West End cast of Memphis, she took over the role from Beverley Knight. Next up, Rachel played Nicki and covered Rachel in The Bodyguard (UK & Ireland Tour / West End / Toronto).

In 2017, Rachel was cast as the original Angelica Schuyler in the West End premiere of Hamilton, receiving an Olivier nomination and tremendous acclaim for her performance.

Most recently, Rachel played Mrs Neilsen in Girl From The North Country (West End / Toronto), The Ghost of Christmas Present in A Christmas Carol (Old Vic) and Songs for a New World (London Palladium). Last year Rachel released her debut solo album, From My Lips To Gods Ear.

In this episode, Rachel delves into The Secret Life of Bee, reflects on why We Will Rock You was a massive turning point in her career and explains her unique path into theatre via the corperate world.

Make a cup of tea, grab a biscuit and strap yourself in!

The Secret Life of Bees runs at the Almedia Theatre until 27th May 2023. Visit www.almeida.co.uk for info and tickets.

Hosted by Andrew Tomlins
@AndrewTomlins32

Thanks for listening!

Email: [email protected]
Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.

Olivier nominee Rachel John is In The Frame for an extra special episode!

Rachel is currently starring as August in the UK premiere of The Secret Life of Bees at the Almedia Theatre. Adapted from Sue Monk Kidd's novel, the musical has a book by Lynn Nottage, music by Duncan Sheik and lyrics by Susan Birkenhead.

Taking us back to the civil rights era of the American South, The Secret Life Of Bees follows an unlikely pair who flee their small town and seek salvation at a remote honey bee farm run by the remarkable Boatwright sisters.

Rachel made her professional debut in The Legend of the Lion King at Disnleyland Paris and went on to join the West End productions of The Lion King and Sister Act.

After understudying Meat and Killer Queen on the first UK & Ireland tour of We Will Rock You, Rachel transferred to the West End production as Meat, becoming the first black actor to play the role.

Rachel went on to play Mimi in Rent (UK Tour) and after a run as the alternate Felicia in the original West End cast of Memphis, she took over the role from Beverley Knight. Next up, Rachel played Nicki and covered Rachel in The Bodyguard (UK & Ireland Tour / West End / Toronto).

In 2017, Rachel was cast as the original Angelica Schuyler in the West End premiere of Hamilton, receiving an Olivier nomination and tremendous acclaim for her performance.

Most recently, Rachel played Mrs Neilsen in Girl From The North Country (West End / Toronto), The Ghost of Christmas Present in A Christmas Carol (Old Vic) and Songs for a New World (London Palladium). Last year Rachel released her debut solo album, From My Lips To Gods Ear.

In this episode, Rachel delves into The Secret Life of Bee, reflects on why We Will Rock You was a massive turning point in her career and explains her unique path into theatre via the corperate world.

Make a cup of tea, grab a biscuit and strap yourself in!

The Secret Life of Bees runs at the Almedia Theatre until 27th May 2023. Visit www.almeida.co.uk for info and tickets.

Hosted by Andrew Tomlins
@AndrewTomlins32

Thanks for listening!

Email: [email protected]
Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.

[AD] For more information about the British Youth Music Theatre's camps, visit www.britishyouthmusictheatre.org and click ‘camps’ or email BYMT [email protected]. Enter the word ‘podcast’ at checkout for £25 off!

Olivier nominee Claire Machin recently joined the West End production of Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theatre as Madame Thénardier.

Claire has history with the show, having made her West End debut as a swing and understudy for Eponine at the Palace Theatre before returning once before as an understudy for Madame Thénardier.

In 2017, Claire received an Olivier nomination for her performance as Cora in the West End production of The Girls. She recently completed her run as Mrs Brill in the West End revival of Mary Poppins, having previously been in the original cast.

Some of Claire's other theatre credits include: Whore/Claire in Amour (Charing Cross), Violet Butterfield in Flowers for Mrs. Harris (Chichester Festival Theatre), Alice Beane in Titanic (UK Tour & Charing Cross), Rosie in Mamma Mia! (Cyprus), Barbara Castle in Made in Dagenham (Queens Theatre), Mamma Gladys in the original cast of Memphis (Shaftesbury Theatre), Mabel in The Pajama Game (Chichester & Shaftesbury Theatre), Mrs. Metcalf in Betty Blue Eyes (Novello Theatre), Widow Corney in Oliver! (Theatre Royal Drury Lane & UK Tour), Tim’s Mother & Asphynxia in Salad Days (Riverside Studios), Mamie Eisenhower in First Lady Suite (Union Theatre), Ms Darbus in High School Musical (Churchill Theatre & UK Tour), Clara Eynsford Hill in My Fair Lady (Theatre Royal Drury Lane) and Charlotte in Oliver! (London Palladium).

Claire also performed her one woman show An Old Fashioned Love Story at the New London Theatre and has also been involved in various workshops supporting new writing. On screen, she appeared as Grandma Who in The Grinch Musical (NBC) and the film adaptation of Les Misérables (Working Title Films).

Les Misérables is booking at the Sondheim Theatre until 2nd March 2024. Visit www.lesmis.com for info and tickets.

Hosted by Andrew Tomlins
@AndrewTomlins32

Thanks for listening!

Email: [email protected]
Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.

Olivier nominee Claire Machin recently joined the West End production of Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theatre as Madame Thénardier.

Claire has history with the show, having made her West End debut as a swing and understudy for Eponine at the Palace Theatre before returning once before as an understudy for Madame Thénardier.

In 2017, Claire received an Olivier nomination for her performance as Cora in the West End production of The Girls. She recently completed her run as Mrs Brill in the West End revival of Mary Poppins, having previously been in the original cast.

Some of Claire's other theatre credits include: Whore/Claire in Amour (Charing Cross), Violet Butterfield in Flowers for Mrs. Harris (Chichester Festival Theatre), Alice Beane in Titanic (UK Tour & Charing Cross), Rosie in Mamma Mia! (Cyprus), Barbara Castle in Made in Dagenham (Queens Theatre), Mamma Gladys in the original cast of Memphis (Shaftesbury Theatre), Mabel in The Pajama Game (Chichester & Shaftesbury Theatre), Mrs. Metcalf in Betty Blue Eyes (Novello Theatre), Widow Corney in Oliver! (Theatre Royal Drury Lane & UK Tour), Tim’s Mother & Asphynxia in Salad Days (Riverside Studios), Mamie Eisenhower in First Lady Suite (Union Theatre), Ms Darbus in High School Musical (Churchill Theatre & UK Tour), Clara Eynsford Hill in My Fair Lady (Theatre Royal Drury Lane) and Charlotte in Oliver! (London Palladium).

Claire also performed her one woman show An Old Fashioned Love Story at the New London Theatre and has also been involved in various workshops supporting new writing. On screen, she appeared as Grandma Who in The Grinch Musical (NBC) and the film adaptation of Les Misérables (Working Title Films).

Les Misérables is booking at the Sondheim Theatre until 2nd March 2024. Visit www.lesmis.com for info and tickets.

Hosted by Andrew Tomlins
@AndrewTomlins32

Thanks for listening!

Email: [email protected]
Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.

[AD] For more information about the British Youth Music Theatre's camps, visit www.britishyouthmusictheatre.org and click ‘camps’ or email BYMT [email protected]. Enter the word ‘podcast’ at checkout for £25 off!

Mary Moore is currently playing Debbie in the official Take That musical Greatest Days which is touring the UK and Ireland.

Featuring the music of Take That and a book by Tim Firth, Greatest Days follows a group of five best friends in the 1990’s who are obsessed with their favourite boy band. The girls reunite more than 20 years later with a plan to see their heartthrobs one last time in what could be the Greatest Days of their lives.

Last summer Mary starred as Jan in the West End revival of Grease (Dominion Theatre). Her credits also include No Limits (Turbine Theatre) and Bring It On (Southwark Playhouse). They played Amy March in Little Women (Park Theatre) and Eva Gottel in The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (Southwark Playhouse).

On screen Mary has appeared in Doctors, as well as the live filmings of Little Women and The Sorcerer’s Apprenctice.

Greatest Days opens at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley on 6th May and tours the UK and Ireland through to November 2023, with further dates to be announced. Visit www.greatestdaysmusical.com for info and tickets.

Hosted by Andrew Tomlins
@AndrewTomlins32

Thanks for listening!

Email: [email protected]
Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.

Mary Moore is currently playing Debbie in the official Take That musical Greatest Days which is touring the UK and Ireland.

Featuring the music of Take That and a book by Tim Firth, Greatest Days follows a group of five best friends in the 1990’s who are obsessed with their favourite boy band. The girls reunite more than 20 years later with a plan to see their heartthrobs one last time in what could be the Greatest Days of their lives.

Last summer Mary starred as Jan in the West End revival of Grease (Dominion Theatre). Her credits also include No Limits (Turbine Theatre) and Bring It On (Southwark Playhouse). They played Amy March in Little Women (Park Theatre) and Eva Gottel in The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (Southwark Playhouse).

On screen Mary has appeared in Doctors, as well as the live filmings of Little Women and The Sorcerer’s Apprenctice.

Greatest Days opens at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley on 6th May and tours the UK and Ireland through to November 2023, with further dates to be announced. Visit www.greatestdaysmusical.com for info and tickets.

Hosted by Andrew Tomlins
@AndrewTomlins32

Thanks for listening!

Email: [email protected]
Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.