Amelie The Musical

I won't delve too deep but just in case I'm putting a trigger warning for this post as there is discussion about mental health, suicide and self harm.

Amélie wasn't something I knew prior to attending the press night at Leicester's Haymarket Theatre back in July 2019 - I had heard of the film but never seen it. That night my life changed. I was swept away in to a dream like land of Parisian bliss. I was so impacted there and then by it, so much so that I went again the night after and thus began my Amelie journey.

Across the tour I saw the production 7 times, those 2 in Leicester, once in Birmingham, once in Malvern, once in Woking, once in Eastbourne, and once in Reading. That meant a fair bit of travelling but every time it was worth it to feel that joy and escapism into a happier world. When the production transferred to The Other Palace it was amazing. That intimate space was perfect for the production. The buzz on that last night was so special. Then we didn't know what the future looked like for the production but hoped there would be one.

The days after the production closed to original company gathered and recorded the London Cast Album which was released a few months later. There were rumours gathering regarding a transfer to the West End and the Criterion Theatre. But alas we all know what came along and pull a big full stop in our lives.

The wonderful thing about the album coming out when it did was it kept that connection and hope that the show gives me alive. That special feeling that you get when you let music swell through your entire body. We had a glorious Zoom listen party on the day of release and there was a wonderful Tweet along with some of the cast too. The music in this show is astonishingly good. 'When The Booth Goes Bright' is the song that means to most to me, I just connect to it and on my worst days I've been known to have it on repeat for hours.

The stage in the Criterion.

Fast forward to this year and with the West End hoping to open with reduced capacity socially distanced performance Amélie was back being rumoured. Then the Twitter account started teasing a countdown, that countdown led to the announcement that Amelie was back and in the West End at The Criterion Theatre. I can't explain how incredible it felt when it was announced and it went on sale. After a rough year of lockdowns and all that came with it knowing that on the other side we'd get Amélie again was so precious.

For me this show quite literally saved my life (I know that sounds stupid and over dramatic but it did). Back in 2019 I was at a rock bottom place again, the only way I could see out was you know doing bad things to myself. But then theatre and particularly this show came along. It gave me hope, maybe there are people a bit like me out there - Amélie in particular is one I feel a connection with cause of how isolated she can be/feel. Amélie told me to not give up. It's worth fighting on, and that push has helped me in my recovery. I'm no longer on anti-depressants, I'm going to be 5 years self harm clean next month.

2020 rocked everyone's mental health but getting through that and then one of the first theatre shows back after so long closed being Amélie was the most special thing for me. That day going down to see it with my pals Emmie and Sarah was just glorious. From the train ride down, the walk we took instead of the tube, the lunch we ate in Leicester Square and then walking up to theatre. That first watch back was so emotional and moving. 

Over the course of the summer I've been 8 times including that first one. I've been fortunate enough to share visits with friends and family and each time has meant everything to me. Trips like the one for my 30th birthday where a number of us gathered at the Theatre Café before the show. 

A punnet of Raspberries outside the Criterion.

This is a show all about connection and to get to share this show with others that you already have a connection to is perfect. I've been lucky enough to make friends through this show with people who will be friends for life - you guys know who you are. I see it a lot on social media too, the impact this show has had on others and the friendships they've blossomed because of it. Isn't that just the most magical thing? I'm quite socially awkward so sometimes meeting people I can be a little withdrawn but I can firmly say that these guys are such lovely humans.

That connection is enhanced by how much of a connection you can make with the characters on stage. I often wonder which character I'm most alike, and I think I'm a weird mix of Amélie, Lucien and Raphael! The characters are so beautifully brought to life by the outstanding cast of actor-musicians. Truly I've never seen such a talented bunch of people. Each time it still blows me away how effortless they make everything look.

The cast throughout my Amélie journey has been outstanding. Most of whom have returned, and most of whom I've seen on every occasion I've seen the show. Audrey Brisson IS Amélie, she is so perfectly cast in the role and embodies every little beat of the character. Chris Jared is glorious, he has such a wonderful vocal tone to his Nino and that building chemistry between him and Audrey throughout is so well played out. 

I could go on listing everyone who has been in this show but I do want to give special mentions to Jez Unwin who is just one of the best actors I've ever seen. He emotes with such raw pain and feeling that you can't helped but be moved when watching him. Johnson Willis is another who never fails to move me, I've found a connection to 'The Girl With The Glass' more this time around and the divine vocals of Johnson and Audrey combined. Special love to two remarkable female performances by Kate Robson-Stuart and Rachel Dawson. Both never miss a beat with their sheer talent and musicalilty. Outstanding. Johnson Willis is another who never fails to move. Samuel Morgan-Grahame, who superbly portrays grumpiness in this production but he is also a LOT more than that, I'll have so many fond memories of watching him in this show, especially in the old person scene where he's often mixed things up - the birthday cake moment on that 30th trip was amazing.

To round this post up I just wanted to throw a HUGE thank you to everyone who managed to bring this show back and maintain it during this difficult time. Even looking back now at how differently things were when the production opened back in May to now September and how we're no longer socially distanced audiences. It must have been a huge risk to the producers bringing it back in this time but I'm sure they're glad they did. All the stage crew, lighting, sound teams have done such an incredible job.

To everyone at The Criterion Theatre, you've been amazing. I've loved visiting this gem of a venue which is so perfectly sized for this production. The front of house teams have always been really welcoming and helpful and the box office, particularly Becky, has been so good at dealing with enquiries. 

So what next? There's rumours already stirring of a possible 2nd tour but we'll see. First we've one last trip to The Criterion for 2 more shows which are going to be so moving. I've cried more times this week than I did during the entirety of lockdown! There will be a future for Amélie but this cast and this production will stay with me forever. It's been the perfect show in every aspect. Thank you Amélie 'I'll never love anyone as much as I love you'

Reflections in the rain.

My 2016 Theatre Awards.

Again as with previous years, my theatre awards from the theatre shows I've seen in the year 2016. All for a bit of fun and are my personal opinion.

Winners are in bold.

Best Supporting Actress In A Play: (2015 winner - Nadia Albina)
Eleanor Wyld (Lucifer/Scholar/Friar) - Doctor Faustus (Royal Shakespeare Company)
Lucy Ellinson (Puck) - Midsummer Nights Dream (Royal Shakespeare Company)
Laura Riseborough (Helena) - Midsummer Nights Dream (Royal Shakespeare Company)
Danusia Samal (Jailer's Daughter) - The Two Noble Kinsmen (Royal Shakespeare Company)

Laura Riseborough (right) as Helena in Midsummer Nights Dream

Best Supporting Actor In A Play: (2015 winner - Larne Malaolu)
Joshua McCord (Samson Currasco) - Don Quixote (Royal Shakespeare Company)
Sandy Grierson (Mephistopheles - Doctor Faustus (Royal Shakespeare Company)
Joe Dixon (Calaban) - The Tempest (Royal Shakespeare Company)
Mark Quartley (Ariel) - The Tempest (Royal Shakespeare Company)

Sandy Grierson as Mephistopheles in Doctor Faustus. photo by Helen Maybanks

Best Leading Actress In A Play: (2015 winner - Catrin Stewart)
Ayesha Dharker (Titania) - Midsummer Nights Dream (Royal Shakespeare Company)
Frances McNamee (Emilia) - The Two Noble Kinsmen (Royal Shakespeare Company) 
Jenny Rainsford (Miranda) - The Tempest (Royal Shakespeare Company)

Frances McNamee as Emilia in The Two Noble Kinsmen

Best Leading Actor In A Play: (2015 winner - Alex Hassell)
David Threlfall (Don Quixote) - Don Quixote (Royal Shakespeare Company)
Rufus Hound (Sancho Panza) - Don Quixote (Royal Shakespeare Company)
Oliver Ryan (Doctor Faustus - Doctor Faustus (Royal Shakespeare Company)
Barry Green (Bottom) - Midsummer Nights Dream (Royal Shakespeare Company)
James Corrigan (Palamon) - The Two Noble Kinsmen (Royal Shakespeare Company)
Jamie Wilkes (Arcite) - The Two Noble Kinsmen (Royal Shakespeare Company)
Simon Russell Beale (Prospero) - The Tempest (Royal Shakespeare Company) 

Simon Russell Beale as Prospero in The Tempest. Photo by Tristram Kenton

 Best Set Design: (2015 winner - Bunny Christie):
Ti Green - Miss Atomic Bomb (St James Theatre)
Tim Shortall - Mrs Henderson Presents (Noel Coward Theatre)
Simon Higlett - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (UK Tour)
Bob Crowley - Aladdin (Prince Edward Theatre)
Michael Pavelka - Funny Girl (Savoy Theatre)
Anna Fleischle - The Two Noble Kinsmen (Royal Shakespeare Company)
Stephen Brimson Lewis - The Tempest (Royal Shakespeare Company)

The Cave of Wonders Set in Aladdin.

Best Lighting Design (2015 winner -Kenneth Posner): 
Tim Deiling - Miss Atomic Bomb (St James Theatre)
Ben Ormerod - Mrs Henderson Presents (Noel Coward Theatre)
Natasha Katz - Aladdin (Prince Edward Theatre)
Lee Curran - Doctor Faustus (Royal Shakespeare Company)
Simon Spencer - The Tempest (Royal Shakespeare Company)

The Tempest. photo by Topher McGrills

Best Costume Design: (2015 winner - Gregg Barnes)
Ti Green - Miss Atomic Bomb (St James Theatre)
Paul Wills - Mrs Henderson Presents (Noel Coward Theatre)
Robert Innes Hopkins - Don Quixote (Royal Shakespeare Company)
Gregg Barnes - Aladdin (Prince Edward Theatre) 

Agrabah Costumes in Aladdin.

Best Choreography: (2015 winner  - Mitch Sebastian)
Bill Deamer - Miss Atomic Bomb (St James Theatre)
Andrew Wright - Mrs Henderson Presents (Noel Coward Theatre)
Casey Nicholaw - Aladdin (Prince Edward Theatre)
Lynne Page - Funny Girl (Savoy Theatre)
Matthew Cole - Footloose (UK Tour)

Best Understudy Performance: (2015 winner - Ryan O'Donnell)
Jessica Parker (Kate Monster/ Lucy The Slut) - Avenue Q (UK Tour)
Callum Francis (Lola) - Kinky Boots (Adelphi Theatre)
Robbie White (Dave Davies) - Sunny Afternoon (Harold Pinter Theatre)
Luke Thornton (Willard) - Footloose (UK Tour)
Lisa-Anne Wood (Christine) - The Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty's Theatre)
Charlotte Scott (Miss Honey) - Matilda (Cambridge Theatre)
Jermaine Woods (Iago) - Aladdin (Prince Edward Theatre)

Lisa Anne Wood as Christine backstage at The Phantom of the Opera

Best Supporting Actress In A Musical: (2015 winner - Lara Pulver)
Catherine Tate (Myrna Ranapapadophilou) - Miss Atomic Bomb (St James Theatre)
Arina II (Christmas Eve) - Avenue Q (UK Tour)
Sam Bailey (Mama Morton) - Chicago (UK Tour)
Joanna Sawyer (Rusty) - Footloose (UK Tour)
Rebecca Caine (Mother Abbess) - The Sound of Music (UK Tour)

Joanna Sawyer (centre) in Footloose. photo by Matt Martin

Best Supporting Actor In A Musical: (2015 winner - George Maguire)
Simon Lipkin (Lou Lubowitz) - Miss Atomic Bomb (St James Theatre)
Jamie Foreman (Arthur) - Mrs Henderson Presents (Noel Coward Theatre)
Stephen Arden (Trekkie Monster/ Nicky/ Bad Idea Bear) - Avenue Q (UK Tour)
Jason Donovan (Sam Phillips) - Million Dollar Quartet (UK Tour)

Simon Lipkin (right) in Miss Atomic Bomb. photo by Tristram Kenton.

Best Leading Actress In A Musical: (2015 winner - Imelda Staunton)
Florance Andrews (Candy Johnson) - Miss Atomic Bomb (St James Theatre)
Tracie Bennett (Laura Henderson) - Mrs Henderson Presents (Noel Coward Theatre)
Emma Williams (Maureen) - Mrs Henderson Presents (Noel Coward Theatre)
Jessica Parker (Kate Monster/ Lucy The Slut) - Avenue Q (UK Tour)
Jade Ewen (Jasmine) - Aladdin (Prince Edward Theatre)
Hayley Tamaddon (Roxie Hart) - Chicago (UK Tour)
Sheridan Smith (Fanny Brice) - Funny Girl (Savoy Theatre)
Lisa-Anne Wood (Christine) - The Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty's Theatre)
Zaris-Angel Hator (Matilda) - Matilda (Cambridge Theatre)
Lucy O'Byrne (Maria) - The Sound of Music (UK Tour)

Emma Williams as Maureen in Mrs Henderson Presents

Best Leading Actor In A Musical: (2015 winner - John Dagleish)
Ian Bartholomew (Vivian Van Damm) - Mrs Henderson Presents (Noel Coward Theatre)
Matt Corner (Frankie Valli) - Jersey Boys (Piccadilly Theatre)
Richard Lowe (Princeton/ Rod) - Avenue Q (UK Tour)
Jason Manford (Caractacus Potts) - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (UK Tour)
Dean John Wilson (Aladdin) - Aladdin (Prince Edward Theatre)
Darius Campbell (Nick Arnstein) - Funny Girl (Savoy Theatre)
Luke Baker (Ren McCormack) - Footloose (UK Tour)
Ben Forster (The Phantom) - The Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty's Theatre)
Trevor Dion Nicholas (Genie) - Aladdin (Prince Edward Theatre)
Martin Kaye (Jerry Lee Lewis) - Million Dollar Quartet (UK Tour)

Trevor Dion Nicholas as The Genie in Aladdin.

Best Royal Shakespeare Company Production: (2015 winner - Love's Sacrifice)
Don Quixote
Doctor Faustus
Midsummer Nights Dream - A Play for the Nation
The Two Noble Kinsmen
The Tempest

 

Best Touring/Regional Musical: (2015 Winner - Mary Poppins)
Avenue Q (UK Tour)
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (UK Tour)
Chicago (UK Tour)
Footloose (UK Tour)
Million Dollar Quartet (UK Tour) 
The Sound of Music (UK Tour)

Best NEW* West End Musical: (2015 Winner - Sunny Afternoon)
Miss Atomic Bomb (St James Theatre)
Mrs Henderson Presents (Noel Coward Theatre)
Aladdin (Prince Edward Theatre)
Funny Girl (Savoy Theatre)

*NEW - first time I'd seen this production, not necessarily a new show.

Thanks for reading, Please share your favourite moments of theatre in 2016 in the comments section.

Shows I Saw in 2012

Being into the new year now, I've decided to blog up all the shows (musicals, plays, comedy gigs and music concerts) I saw in the previous year (there is alot),  and pick out which were the best and the best performances I saw... I've also included some of the pictures from the year.

January 2012
Oliver! (Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff) Musical - 3rd January 2012
Cast Included - Neil Morrisey (Fagin), Samantha Barks (Nancy), Iain Fletcher (Bill Sikes), Stephen Moore (Mr Brownlow), Jack Edwards (Mr Bumble), Suzie Chard (Widow Corney), Emma Dukes (Bet)

Robinson Crusoe and The Caribbean Pirates (New Theatre, Cardiff) Pantomime - 4th January 2012
Cast Included - Christopher Biggins (Mrs Crusoe), Paul Zerdin (Robinson Crusoe), David Bedella (Blackheart), Stephanie Siadatan (Girl Friday)

Me and David Bedella after Robinson Crusoe

The Heart Of Robin Hood (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play - 5th January 2012
Cast Included - James McArdle (Robin), Iris Roberts (Marion), Martin Hutson (Prince John), Tim Treloar (Guy of Gisborne), Ólafur Darri Ólafsson (Pierre)

42nd Street (Curve Theatre, Leicester) Musical - 10th/18th January 2012
Cast Included - Daisy Maywood (Peggy Sawyer), Tim Flavin (Julian Marsh), Ria Jones (Dorothy Block), Steve Fortune (Abner Dillon), Alan Burkitt (Andy Lee), Geraldine Fitzgerald (Maggie Jones)

Les Miserables (Queens Theatre, London) Musical - 21st January 2012
Cast Included - Ramin Karimloo (Jean Valjean), Hadley Fraser (Javert), Craig Mather (Marius), Alexia Khadime (Eponine), Lisa-Anne Wood (Cosette), Caroline Sheen (Fantine), Liam Tamne (Enjrolas)

Me and Ramin Karimloo after Les Miserables

The Taming Of The Shrew (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play - 24th January 2012
Cast Included - Lisa Dillon (Kate), David Caves (Petruchio), Nick Holder (Christopher Sly), David Rintoul (Gremio), Elizabeth Cadwallader (Bianca)

Alfie Boe (DeMontfort Hall, Leicester) Concert - 25th January 2012
Performers - Alfie Boe, Laura Wright, Catherine Manford

February 2012
Testing Testing (Kalal, Leicester) Comedy Gig -6th February 2012
Comedians - Gary Delany, Joe Lycett and Sarah Millican

Rob Rouse - (The Crumblin' Cookie, Leicester) Comedy Gig - 10th February 2012
Comedians - Rob Rouse

Gavin DeGraw (Manchester O2 Academy, Manchester) Concert - 12th February 2012
Performers - Gavin DeGraw, Juan Zelada (support act)

Me and Gavin DeGraw at the Meet And Greet

Greg Davies and Friends (DeMontfort Hall, Leicester) Comedy Gig - 13th February 2012
Comedians - Greg Davies, Rhod Gilbert, Russell Howard, Joe Lycett, Ed Gamble, Mark Olver

Stuart Goldsmith (The Belmont Hotel, Leicester) Comedy Gig - 16th February 2012
Comedians - Stuart Goldsmith

Patrick Monahan (The Little Theatre, Leicester) Comedy Gig - 18th February 2012
Comedians - Patrick Monahan

The Whatsonstage.com Theatregoers Awards 2012 (Prince Of Wales Theatre, London) Awards Concert - 19th February 2012
Hosts - Sheridan Smith, Alan Davies, Jenny Eclair

Me and Tim Minchin outside the Whatsonstage Awards

Calender Girls (DeMontfort Hall, Leicester) Play - 20th February 2012
Cast Included - Lynda Bellingham (Chris), Lisa Riley (Ruth) Jan Harvey (Annie), Sue Holderness (Celia), Ruth Madoc (Marie), Deena Payne (Cora)

Les Miserables (Queens Theatre, London) Musical - 24th February 2012
Cast Included - Ramin Karimloo (Jean Valjean), Hadley Fraser (Javert), Craig Mather (Marius), Alexia Khadime (Eponine), Lisa-Anne Wood (Cosette), Caroline Sheen (Fantine), Liam Tamne (Enjrolas)

March 2012
Gypsy (Curve Theatre, Leicester) Musical - 10th/14th March 2012
Cast Included - Caroline O'Connor (Momma Rose), Victoria Hamilton-Barritt (Louise), Daisy Maywood (Dainty June), David Fleeshman (Herbie)

The Comedy Of Errors (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play -19th March 2012
Cast Included - Stephen Hagan (Antipholus Of Ephesus), Felix Hayes (Dromio Of Ephesus), Jonathan McGuiness (Antipholus of Syracuse), Bruce Mackinnon (Dromio of Syracuse), Kirsty Bushell (Adriana), Nicholas Day (Egeon)

Matilda - (Cambridge Theatre, London) Musical - 21st March 2012
Cast Included - Sophia Kiely (Matilda), Bertie Carvel (Miss Trunchball), Lauren Ward (Miss Honey), Paul Kaye (Mr Wormwood)

Gypsy (Curve Theatre, Leicester) Musical -25th March 2012
Cast Included - Caroline O'Connor (Momma Rose), Victoria Hamilton-Barritt (Louise), Daisy Maywood (Dainty June), David Fleeshman (Herbie)

Me and Caroline O'Connor after Gypsy

Oliver! (Hippodrome, Birmingham) Musical - 30th March 2012
Cast Included - Neil Morrisey (Fagin), Samantha Barks (Nancy), Iain Fletcher (Bill Sikes), Stephen Moore (Mr Brownlow), Jack Edwards (Mr Bumble), Suzie Chard (Widow Corney), Emma Dukes (Bet)

April 2012
Oliver! (Hippodrome, Birmingham) Musical - 1st April 2012
Cast Included - Neil Morrisey (Fagin), Samantha Barks (Nancy), Iain Fletcher (Bill Sikes), Stephen Moore (Mr Brownlow), Jack Edwards (Mr Bumble), Suzie Chard (Widow Corney), Emma Dukes (Bet)

Me and Samantha Barks after Oliver!

The Osmonds (Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham) Concert - 4rd April 2012
Performers - Jimmy Osmond, Jay Osmond, Merrill Osmond

Gypsy (Curve Theatre, Leicester) Musical -5th April 2012
Cast Included - Caroline O'Connor (Momma Rose), Victoria Hamilton-Barritt (Louise), Daisy Maywood (Dainty June), David Fleeshman (Herbie)

Me and Victoria Hamilton-Barritt after Gypsy

Il Divo (Motorpoint Arena, Sheffield) Concert - 7th April 2012
Performers - Il Divo

Doctor In The House (Theatre Royal, Nottingham) Play - 10th April 2012
Cast Included - Joe Pasquale (Tony), Robert Powell (Sir Lancelot Spratt), Emma Barton (Vera)

Me and Joe Pasquale after Doctor In The House

Steps (Capital FM Arena, Nottingham) Concert - 11th April 2012
Performers - Steps, Shockolady, Kamaliya

Gypsy (Curve Theatre, Leicester) Musical -12th April 2012
Cast Included - Caroline O'Connor (Momma Rose), Victoria Hamilton-Barritt (Louise), Daisy Maywood (Dainty June), David Fleeshman (Herbie)

The Tale Of Two Cities (Charing Cross Theatre, London) Musical - 14th April 2012
Cast Included - Anthony Hansen (Charles Darnay), Jennifer Hepburn (Lucie), Michael Howe (Sydney Carton)

We Will Rock You (Dominion Theatre, London) Musical - 18th April 2012
Cast Included - Lauren Samuels (Scaramouche), Scott Monello (Galileo), Kevin Kennedy (Pop),  Alasdair Harvey (Khashoggi), Rachel John (Meat)

Me and Lauren Samuels after We Will Rock You

Twelfth Night (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play - 19th April 2012
Cast Included - Emily Taffe (Viola), Stephen Hagan (Sebastian), Nicholas Day (Sir Toby Belch), Bruce Mackinnon (Sir Andrew Aguecheek), Jonathan Slinger (Malvolio) Jonathan McGuiness (Orsino)

King John (Swan Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play - 21st April 2012
Cast Included - Alex Waldmann (King John), Pippa Nixon (The Bastard), John Stahl (King Philip Of France), Susie Trayling (Constance), Oscar Pearce (Lewis The Dauphin)

Joseph And His Technicolour Dreamcoat (Curve Theatre, Leicester) Musical -25th April 2012
Cast Included -  Keith Jack (Joseph), Jennifer Potts (Narrator), Henry Metcalfe (Jacob)

Avenue Q (DeMontfort Hall, Leicester) Musical - 30th April 2012
Cast Included - Sam Lupton (Princeton/Rod), Katherine Moraz (Kate/Lucy), Chris Thatcher (Nicky/Trekkie/Bear), Daniella Gibb (Mrs T/Bear), Matthew J Henry (Gary)

May 2012
The Tempest (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play -1st May 2012
Cast Included - Jonathan Slinger (Prospero), Sandy Grierson (Ariel), Soloman Israel (Ferdinand), Emily Taaffe (Miranda), Amer Hlehel (Caliban), Kirsty Bushell (Sebastian)

A Tale Of Two Cities (Charing Cross Theatre, London) Musical - 2nd May 2012
Cast Included - Jonathan Ansell (Charles Darnay), Jennifer Hepburn (Lucie), Michael Howe (Sydney Carton)

Me and Rebecca Wicking after A Tale Of Two Cities

The Comedy Of Errors (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play -4th May 2012
Cast Included - Sargon Yelda (Antipholus Of Ephesus), Ankur Bahl (Dromio Of Ephesus/Dromio of Syracuse), Sandy Grierson (Antipholus of Syracuse), Sarah Belcher (Adriana), Nicholas Day (Egeon)

Two Roses For Richard III (Courtyard Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play - 7th May 2012
Cast Included - Raquel Karro, Julia Lund, Carol Machado, Savio Moll, Renato Rocha, João Lucas Romero, Marcelle Sampaio, Rafael Sardão, Thierry Tremouroux, Carolina Virguez, Marcio Vito

Ramin Karimloo (Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham) Concert - 9th May 2012
Performers - Ramin Karimloo, Louise Dearman, Ben Richards

Twelfth Night (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play - 11th May 2012
Cast Included - Amie Burns Walker (Viola), Stephen Hagan (Sebastian), Jan Knightley (Sir Toby Belch), Ankur Bahl (Sir Andrew Aguecheek), Felix Hayes (Malvolio) Sargon Yelda (Orsino)

Les Miserables (Queens Theatre, London) Musical -12th May 2012
Cast Included - David Shannon (Jean Valjean), Earl Carpenter (Javert), Craig Mather (Marius), Alexia Khadime (Eponine), Lisa-Anne Wood (Cosette), Caroline Sheen (Fantine), Liam Tamne (Enjrolas)

Me and Earl Carpenter after Les Miserables

Wonderful Town (Theatre Royal, Nottingham) Musical - 17th May 2012
Cast Included - Connie Fisher (Ruth), Michael Xavier (Bob Baker), Lucy Van Gasse (Eileen), Nic Greenshields (Wreck), Haydn Oakley (Frank Lippencott)

Me and Michael Xavier after Wonderful Town

Richard III (Swan Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play - 24th May 2012
Cast Included - Jonjo O'Neill (Richard), Paola Dionisotti (Queen Margaret), Pippa Nixon (Lady Anne),(Brian Ferguson (Buckingham), John Stahl (Hastings), Alex Waldmann (Catesby)

June 2012
King John (Swan Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play - 4th June 2012
Cast Included - Alex Waldmann (King John), Pippa Nixon (The Bastard), John Stahl (King Philip Of France), Susie Trayling (Constance), Oscar Pearce (Lewis The Dauphin)

Rock Of Ages (Shaftesbury Theatre, London) Musical - 9th June 2012
Cast Included - Oliver Tompsett (Drew), Natalie Andreou (Sherrie), Simon Lipkin (Lonny), Grant Anthony (Dennis Dupree) Jodie Jacobs (Regina/Candi), Shayne Ward (Stacee Jaxx)

The Comedy Of Errors (The Roundhouse, London) Play -22nd June 2012
Cast Included - Stephen Hagan (Antipholus Of Ephesus), Felix Hayes (Dromio Of Ephesus), Jonathan McGuiness (Antipholus of Syracuse), Bruce Mackinnon (Dromio of Syracuse), Kirsty Bushell (Adriana), Nicholas Day (Egeon)

West End Live (Trafalgar Square, London) Concert - 23nd/24th June 2012
Shows performing Included - Matilda, Rock Of Ages, Jersey Boys, We Will Rock You, Les Miserables, Phantom Of The Opera, Ghost, Wicked

Rock Of Ages (Shaftesbury Theatre, London) Musical - 24th June 2012
Cast Included - Oliver Tompsett (Drew), Natalie Andreou (Sherrie), Nathan Amzi (Lonny), Justin-Lee Collins (Dennis Dupree) Jodie Jacobs (Regina/Candi), Shayne Ward (Stacee Jaxx)

Little Women (Playhouse Theatre, London) Concert/Musical - 24th June 2012
Cast Included - Nikki Davis Jones (Jo), Sarah Lark (Beth), Lisa-Anne Wood (Amy), Gina Beck (Meg), Helena Blackman (Belle Gardner), Norman Bowman (Professor Bhaer), Daniel Boys (Laurie), Shona Lindsay (Marmee): Jon Robyns (John Brooke)

Me and Nikki Davis Jones after Little Women

Julius Caesar (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play -30th June 2012
Cast Included - Paterson Joseph (Brutus), Cyril Nri (Cassius), Ray Fearon (Mark Antony), Jeffery Kissoon (Julius Caesar)

A Soldier In Every Son (Swan Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play - 30th June 2012
Cast Included - Brian Ferguson (Itzcoatl), Alex Waldmann (Ixtlixochitl/Nezahualcoyotl), Mark Holgate (Maxtla), John Stahl (Tezozomoc), Joshua Jenkins (Tochitzin/Moctezuma), Natalie Klamar (Zilamiauh/Citlali)

Me and Alex Waldmann after A Soldier In Every Son

July 2012
A Soldier In Every Son (Swan Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play - 2nd July 2012
Cast Included - Brian Ferguson (Itzcoatl), Alex Waldmann (Ixtlixochitl/Nezahualcoyotl), Mark Holgate (Maxtla), John Stahl (Tezozomoc), Joshua Jenkins (Tochitzin/Moctezuma), Natalie Klamar (Zilamiauh/Citlali), Susie Trayling (Tecpa/Macuetzin)

Rock Of Ages (Shaftesbury Theatre, London) Musical - 7th July 2012
Cast Included - Oliver Tompsett (Drew), Natalie Andreou (Sherrie), Simon Lipkin (Lonny), Justin-Lee Collins (Dennis Dupree) Jodie Jacobs (Regina/Candi), Sandy Moffat (Stacee Jaxx)

Me and Jodie Jacobs after Rock Of Ages

A Soldier In Ever Son (Swan Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Social Media Call - 10th July 2012
Cast Included - Alex Waldmann (Ixtlixochitl/Nezahualcoyotl), Susie Trayling (Tecpa/Macuetzin)

Legally Blonde (Milton Keynes Theatre, Milton Keynes) Musical - 31st July 2012
Cast Included - Amy Ross (Elle Woods), Iwan Lewis (Emmett), Gareth Gates (Warner), Tracey Penn (Vivenne), Jennifer Ellison (Paulette), Andy Mace (Callahan)

August 2012
Much Ado About Nothing (Courtyard Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play - 4th August 2012
Cast Included - Meera Syal (Beatrice), Paul Bhattacharjee (Benedick), Amara Karan (Hero), Sagar Arya (Claudio), Shiv Grewal (Don Pedro)

Jersey Boys (Prince Edward Theatre, London) Musical - 9th August 2012
Cast Included - Ryan Molloy (Frankie Valli), Jon Boydon (Tommy Devito), Eugene McCoy (Nick Massi), Matthew Wycliffe (Bob Gaudio)

Me and Jon Boydon after Jersey Boys

Rock Of Ages (Shaftesbury Theatre, London) Musical - 9th August 2012
Cast Included - Oliver Tompsett (Drew), Natalie Andreou (Sherrie), Simon Lipkin (Lonny), Justin-Lee Collins (Dennis Dupree) Jodie Jacobs (Regina/Candi), Shayne Ward (Stacee Jaxx)

Me and Natalie Andreou after Rock Of Ages

Julius Caesar (Noel Coward Theatre, London) Play - 16th August 2012
Cast Included - Paterson Joseph (Brutus), Cyril Nri (Cassius), Ray Fearon (Mark Antony), Jeffery Kissoon (Julius Caesar)

Rock Of Ages (Shaftesbury Theatre, London) Musical - 16th August 2012
Cast Included - Oliver Tompsett (Drew), Natalie Andreou (Sherrie), Nathan Amzi (Lonny), Justin-Lee Collins (Dennis Dupree) Amy Thornton (Regina/Candi), Shayne Ward (Stacee Jaxx)

Me and Oliver Tompsett after Rock Of Ages

Much Ado About Nothing (Courtyard Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play - 23rd August 2012
Cast Included - Meera Syal (Beatrice), Paul Bhattacharjee (Benedick), Amara Karan (Hero), Sagar Arya (Claudio), Shiv Grewal (Don Pedro)

Jonjo O'Neill, Me and Pippa Nixon after Richard III Q+A

Julius Caesar (Noel Coward Theatre, London) Play - 24th August 2012
Cast Included - Mark Theodore (Brutus), Andrew French (Cassius), Theo Ogundipe (Mark Antony), Ricky Fearon (Julius Caesar)

Hysteria (Oxford Playhouse, Oxford) Play - 27th August 2012
Cast Included - Antony Sher (Freud), Indira Varma (Jessica), Will Keen (Dali)

The Comedy Of Errors (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play - 30th August 2012
Cast Included - Stephen Hagan (Antipholus Of Ephesus), Felix Hayes (Dromio Of Ephesus), Jonathan McGuiness (Antipholus of Syracuse), Bruce Mackinnon (Dromio of Syracuse), Kirsty Bushell (Adriana), Nicholas Day (Egeon)

King John (Swan Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play - 30th August 2012
Cast Included - Alex Waldmann (King John), Pippa Nixon (The Bastard), John Stahl (King Philip Of France), Susie Trayling (Constance), Oscar Pearce (Lewis The Dauphin)

September 2012
The Comedy Of Errors (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play - 4th September 2012
Cast Included - Stephen Hagan (Antipholus Of Ephesus), Felix Hayes (Dromio Of Ephesus), Jonathan McGuiness (Antipholus of Syracuse), Bruce Mackinnon (Dromio of Syracuse), Kirsty Bushell (Adriana), Nicholas Day (Egeon)

Sweeney Todd (Adelphi Theatre, London) Musical - 5th September 2012
Cast Included - Michael Ball (Sweeney Todd), Imelda Staunton (Mrs Lovett), Lucy May Barker (Johanna), Luke Brady (Anthony), John Bowe (Judge Turpin), Peter Polycarpou (Beadle Bamford)

The Sound Of Music (Kilworth House Theatre, Leicestershire) Musical - 6th September 2012
Cast Included - Helena Blackman (Maria), Ian Knauer (Captain Von Trapp), Jan Hartley (Mother Abbess), Russell Wilcox (Max), Rebecca Caine (Elsa Schraeder)

Les Miserables (Queens Theatre, London) Musical -8th September 2012
Cast Included - Geronimo Rauch (Jean Valjean), Tam Mutu (Javert), Craig Mather (Marius), Danielle Hope (Eponine), Samantha Dorsey (Cosette), Sierra Boggess (Fantine), Liam Tamne (Enjrolas)

Me and Sierra Boggess after Les Miserables

King John (Swan Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play - 12th September 2012
Cast Included - Alex Waldmann (King John), Pippa Nixon (The Bastard), John Stahl (King Philip Of France), Susie Trayling (Constance), Oscar Pearce (Lewis The Dauphin)
 
Twelfth Night (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play - 13th September 2012
Cast Included - Emily Taffe (Viola), Stephen Hagan (Sebastian), Nicholas Day (Sir Toby Belch), Bruce Mackinnon (Sir Andrew Aguecheek), Jonathan Slinger (Malvolio) Jonathan McGuiness (Orsino)

Finding Neverland (Curve Theatre, Leicester) Musical - 24th September 2012
Cast Included - Julian Ovenden (J M Barrie), Rosalie Craig (Sylvvia Llewelyn-Davies), Oliver Boot (Hook/Blunt), Clare Foster (Mary Barrie), Liz Robertson (Mrs Dumaurier)

Hedda Gabler (Old Vic, London) Play - 29th September 2012
Cast Included - Sheridan Smith (Hedda), Adrian Scarborough (Jurgen Tesman), Daniel Lapaine (Eilert Loevborg), Fenella Woolgar (Thea Elvsted), Darrell D’Silva (Judge Brack)

The Tempest (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play - 30th September 2012
Cast Included - Jonathan Slinger (Prospero), Sandy Grierson (Ariel), Soloman Israel (Ferdinand), Emily Taaffe (Miranda), Amer Hlehel (Caliban), Kirsty Bushell (Sebastian)

Me and Nicholas Day after The Tempest

October 2012
The Rise And Fall Of Little Voice (Theatre Royal, Nottingham) Play - 3rd October 2012
Cast Included - Jess Robinson (Little Voice), Beverly Callard (Mari Hoff), Ray Quinn (Billy), Philip Andrews (Ray Say)

Me and Ceris Hine after Little Voice

Twelfth Night (Globe Theatre, London) Play - 7th October 2012
Cast Included - Mark Rylance (Olivia), Stephen Fry (Malvolio), Samuel Barnett (Sebastian), Johnny Flynn (Viola), Colin Hurley (Sir Toby Belch), Roger Lloyd Pack (Sir Andrew Aguecheek) Paul Chahidi (Maria)

Finding Neverland (Curve Theatre, Leicester) Musical - 8th October 2012
Cast Included - Norman Bowman (J M Barrie), Rosalie Craig (Sylvvia Llewelyn-Davies), Oliver Boot (Hook/Blunt), Clare Foster (Mary Barrie), Liz Robertson (Mrs Dumaurier)

Me and Norman Bowman after Finding Neverland

Finding Neverland (Curve Theatre, Leicester) Musical - 10th/11th/17th October 2012
Cast Included - Julian Ovenden (J M Barrie), Rosalie Craig (Sylvvia Llewelyn-Davies), Oliver Boot (Hook/Blunt), Clare Foster (Mary Barrie), Liz Robertson (Mrs Dumaurier)

One Man Two Guvnors (Curve Theatre, Leicester) Play - 30th October 2012
Cast Included - Rufus Hound (Francis Henshall), Rosie Wyatt (Rachel Crabbe), Edward Bennett (Stanley Stubbers), Amy Booth-Steel (Dolly), Peter Claufield (Alfie), Colin Mace (Charlie Clench)

November 2012
The Orphan Of Zhao (Swan Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play - 7th November 2012
Cast Included - Joe Dixon (Tu'an Gu), Jake Fairbrother (Cheng Bo), Graham Turner (Dr Cheng), Lucy Briggs-Owen (The Princess), Nia Gwynne (Dr Cheng's Wife), Philip Whitchurch (Wei Jang)

Steel Pier (Union Theatre, London) Musical - 11th November 2012
Cast Included - Sarah Galbraith (Rita Racine), Jay Rincon (Billy Kelly), Ian Knauer (Mick Hamilton), Aimie Atkinson (Shelby Stevens), Lisa-Anne Wood (Precious McGuire)

Oliver! (Grand Theatre, Leeds) Musical - 18th November 2012
Cast Included - Neil Morrisey (Fagin), Samantha Barks (Nancy), Ryan O'Gorman (Bill Sikes), Stephen Moore (Mr Brownlow), James Gant (Mr Bumble), Claire Machin (Widow Corney), Emma Dukes (Bet)

The Mouse And His Child (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play - 21st November 2012
Cast Included - Michael Hodgson (Manny), Daniel Ryan (Mouse), Bettrys Jones (Child), Julia Innocenti (Ralphie/Mrs Crow), Carla Mendonça (Elephant), Naomi Sheldon (Seal)

The West End Men (DeMontfort Hall, Leicester) Concert - 23rd November 2012
Performers - Ramin Karimloo, Lee Mead, Stephen Rahman Hughes, Ashleigh Grey

Boris Godunov (Swan Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play - 26th November 2012
Cast Included - Gethin Antony (Grigory), Lloyd Hutchinson (Boris Godunov), Patrick Romer (Father Pimen), Lucy Briggs Owen (Maryna), Joe Dixon (Afanasii Pushkin), Graham Turner (General Basmanov)

The Mouse And His Child (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play - 28th November 2012
Cast Included - Michael Hodgson (Manny), Daniel Ryan (Mouse), Bettrys Jones (Child), Julia Innocenti (Ralphie/Mrs Crow), Carla Mendonça (Elephant), Naomi Sheldon (Seal)

December 2012
Hello, Dolly! (Curve Theatre, Leicester) Musical - 4th/5th December 2012
Cast Included - Janie Dee (Dolly Levi), Dale Rapley (Horace Vandergelder), Laura Pitt-Pulford (Irene Molloy), Michael Xavier (Cornelious Hack), Ngo Ngofa (Minnie Fay), Jason Denton (Barnaby Tucker)

Lionel Richie (Capital FM Arena, Nottingham) Concert - 15th December 2012
Performers - Lionel Richie

Me and Lionel Richie at his Meet and Greet

The Merry Wives Of Windsor (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play - 18th December 2012
Cast Included - Desmond Barrit (Sir John Falstaff), Anita Dobson (Mistress Quickly), Alexandra Gilbreath (Mistress Ford), John Ramm (Frank Ford), Sylvestra Le Touzel (Mistress Page), Martin Hyder (George Page), Naomi Sheldon (Anne Page)

The Rocky Horror Show (Theatre Royal, Brighton) Musical - 30th December 2012
Cast Included - Oliver Thornton (Frank N'Furter), Ben Forster (Brad), Roxanne Pallett (Janet), Rhydian (Rocky), Joel Montague (Dr Scott/Eddie), Kristian Lavercombe (Riff Raff), Ceris Hine (Columbia), Abigal Jaye (Magenta/Usherette)

Me and Ben Forster after Rocky Horror

Me and Roxanne Pallet after Rocky Horror

Stats...
Most Attended Theatres:

• Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Straford-Upon-Avon - 16
• Curve Theatre, Leicester - 16
• Swan Theatre, Straford-Upon-Avon - 10
• Shaftesbury Theatre, London - 5
• DeMontfort Hall, Leicester - 5

Shows Seen Most Times:

• The Comedy Of Errors - 5
• Gypsy - 5
• Finding Neverland - 5
• Rock Of Ages - 5
• King John - 4
• Les Miserables - 4
• Oliver! - 4

5 of the Best..

Musicals:

• Gypsy
• Finding Neverland
• Rocky Horror Show
• Matilda
• Rock Of Ages

Plays:

• King John (RSC)
• Comedy Of Errors (RSC)
• Twelfth Night (Globe)
• Julius Caesar (RSC)
• The Mouse And His Child (RSC)

Concerts:

• Lionel Richie
• Ramin Karimloo
• Little Women, 
• The Osmonds
• The West End Men

Male Musical Performances:

• Bertie Carvel in Matilda
• Oliver Boot in Finding Neverland
• Michael Ball in Sweeney Todd
• Ryan Molloy in Jersey Boys
• Geronimo Rauch in Les Miserables

Female Musical Performances:

• Victoria Hamilton-Barritt in Gypsy
• Aimie Atkinson in Steel Pier 
• Jemma Alexander in A Tale Of Two Cities
• Sophia Kiely in Matilda
• Imelda Staunton in Sweeney Todd

Male Play Performances:

• Alex Waldmann in King John
• Mark Rylance in Twelfth Night
• Ray Fearon in Julius Caesar
• Paterson Joseph in Julius Caesar
• Michael Hodgson in The Mouse And His Child

Female Play Performances:

• Pippa Nixon in King John
• Naomi Sheldon in The Mouse And His Child
• Alexandra Gilbreath in The Merry Wives Of Windsor
• Sheridan Smith in Hedda Gabler
• Susie Trayling in King John

My Theatre Awards 2012

Following up from my own personal awards for the shows I saw in 2011, I am continuing by doing it again for 2012. The winners will be in highlighted and in bold.

Best Leading Actress In A Play: (2011 winner - Iris Roberts)
Lisa Dillon - Katharina (Taming Of The Shrew)
Pippa Nixon - The Bastard (King John)
Meera Syal - Beatrice (Much Ado About Nothing)
Sheridan Smith - Hedda Gabler (Hedda Gabler)
Jessica Robinson - Little Voice (The Rise And Fall Of Little Voice)
Alexandra Gilbreath - Alice Ford (The Merry Wives Of Windsor)

Pippa Nixon as The Bastard in King John

Best Leading Actor In A Play: (2011 winner - James McArdle)
David Caves - Petruchio (Taming Of The Shrew)
Jonathan Slinger - Prospero (The Tempest)
Alex Waldmann - King John (King John)
Felix Hayes - Dromio of Ephesus/ Bruce MacKinnon - Dromio Of Syracuse (The Comedy Of Errors)
Paul Bhattacharjee - Benedick (Much Abo About Nothing)
Patterson Joseph - Brutus (Julius Caesar)
Rufus Hound - Francis Henshall (One Man Two Guvnors)
Joe Dixon - Tu'an Gu (The Orphan Of Zhao)
Michael Hodgson - Manny Rat (The Mouse And His Child)
Gethin Anthony - Grigory (Boris Godunov)
John Ramm - Frank Ford (The Merry Wives Of Windsor)

Michael Hodgson as Manny Rat in The Mouse And His Child

Best Supporting Actress In A Play: (2011 winner - Lucy Briggs-Owen)
Susie Trayling - Constance (King John)
Elizabeth Cadwallader - Bianca (Taming Of The Shrew)
Emily Taafe - Lucina (The Comedy Of Errors)
Siobhan Redmond - Elizabeth Woodville (Richard III)
Amara Khan - Hero (Much Ado About Nothing)
Amy Booth Steel - Dolly (One Man Two Guvnors)
Lucy Briggs-Owen - The Princess (The Orphan Of Zhao)
Julia Innocenti - Ralphie/Mrs Crow (The Mouse And His Child)
Naomi Sheldon - Seal/Donkey (The Mouse And His Child)
Anita Dobson - Mistress Quickly (The Merry Wives Of Windsor)

Suzie Trayling as Constance in King John

Best Supporting Actor In A Play: (2011 winner - Martin Hutson)
John Stahl - King Philip Of France (King John)
Mark Rylance - Olivia (Twelfth Night)
Daniel Lapaine - Eilert Loevborg (Hedda Gabler)
Jonathan Slinger - Malvolio (Twelfth Night)
Mark Holgate -  Macla (A Soldier In Every Son)
Ray Fearon - Mark Anthony (Julius Caesar)
Sagar Arya - Claudio (Much Ado About Nothing)
Stephen Fry - Malvolio (Twelfth Night)
Peter Claufield - Alfie (One Man Two Guvnors)
Graham Turner - Dr Cheng Ying (The Orphan Of Zhao)
Lloyd Hutchinson - Boris Godunov (Boris Goduvno)
Desmond Barritt - Sir John Falstaff (The Merry Wives Of Windsor)

Ray Fearson as Mark Anthony in Julius Caesar

Best Set Designer: (2011 winner - Borkur Jonsson)
Sara Perks - Gyspy
Rob Howell - Matilda 
Ruth Sutcliffe - Taming Of The Shrew 
Jon Bausor - The Comedy Of Errors/The Tempest/Twelfth Night
Tom Piper - Much Ado About Nothing 
Anthony Ward - Sweeney Todd 
Libby Watson - The Sound Of Music
Morgan Large - The Rise And Fall Of Little Voice
Nikki Turner - The Orphan Of Zhao
Angela Davies - The Mouse and His Child
Max Jones - The Merry Wives Of Windsor
Scott Pask  - Finding Neverland

The Merry Wives Of Windsor.

Best Costume Design:
Himani Dehlvi - Much Ado About Nothing
Eloise Kazan - A Soldier In Every Son
Sara Perks - Gypsy
Simon Higlett - Wonderful Town 
Anthony Ward - Oliver!
Anthony Ward - Sweeney Todd 
Jenny Tiramani - Twelfth Night (Shakespeare's Globe)
Nikki Turner - The Orphan Of Zhao 

An example of the costumes in A Soldier In Every Son

Best Choreographry: (2011 winner  - Andrew Wright)
Matthew Bourne - Oliver!
David Needham - Gypsy
Peter Darling - Matilda
Andrew Wright - Wonderful Town
Denni Sayers - Sweeney Todd
Richard Jones - Steel Pier
David Needham - Hello, Dolly!

Wonderful Town

Best Solo/Concert Performance: (2011 winner - Ramin Karimloo)
Alfie Boe: Bring Him Home Live (UK Tour)
Ramin Karimloo: The Road To Find Out (UK Tour)
Little Women In Concert (Playhouse Theatre)
The West End Men (UK Tour)

Best Supporting Actress In A Musical: (2011 winner - Hannah Waddingham)
Victoria-Hamilton Barritt - Louise/Gypsy Rose Lee (Gypsy)
Lauren Ward - Miss Honey (Matilda)
Jemma Alexander - Madame Defarge (A Tale Of Two Cities)
Lucy May Barker - Johanna (Sweeney Todd)
Jan Hartley - Mother Abbess (The Sound Of Music)
Sierra Boggess - Fantine (Les Miserables)
Lisa-Anne Wood - Precious McGuire (Steel Pier)
Aimie Atkinson - Shelby Stevens (Steel Pier)
Laura Pitt-Pulford - Irene Mulloy (Hello, Dolly!)

Victoria-Hamilton Barritt as Louise/Gypsy Rose Lee in Gypsy

Best Supporting Actor In A Musical: (2011 winner - Simon Lipkin)
David Fleeshman - Herbie (Gypsy)
Iain Fletcher - Bill Sikes (Oliver!)
Paul Kaye - Mr Wormwood (Matilda)
Jonathan Ansell - Charles Darnay (A Tale Of Two Cities)
Jon Boydon - Tommy DeVito (Jersey Boys)
John Bowe - Judge Turpin (Sweeney Todd)
Tam Mutu - Javert (Les Miserables)
Oliver Boot - Captain Hook (Finding Neverland)
Michael Xavier - Cornelius Hackl (Hello, Dolly!)

Oliver Boot (left) as Captain Hook in Finding Neverland

Best Leading Actress In A Musical: (2011 winner - Natalie Andreou)
Caroline O'Connor - Mama Rose (Gypsy)
Sophia Kiely - Matilda (Matilda)
Samantha Barks - Nancy (Oliver!)
Lauren Samuels - Scaramouche (We Will Rock You)
Connie Fisher - Ruth (Wonderful Town)
Imelda Staunton - Mrs Lovett (Sweeney Todd)
Rosalie Craig - Sylvia Lleweyn Davies (Finding Neverland)
Helena Blackman - Maria (The Sound Of Music)
Sarah Galbraith - Rita Racine (Steel Pier)
Janie Dee - Dolly Levi (Hello, Dolly!)

Sophia Kiely as Matilda in Matilda The Musical.

Best Leading Actor In A Musical: (2011 winner - Ramin Karimloo)
Bertie Carvel - Miss Trunchball (Matilda)
Michael Howe - Sydney Carton (A Tale Of Two Cities)
Michael Xavier - Bob Baker (Wonderful Town)
Iwan Lewis - Emmett (Legally Blonde)
Ryan Molloy - Frankie Valli (Jersey Boys)
Michael Ball - Sweeney Todd (Sweeney Todd)
Geronimo Rauch - Valjean (Les Miserables)
Julian Ovenden - J M Barrie (Finding Neverland)

Bertie Carvel as Miss Trunchball in Matilda

Best Understudy Performance: (2011 winner - Tabitha Webb)
Scott Monello - Galelio (We Will Rock You)
Ankur Bahl - Dromio Of Ephesus/Dromio Of Syracuse (The Comedy Of Errors)
Felix Hayes - Malvolio (Twelfth Night)
Sandy Moffat - Stacee Jaxx (Rock Of Ages)
Amy Ross - Elle Woods (Legally Blonde)
Mark Theodore - Brutus (Julius Caesar)
Philip Andrew - Ray Say (The Rise And Fall Of Little Voice)
Ryan O'Gorman - Bill Sikes (Oliver!) 

Ankur Bahl getting his wig fitted.

Best Royal Shakespeare Company Production: (2011 winner - Heart Of Robin Hood)
The Comedy Of Errors (Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Roundhouse)
King John (Swan Theatre)
Twelfth Night (Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Roundhouse)
A Soldier In Every Son (Swan Theatre)
Julius Caesar (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Noel Coward Theatre and UK Tour)
Much Ado About Nothing (Royal Shakespeare Theatre and Noel Coward Theatre)
The Orphan Of Zhao (Swan Theatre)
The Mouse And His Child (Royal Shakespeare Theatre)
The Merry Wives Of Windsor (Royal Shakespeare Theatre)

King John

Best Play (not RSC):
Doctor In The House (UK Tour)
Calender Girls (UK Tour)
Hysteria (UK Tour)
Hedda Gabler (Old Vic, London)
The Rise And Fall Of Little Voice (UK Tour)
Twelfth Night (Globe Theatre and Apollo Theatre, London)
One Man Two Guvnors (UK Tour)

Twelfth Night

Best Touring Produciton/Regional Show: (2011 winner - 42nd Street)
Gypsy (Curve Theatre)
Oliver! (UK Tour)
Wonderful Town (UK Tour)
Joseph (UK Tour)
Finding Neverland (Curve Theatre)
The Rise And Fall Of Little Voice (UK Tour)
One Man Two Guvnors (UK Tour)
Hello, Dolly! (Curve Theatre)

Gypsy

Best New* Musical: (2011 winner - Rock Of Ages)
Oliver! (UK Tour)
Matilda (Cambridge Theatre)
Gypsy (Curve Theatre)
Tale Of Two Cities (Charing Cross Theatre)
Wonderful Town (UK Tour)
Jersey Boys (Prince Edward Theatre)
Sweeney Todd (Adelphi Theatre)
Finding Neverland (Curve Theatre)
Steel Pier (Union Theatre)
Hello, Dolly! (Curve Theatre)

Matilda The Musical

*first time I'd seen this show hence why I class it as new.