Access London - Theatre Update

Welcome back to Access London and thank you for your continued support for this site and promoting disabled access and awareness.

Today's post is an update on some news from the West End theatre scene, including Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Love Never Dies, Phantom 25th and The Tempest.

Firstly is the slightly shocking and very disappointing news that Priscilla Queen of the Desert will be finishing its run at The Palace theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue at the end of the year! This well-loved show is upbeat, colourful, entertaining and has some great songs, cast and dancing in - the costumes are pretty fabulous too!

With a talented cast including Oliver Thornton, Richard Grieve, Don Gallagher, Mark Moraghan, Charlotte Riby, Gemma O'Duffy, Steve Cleverley, John Brannoch and many more, this is a night out not to be missed.....catch it before the Priscilla bus leaves the Palace at the end of 2011.

Access London will be watching Priscilla at the beginning of August and will post about it soon after, including a cast interview not to be missed.

The Palace theatre is accessible to those using a wheelchair or mobility scooter via a side entrance on Shaftesbury Avenue and then has level access into the back of the stalls. There is wheechair space at the back for those who cannot transfer otherwise, any aisle seat is transferable to in the stalls. There is also a disabled access toilet in the theatre.

To book Access Tickets please call: 0844 412 4648. For all general tickets, please call: 0844 412 4653.




Next is the news of another closure, this time for the Phantom of the Opera sequel, Love Never Dies, at The Adelphi Theatre on The Strand. Although this show opened to mixed reviews and went through some major rewrites in its first 6 months, it then established itself and has many loyal followers flocking to see it. With an outstanding cast led by Ramin Karimloo, Celia Graham and David Thaxton, Love Never Dies has some beautiful music and lyrics, great costumes, set and special effects, a host of circus style acrobatics and stunts and a heart-wrenching story with a dramatic ending.

I most definitely recommend a night out to see Love Never Dies before its disappointing closure on 27th August 2011. Access London recently had a two-post series on this show (in June) which included cast interviews, please scroll down to check these out. We will also be making one last trip to The Adelphi in August to see the show before its very premature closure.

The Adelphi is very accessible to those using a wheelchair or mobility scooter. The foyer has a fixed ramp up into it with an accessible toilet inside. From the foyer, there is level access into the back of the stalls which has a gentle rake down towards the stage. There is wheelchair space at the back otherwise, any aisle seat is transferable to.

To book Access tickets, please call: 0844 412 4648. For all general tickets, please call 0844 412 4653.




On a more positive note after all this talk of shows closing, Trevor Nunn's, The Tempest is opening at the Theatre Royal Haymarket on 27th August 2011 and has a limited run until 29th October 2011. It stars the iconic Ralph Fiennes as Prospero. With such a limited run, this show is one not to be missed this Summer/Autumn.

Theatre Royal Haymarket is accessible for those using a wheelchair or mobility scooter through a side door on The Haymarket. From here, it is level access to the back of the stalls where there is space for wheelchairs. If you can transfer then any aisle seat in the stalls will be accessible for you.

To book Access tickets, please call: 020 7930 8800. For all general tickets, please call: 0845 481 1870.


Finally, this week has seen the long awaited for release of tickets to see the 25th anniversary concert for Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall. There are to be 3 concerts spread over the weekend of the 1st and 2nd October 2011. Access London will be writing about access to the Royal Albert Hall in a later post and will be seeing the concert itself on 1st October. The concert will have a 250 strong orchestra and cast being led by Ramin Karimloo and Sierra Boggess.

With tickets in such great demand there have obviously been disappointments for those who missed out. However, the oringinal show at Her Majesty's Theatre on The Haymarket is one not to be missed. It has a fabulous current cast, led by John Owen Jones in the title role and Sofia Escobar as Christine Daae. Many believe the original is a hard one to beat and I happen to agree with them - stunning sets, costumes, music, lyrics, direction, story, cast and design leaves Phantom at Her Majesty's at the top if its game.

Her Majesty's theatre is accessible for those using a wheelchair or mobility sccoter via a side entrance on Charles II Street. This entrance leads past the accessible toilet and into the back of the stalls. There is wheelchair space here or alternatively, any aisle seat is transferable to.

Access London will be beginning its Phantom 25th celebrations shortly with weekly interviews with current, former and some origninal cast members so look out for our posts or check back regularly if you are a Phantom Phan!

To book Access tickets, please call: 0844 412 4648. For general tickets, please call: 0844 412 4653.




COMING SOON: London Eye, London Eye River Cruise, Miro Exhibition

Access London Supports National Transplant Week 2011

Thank you once again for your support towards Access London. This week Access London has been supporting National Transplant Week 2011 which runs from the 4th-10th July.



"It’s annoying when you have to wait for something, whether it’s your morning coffee, the bus or a parcel. Now imagine having to wait for something that your life depended on.... an organ.

This year’s National Transplant Week runs between 4th and 10th July and NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) are calling on the UK public to reduce the waiting times for a transplant by Signing up to the NHS Organ Donor Register."

On Monday I posted a video from Victoria Tremlett who has been on the waiting list for a double lung transplant for 4 years now. Victoria, or Tor as she likes to be known, is one of the bravest young ladies I know and is tireless in her campaign to get people to sign up to become an organ donar and become aware of the importance that donars play.

Signing up only takes minutes and you will do so in the knowledge that you will be saving lives.

Tor suffers from Cystic Fibrosis and her story is one of the most inspiring I've heard.

What is Cystic Fibrosis?

•Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is one of the UK's most common life-threatening inherited diseases.
•Cystic Fibrosis affects over 9,000 people in the UK.
•Over two million people in the UK carry the faulty gene that causes Cystic Fibrosis - around 1 in 25 of the population.
•If two carriers have a child, the baby has a 1 in 4 chance of having Cystic Fibrosis.
•Cystic Fibrosis affects the internal organs, especially the lungs and digestive system, by clogging them with thick sticky mucus. This makes it hard to breathe and digest food.
•Each week, five babies are born with Cystic Fibrosis.
•Each week, two young lives are lost to Cystic Fibrosis.
•Only half of those living with Cystic Fibrosis are likely to live past their late 30s.

Even though her illness takes up all her energy on a daily basis, Tor kindly took a little time out to answer some questions for Access London so we can all understand a bit more of the importance of signing up to be a donar....

AL: Can you tell us who you are and a bit about yourself?
VT: I'm Victoria Tremlett usually known as Tor, I'm 24 years old and suffer from the genetic condition Cystic Fibrosis. The disease has damaged my lungs to such an extent that I am in desperate need of a double lung transplant to save my life, without one I will die. For the last four years I have been waiting and hoping for that phone call that will not only save but completely transform my life. There are so many things I still want to do with my life but I am unable to now because my health is so poor, my mum has to do the most basic tasks for my such as washing and dressing and my lung function is now so poor I can barely leave my house. I live with the knoweldge that 50% of people waiting for a lung transplant do not get their transplant in time but I fight on because I'm not ready for life to be over yet. I absolutely adore musical theatre, plays and getting out and about in London and these are some of the things I miss most about my poor health. If I do get my transplant in time I would love to be a Westend actress one day.

AL: What is Cystic Fibrosis and how does it affect you?
VT: Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is the Uk's most common genetic condition. It's main symptom is the body producing thick, sticky mucus that clogs both the airways and digestive system. CF can also cause other problems in the body such as diabetes, liver disease, osteoporosis and arthritis to name a few. Every patient is different but most will end up needing a transplant at some stage in their life. CF has always been an ever present force in my life with regular hospital visits, daily regiemes of physio and endless tablets but I stayed relatively well throughout my childhood. In my teens the disease started to take a stronger hold and I was struggling with breathlessness much more. When I was 20 things came to a head when I collapsed on my way to work one day, I was rushed to hospital and placed on oxygen. I knew I wasn't going to bounce back from this setback, my body felt foreign to me. I was assessed for transplant and accepted onto the waiting list for lungs. Now my daily treatment regieme consumes most of my day, I take over 100 tablets a day, nebulisers, inhalers, a wheelchair to leave the house, oxygen 24/7, and place a naso-gastric tube every night to maintain my weight.

AL: This week is National Transplant Week 2011 in the UK - how important is this for those suffering with CF?
VT: As I mentioned before, transplant is a last chance option for most CF patients so organ donation is a very real issue to us. However anyone could potentially need a transplant one day, the fact is you are more likely to need an organ than to be able to donate one so the subject is relevant to everyone. No one knows what the future holds. If you needed an organ would you take one? If so then you should be willing to donate.

AL: What is the most important thing people can do this week to help you and others suffering with CF?
VT: The most important thing you can do is to sign up to the organ donor register and save lives like mine. One person can save up to 9 lives. It's so quick and easy to sign up, it takes less than 2 minutes. It's also really important to let your family know your wishes.

AL: For those who are already signed up as an organ donor, what else can they do to help?
VT: It would be great if people could pass on the links to my transplant appeal, I'm asking everyone to post it to their FB pages, send it in a tweet, write a blog or forward the links to their email contacts. By spreading the word you are literally saving lives, 3 people die each day waiting for an organ purely because not enough people are signed up to the donor register. Together we can change this statistic.

AL: If people are organising fundraising events and are looking for a charity to donate to, which is the best that helps support those suffering with CF?
VT: The Cystic Fibrosis Trust helps people with CF all over the UK and are working to find a cure for children born today with the disease.

AL: Any other messages or thoughts to readers of this interview?
VT: Thank you so much for your time and support. Transplant is quite literally a modern day miracle and by raising the profile of this issue we can transform lives.




If there's one thing you do today, please sign up to the organ donar register!

Thank you once again for taking the time to read this post everyone. This concludes Access London's posts on National Transplant Week.



COMING SOON: London River Cruise & The London Eye

Access London Supports National Transplant Week 2011

Welcome back to Access London everyone and once again, thank you all for your continued support for disability access and awareness in the capital.



Our posts today and Wednesday will differ a little from our usual ones - we are here to support the UK's National Transplant Week 2011 which is running from 4th July - 10th July.

There are currently over 7,500 people in the UK waiting for a transplant. 96% of us would take an organ if we needed one but only 29% of the population are on the Organ Donor Register.

Access London supports all types of disability access needs in London and many of those waiting on the transplant list require the support of disability access. More importantly though, they need your help by SIGNING UP TO THE ORGAN DONAR LIST. Please watch the video below that was recorded by and features a friend of mine, Victoria Tremlett, who suffers from Cystic Fibrosis and has been on the waiting list for a double lung transplant for four years now. Please, listen to her story....



I hope many of you found Tor's story as inspiring as I do. Tor is one of the bravest and sweetest people I know and she deserves the chance to have a life that she can live.

Tor is one of thousands of people on the transplant list, every one with their own story to tell, just like Tor's.

Please, if there is one thing that you do today, please sign up to be a donar and help give hope to thousands of people in this country.

The final part of our National Transplant Week posts will be live soon and will feature an interview with Tor.

Please go to the National Transplant Week website to SIGN UP TODAY

The Wizard of Oz & Cast Interview - Part 2

Welcome back to Access London, thank you once again for your continued support for disability access and awareness.

Today's post is the last in our 2-part series on Andrew Lloyd Webber's, The Wizard of Oz at The London Palladium.

Before Wizard hit the stage at the Palladium, there was a massive investment in the disabled access to this iconic venue. This is obvious in the newly decorated access corridor which is accessed next to the main entrance steps to the theatre on Argyll Street. There is a new lift which can take a mobility scooter or wheelchair, carer/companion and a member from the front of house team to the stalls level in the theatre. There are a couple of fairly shallow slopes along the way but, apart from those, it is level and flat access all the way to the back of the stalls.

The stalls themselves are on a slightly steeper rake (although certainly not the steepest I have seen at a London theatre). There are several spaces for wheelchairs at the back of the stalls where a carer/companion can sit in the same row. Or, if you can transfer out of your chair, any aisle seat in the stalls in accessible to you. Wheelchairs and scooters can be stored at the back of the stalls and someone can bring them to you at the end of the show. If you would like a drink at the interval, this too can be arranged to be brought to you at your seat. There is also an accessible toilet in the area that the wheelchairs and scooters are stored during the performance.

This is a fantastic night out for the whole family, kids young and old! It sees the winner of BCC1's Over The Rainbow, Danielle Hope, in the role of Dorothy (with the runner up, Sophie Evans playing Dorothy every Tuesday) and also Michael Crawford's return to the West End stage. For more information about the show itself, please scroll down to yesterday's post where you can also read an interview with Sophie Evans.



Access London has been lucky enough to catch up with a couple of cast members from Oz and today's Q&A is with Paul Keating who plays Hunk and The Scarecrow....

AL: How did you get the part of the Scarecrow? Was it a long audition process?
PK: I first heard about Wizard of Oz coming to the West End when I was asked to play the Scarecrow in a short workshop of the new script, nearly a year before the West End opening. The workshop lasted a week and was held at The Really Useful Group's offices in Covent Garden. The Director, Jeremy Sams, asked for me - although we'd never worked together before, he'd seen me in a couple of other shows. It was no guarentee of being in the final production, but flattering to be asked. Some months later, when auditions began for the West End cast, I was asked to come and do a couple of movement calls with Arlene Phillips. I think in the space of 10 days I did 2 dance calls and also had to sing for Andrew Lloyd Webber and the team (most of who had seen me in the workshop). A day or two later, I was offered the part.

AL: The Scarecrow's costume in the production is fantastic. How long does it take to get ready and in make-up?
PK: It's a quick change for me. I only have about 7 minutes to get out of Kansas costume and wig and into Scarecrow costume and make-up. It's got quicker with practice but, there's no time to relax. The make-up ladies who do my face for me are amazing. They make a possibly stressful moment feel calm and fun.



AL: Just as in the film version of Oz, the actors playing the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion also play Dorothy's family in Kansas. Does the rest of the production stay fairly true to the film or were you given the freedom to adapt things?
PK: I was given complete freedom to recreate the role which was brilliant. I read the book and liked the idea that the Scarecrow is only a matter of days old. I have tried to make him like Bambi - bounding around with energy and enthusiasm. I don't think he's stupid at all, just rather naive and unworldly. Jeremy, the director, has always been supportive and steered me in certain directions, but from my point of view I have felt able to do my own thing.
In terms of the production, I think the creative team have been really imaginative and inventive. There's lots of new things to enjoy in the show, but fans of the film won't be disappointed either, as the iconic moments we all know and love remain.

AL: The cast of Oz range from those who have been working in the business for many years to those whose first professional role this is. What is it like working in a company like this?
PK: I love it. There's always lots to learn when you're surrounded by people with more experience. It's also nice to feel you can offer support to those who are a bit newer to it all. I can certainly relate to Danielle, who has been thrust into the limelight. My first role was the title role of the West End production of Tommy, it was a baptism of fire. I hadn't been to drama school either and was picked from a series of 12 auditions. I loved it but was rather like a rabbit in the headlights alot of the time. She has so much maturity, confidence and skill, I'm a little bit in awe of her. I wish I had had a bit more of that when I was starting out at age 19.

AL: What is it like working on an Andrew Lloyd Webber production?
PK: It's a very exciting experience. There's a well-oiled machine at work from the very start, ensuring things run as smoothly as possible. They've so many productions under their belt at RUG that I have felt more confident than ever before that I am in a musical with the best possible chance of succeeding - commercially and artistically.

AL: If you could play any role(s) in musical theatre, what would it/they be?
PK: I have always dreamt of playing Che in Evita. It was one of the first musicals I ever saw. I think it's Andrew's best to date and would give anything to sing those songs.


Access London would like to offer a huge Thank You to Paul for taking the time to answer our questions, I hope you enjoyed reading his responses as much as I did.

To book Access tickets to see Wizard of Oz, please call: 020 7087 7960/0844 412 4648.



COMING SOON: The London Eye, London Eye River Cruise, Tate Britain, Access London celebrates 25 years of Phantom of the Opera.

The Wizard of Oz & Cast Interview - Part 1

Welcome back to Access London and thank you for your continued support for disability access and awareness.

Today's post is on Andrew Lloyd Webber's fabulously entertaining The Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium.

You may remember the BBC1 programme 'Over The Rainbow', hosted by Graham Norton that televised Lloyd Webber's hunt for a Dorothy for his new production of The Wizard of Oz. The show concluded with the people's choice of Danielle Hope taking the lead role of Dorothy and the show's runner up, Sophie Evans, as the alternate Dorothy. The show sees the return of Michael Crawford to the West End stage for the first time since he appeared in The Woman in White.

This show is one for the whole family - for children and adults of all ages who want an entertaining, lively and fun night out, experiencing a show with all the well-loved songs from the film of the same name. The sets are magical with a revolve that holds the Yellow Brick Road and Dorothy's introductions to her new friends on her journey to the Emerald City. Some of my favourites include the cornfields scene where Dorothy meets the Scarecrow, The Emerald City scenes and also the Munchkin Land set. The costumes too are very special - from Glinda's sparkly, princess gown to the Tin Man's squeaking joints.

The brilliant performances from both Dorothys, The Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Glinda, the Wicked Witch and of course Michael Crawford's numerous roles, including the Wizard are backed up by a talented ensemble who bring the larger scenes to life, filled with colour and laughs.

The London Palladium is located on Argyll Street - just off of Regent Street and close to Oxford Circus. Argyll Street itself has no kerbs and so access along it is straighforward. If you use a wheelchair or mobility scooter, The Palladium is brilliantly accessible - especially after its recent investment in disabled access. Front of house staff will be waiting outside and will let you in a side door (just next to the main entrance steps). Inside there is a shallow slope along a corridor to a lift that takes you and your carer/companion to the stalls level. The steward will guide you through the bar area and around to the back of the stalls. You will find an accessible toilet in this area too. The stalls are on a rake down towards the stage. There are several spaces for people who cannot transfer out of their chair. For those who can, any aisle seat will be accessible for you. The staff are all extremely helpful and will store your scooter or chair at the back of the stalls, bring you interval drinks and help you at the end of the show to exit.

To book access seats for you and a carer/companion and to discuss your access needs, please call: 020 7087 7960. For all other tickets and enquiries please call: 0871 220 0260

Access London has been lucky enough to speak with a couple of the cast members of the show and we are delighted to share their answers to our questions with you. Today's Q&A is with Sophie Evans, who was the runner up in Over The Rainbow and who plays Dorothy every Tuesday and also when Danielle Hope is away.


AL: You landed the role of alternate Dorothy after competing in BBBC1's Over The Rainbow. What was it like to be auditioned in front of millions on national TV?
SE: It was extremely nerve-wracking but amazing at the same time. Looking back, I had such a fantastic time that the nerves were overcome by the whole experience.

AL: How do you juggle training at Arts College whilst being part of a West End production?
SE: It is difficult as training is so tough on its own so to be in a West End cast aswell is extra tough. I do love being at Arts Ed. though, it's great to be getting that experience and to be working, a total dream come true!

AL: The Palladium is an iconic London theatre. What was it like to step out onto its' stage the first time your played Dorothy?
SE: It was so overwhelming. The London Palladium is such an iconic theatre that I have goosebumps thinking about my first night! The curtain calls were extra special, coming out and getting a massive cheer and standing ovation completely took my breath away and tears were streaming down my face - Joyful tears!

AL: Do you and Danielle discuss how Dorothy's character should be played or do you keep your thoughts separate?
SE: It's been great doing it with Dan but we have very different Dorothy's. That's what makes the show so interesting.

AL: What is your favourite song/scene to perform in the show?
SE: I love the Emerald City scene as all of the cast are on stage and it's so fun and colouful. That's when I really feel like I'm in a West End cast and a very talented one at that. I feel so privileged.

AL: What is it like working with an animal in live theatre?
SE: It definitely keeps me on my toes. I love dogs so it wasn't too difficult to work with them. The Totos we have are so obedient and I have gained such a bond with them.

AL: This is your first professional role. Have you received much advice from the more experienced members of the cast?
SE: Yes, especially Michael Crawford. He is such a legend in the theatre-world especially. He comes into my dressing room before every show, just for a little chat and some extra words of encouragement or advice, he's a great man to work with.

AL: If you could play any role(s) in musical theatre, what would it/they be?
SE: There are many roles I would love to play but the two I would really love to do are Glinda in Wicked! and The Little Mermaid. They are both such magical shows, like The Wizard of Oz. Hopefully one day I can get the chance to do them.

A huge Thank You to Sophie for taking the time to answer our questions. Our next, and final post, on The Wizard of Oz will include an interview with the talented and hugely funny Paul Keating who plays the Scarecrow in the show.



Feel free to post a comment and to follow this blog and spread the word.

COMING NEXT: The Wizard of Oz Part 2 - Meet the Scarecrow
COMING SOON: The London Eye and River Cruise, Tate Modern.

Access London recommends Summer Afternoon Tea @ The Savoy Hotel

Welcome back to Access London, thank you to all our readers for your continued support of this blog.



Today's post is about Access London's recommended Afternoon Tea for Summer 2011 at the stunning Savoy Hotel. The Savoy is located on The Strand, 5 minutes from Trafalgar Square and just down the road from Charing Cross Station. This luxurious 5* hotel recently underwent a massive renovation - there was even a mini-series documentary on this that was aired last year.

This excerpt from The Savoy's website really says it all, the hotel combines traditional Englishness with modern touches:
"A British icon since 1989, The Savoy has once again taken its place on the world stage after over a £100 million restoration. The hotel seemlessly blends elements of the original and the new while the stunning English Edwardian and Art Deco interiors sparkle with timeless elegance and glamour."

The hotel can be accessed via its main entrance on The Strand which has level access into its extravagant foyer. The welcome and greeting you are shown by the doormen and front of house staff is friendly, warm and makes you feel like you are entering somewhere very special!

To reach The Thames Foyer Room where Afternoon Tea is served requires using 2 lifts, unless you can manage stairs with the help of a handrail. The Savoy does have its own wheelchair that you can transfer into if you don't have your own. This is an old building that has done everything it can to adapt to the modern needs of its disabled guests. However, if you use a large mobility scooter, I would advise that you take up the offer to use The Savoy's house wheelchair. Manual and electric wheelchairs and small to medium sized scooters can easily negotiate the lifts.



A member of staff will stay with you the whole way on the lifts and through some very opulent rooms (take advantage of this little detour as you will see some very special rooms that you might not otherwise have seen if you simply walked down the stairs to tea!).

The Thames Foyer Room is spacious and elegant. There is lots of room in between tables to move wheelchairs and scooters around and they have not tried to cram as many tables in as possible as is sometimes the case in large hotels. The waiting staff in The Thames Foyer are as welcoming as they were in the Foyer and more than happy to offer any help that they can to make you and your party comfortable, in fact the service is some of the best I have seen.

Afternoon Tea itself is served between 2.30pm and 6.30pm. Guests have the choice of two different teas: the first is the more traditional afternoon tea with a wide selection of finger sandwiches (vegetarian options available), plain and fruit scones with cream and jam, beautifully crafted and colourful pastries and traditional cakes. There is a huge range of teas from all over the world that you can choose to accompany this. Be warned: do not eat anything before you go, it is a large tea and you will always be offered more when you finish one of the selections! The second option is more savoury and includes hot, savoury dishes in place of the sweet pastries and cakes.



For such a grand and iconic hotel, the Afternoon Tea at The Savoy is very reasonably priced at £40 per person. Another lovely touch is the house pianist that plays throughout and who sits in the middle of the large antique gazebo in the middle of the room, playing relaxing tunes.

The Savoy asks that you dress smartly casual for afternoon tea and advanced booking is definitely recommended. You can make a reservation or call to discuss your access and dietary needs on: 020 7420 2111 or email them at: savoy@fairmont.com

A tea recommended for all that will please the taste buds and will certainly leave you feeling full. Access London recommends Afternoon Tea at The Savoy for Summer 2011.



Please feel free to leave a comment, follow the blog or send us an email at: accesslondon.claire@gmail.com
You can also view more of our videos from many other London highlights and attractions on our channel on YouTube: AccessLondon1

COMING SOON: The Wizard of Oz, Accessible Rooms at The Cavendish, The London Eye and Access London celebrates Phantom of the Opera's 25th Birthday with some fantastic surprise interviews!

Love Never Dies @ The Adelphi Theatre - Part 2

Welcome back to Access London everyone, thank you for your continued support for disability access and awareness in the capital.

Today's post is the second and last in our two-part series on the musical Love Never Dies. To see the first part from yesterday which includes an interview with cast member Daniel Gourlay, please scroll down.

Love Never Dies is showing at The Adelphi theatre on The Strand and is currently booking into 2012. There are performances Monday-Saturday evenings at 7.30 and matinee performances on a Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm.

The music in this show is spectacular and shows Andrew Lloyd Webber on top form. There are some amazing lyrics and big numbers including, Till I hear You Sing (Phantom), Beneath a Moonless Sky (Phantom & Christine) and of course the title song, Love Never Dies (Christine).

The sets are quite literally 'Phantastic' with a glass carriage, beautifully crafted balcony set and all the wonders that the audience experiences in the Phantom's domain.

The three leads, Ramin Karimloo (Phantom), Celia Graham (Christine), David Thaxton (Raoul) are supported supperbly by the likes of Liz Robertson (Madame Giry), Haley Flaherty (Meg Giry) and some wonderful young actors who share the role of Christine's son Gustave. There is also a fabulous ensemble who really bring numbers such as those on Pier 69, Heaven By The Sea, Bathing Beauty and the dramatic Phantasma scenes alive.

Access London has been lucky enough to talk with a couple of the ensemble members. Today's interview is with Kieran Brown who is also the understudy for Raoul in the show. Here's what he had to say...

AL: I can imagine Andrew Lloyd Webber's musicals being extremely popular for actors wanting to be a part of them. What was the auditioning process like for you?
KB: For me it was rather unusual! I was pulled in at the last stage of auditions, having been out of the country working on A Christman Carol in Vienna when casting started. So after singing half a song to the production team, was given some material to look at and return within a day or 2 later. I learnt it inside out, went back in, did the suff once through and that was it! I did have to attend a dance call even though my track in the show doesn't require it, just to show that I CAN move (just), where I first met 2 of my fellow cast members, Mira and Vanessa. It was lovely to see them on day 1. All in all, I had it pretty easy re this job as far as auditioning goes. The hardest thing was the wait to hear if I got the job! I got the call 3 days before rehearsals started - there had been a mix up at the office and they thought they had rung me the week before and were waiting on my answer. By luck I had contacted our wonderful choreographer and he sorted it out within minutes.

AL: You have been part of many fantastic shows and performances, why Love Never Dies?
KB: Honest answer? It's a job! It is however a job I LOVE! I wanted to be in this show since it opened. It's still a bit weird actually. I told my agent months before that the one show I wanted to be in in town was LND and here I am. I auditioned for the original cast but didn't even get past round one so....

AL: The energy and chemistry is fantastic to watch as an audience member. What is it like to be part of such a cast?
KB: We have just the BEST team of people in the show. We have so much fun together and trust each other implicitly. Just watching performers like Ramin or Tam, Celia, David or Liz Robertson from the wings still takes my breath away. I'm particularly proud of and delighted to be working with Haley Flaherty who plays Meg. I think she is simply wonderful in the role and we knew each other as kids - we went to the same children's theatre school but hadn't seen each other for years! We have a strong ensemble too - I love watching the Only For You opening number from offstage and am in awe at how bloody good our dancers and accros are. I wish I could move like that!

AL: Just as with the original Phantom of the Opera, Love Never Dies has many technical elements in it. Do you have a tale to tell of something going wrong in a performance?
KB: Not really because as well as having the best team onstage we also have the best technical crew who know exactly what they are doing. Everyone from crew to wardrobe, wigs and make-up do their job brilliantly. We did once have a show stop because poor Haley got stuck in the balloon before Bathing Beauty. It meant that the audience had to wait a few mins so that the crew could get her safely down and our wonderful dance captain had to VERY quickly restart the number without it as most of the ensemble enter through it from substage. Everyone took it in their stride! Haley was hilarious though - people kept shouting up to her to make sure she was ok and she was more concerned as she had a friend in from home!

AL: You have performed a fair number of times in Vienna. What are the differences between performing there and on the West End stage?
KB: Well the budget for a start! The English language theatres that I have worked in in Vienna - where I lived for 6 years were generally much smaller - The Adelphi seats something like 1500 whereas the theatre I did A Christmas Carol in was about 100! And nothing quite matches the prestige of a West End show although I did love working in Vienna. I did some wonderful shows with some great actors and directors so....It's great to be home though!

AL: I understand you have directed several projects. Do you have any plans to do so again?
KB: I would love to do more directing, yes, but it's not a priority at the moment. I think eventually I will give up performing but it's still my first love. I miss the control though!

AL: If you could play any role(s) in musical theatre, what would it/they be?
KB: Well PHANTOM of course, in both shows, would literally be a dream come true for me (but unlikely). I have gotten used to the fact that I'm now too old for Marius but maybe JVJ or Javert one day! Joe Gillis in Sunset Boulevard is on my list as is Raoul in Phantom (though I don't think I have the matinee idol looks needed for that!). Krolock in Tanz Der Vampire or Kaiser Franz Joseph in Elisabeth (if my German was better). Basically I just wanna be a leading man! - That should be a song! If I ever get to play any of these, I'll let you know.


Access London would like to offer a huge Thank You to Kieran for taking part and answering the questions. To keep up to date with what Kieran is doing and his future projects and performances, check out his website at www.KieranBrown.com

To book access tickets to see Kieran and the rest of the cast in Love Never Dies, please call: 08444 124 648. For all other Love Never Dies tickets, please contact: 0870 264 3333.



This ends Access London's posts on the Love Never Dies series. Please visit again soon as there will be posts on another of Andrew Lloyd Webber's shows, The Wizard of Oz and also The London Eye, Tate Britain and Thames River Cruises.