#the hamilton programme is signed by so much of the original west end cast it’s my prized possession

[succulentsofa]

went through my collection of musical theatre stuff i’ve been hoarding since 2016 and 😭😭

[emeraldskulblaka]

Top five underrated musical theatre actors/actresses? (In case you'd like to share I'm not sure??)

It's so great you're asking this now!! Perfect time.

What I'd like to say in advance - this is just based on what I see on my dash/when I search for people in the tags here on Tumblr. I have no idea about their recognition in the acting business.

In no particular order...

1. Laura Michelle Kelly. Surprise surprise. I feel like everyone has heard of her, but never paid much attention to her since she hasn't been in popular shows like Wicked, Phantom, Hamilton, Heathers, etc.

Her big successes were in the West End a while back - her Olivier Award win in 2005, ... although she has originated a few roles, she's mostly known for Mary Poppins, somehow, and that she played Sylvia opposite Jeremy Jordan as J.M. Barrie. I can only hope more people will discover her now because of Christian Borle and Me and My Girl.

Not only is she an extraordinarily talented singer and actress, she's also a ray of sunshine and a real cutie pie who cares a lot for everyone and everything.

I know I post a lot about her haha, that's why I kept this relatively short

2. Scarlett Strallen. It was International Dance Day two days ago, so I decided to watch a few A Chorus Line clips, and remembered Scarlett had played Cassie in the London revival. The obsession started anew. I originally discovered her when I found an audio of her in Candide with Fra Fee at the Menier Chocolate Factory 2013. And rediscovered her when my Michael Ball obsession started, because of an audio of them singing All I Ask Of You. And now - I don't know where to actually start. There's no way one person can be THAT talented. She can do it all. Mary Poppins? Cunegonde? Cassie? Sibella? Clara? Yes.

While I'm not the biggest soprano fan (at least, in the classical sense, i. e. Cosette's voice. There are exceptions, and it doesn't affect my view of the characters at all, but I don't really enjoy it that much any more), Scarlett has that gorgeous darker soprano voice - you really need to listen to her sing.

Plus, she's a real-life angel. Look at her.

Anyway, she's on Broadway RIGHT NOW, in Travesties!

Her two sisters, Summer and Zizi, are also fantastic. You might know Summer as Meg in the OLC of Love Never Dies and Zizi is currently starring in Strictly Ballroom in London.

3. Sifiso Mazibuko. He's an understudy in the West End production of Hamilton and played Burr when I saw the show. I (and especially @priority-palaven, since she only knew the OBCR and Leslie is... just Leslie who has that lush smooth voice) had pretty high expectations, and they were met as closely as somehow possible. What a guy. Plus, he came out at stagedoor and signed my programme yay!!! I'm sure he has a great career ahead of him and I'll make sure to share more of him!

4. Michael Ball. He's that musical theatre veteran you can find at every Phantom and Les Mis anniversary, on several cast recordings, and on tour with Alfie Boe. But tumblr doesn't talk much about him. There are a handful of blogs that love him, but otherwise - nothing. He's known for ALW musicals, and I'm aware it's cool to openly hate ALW and his shows. But look at the guy himself. Two-time Olivier Award winner, Olivier Awards host, went from Marius and Raoul to Edna and Sweeney. Has the time of his life every time he's on stage, and shows it. Has a puppy face. And the sweetest smile. He's a star, and hearing him sing Love Changes Everything has changed my life.

5. Drew Sarich. He's been - everywhere. Lestat? Tanz der Vampire? Sister Act? Les Misérables? Love Never Dies? Hair? Rocky? He can do anything. Maybe it's because I found a post with a lot of video gifts with him a while ago, but I've grown really found of him. My favourite Graf von Krolock, even though I've seen Kirill Zolygin live... I don't have that much to say about him though😅

Performers who have gotten really popular recently and therefore didn't make the list: Eva Noblezada, Rachelle Ann Go, Shoba Narayan, Lexi Lawson, Jordan Donica

Thank you for the ask! Ask away any time :)

[thedreamingdinosaur]

Directed by: Patrick Marber

Cast:

Vanda- Natalie Dormer Thomas- David Oakes

‘And the Lord hath smitten him and delivered him into a woman’s hands’

A critically acclaimed Broadway hit, strikes at the heart of London once more! Over the last few years we have had our fair share of shows make the jump over the pond to share talents beyond our belief. With the smash hit Hamilton due to begin later this year, as well as Dear Evan Hansen recently making the leap, it is nice to see a none musical production make a transfer with such flare and originality. The play I am referring to, of course, is Venus in Fur.

The play came into talks following the final few episodes of ITV’s Victoria and a canceled Shakespeare class on a Thursday morning in October. How I hear you ask? Well this is down to David Oakes and his Prince Ernest. His heart throbbing and what can only be described as tragic character, captured the hearts of my fellow English thespian Catharine, and myself. So when we heard that he was to star in a new show in London, we simply had to take the opportunity up. Along side him would be one of the biggest names of the 21st century, Natalie Dormer. Having recently stared in Game of Thrones, Elementary and Mockingjay Part 1 and 2, Dormer’s talents have allowed us to see her appear in more and more entertainment over the last few years.

Now normally this is the point where I would write a small synopsis about what the play is actually about, however I’m not going to do that this time. Instead I shall give you the blurb from the script that I purchased while at the show.

Blurb

Enigmatic actress Vanda Jordan appears unannounced for an audition with director Thomas Novachek. She’s determined to land the leading role in his new production- despite seeming wrong for the part. Over one evening in downtown Manhattan their charged meeting becomes a seductive dance to the end. Intoxicating, erotic, highly charged, Venus in Fur is a dark comedy about desire, fantasy and love.

A 2 person show is something you rarely see in the West End now a days. With more shows having cast number’s exceeding the 30’s, it is nice to see one with a very limited cast. And to go with such a tiny cast, was a beautiful theatre too. Currently making it’s home in the Theatre Royal Haymarket, Venus in Fur has a perfect intimate auditorium for a very intimate play.

Our seats were allocated at the back of the stalls in row M. Normally I would steer clear of sitting near the back of the stalls, due to previous shows where I have had very poor seats and have hardly been able to see anything, does not help that I’m blind as a bat! But I was not disappointed at all! The set itself was very impressive. For what looked like a small stage, the crew had managed to transform it into a spacious Manhattan apartment. Each detail was well though out and interesting to see. There was not much use of lighting or sound effects, besides that of a thunderstorm, however this did not take away from the overal brilliancy of the show!

Before this show came into talks, I had never heard of Venus in Fur. The term ‘masochism’ had propped up in some analysis of books back in the first and second years of University but I had never truly understood it until now. From the images of rehearsals that had propped up on Twitter and Whatsonstage, I was able to have a guess what it would be about and safe to say I was very nervous.

David Oakes’s character explores complicated feelings and emotions it seems through the course of the play. Struggling with casting as well, it is clear that the stress of this play has begun to get to Thomas. This is no problem for Oakes though. It is clear that his understanding of the character has come from numerous hours of research, reading and rehearsing. He captures the struggle and stress of casting, re-writing and producing a performance with such accuracy, any new writer, caster or produce could totally relate too!

A play within a play can sometimes be hard to grasp, causing confusion within the audience, but he delievers a performance which show clear barriers between this ‘real world’ and the play. Although a man potentially set in his ways, Oakes gives us someone who will be swayed by pleasure and pain. Having only previously seen his inspirinig skills in Victoria, I was not disappointed by his perfomance in this at all! The techinique that David gives us is nothing but impressive. He show’s us his ability to change accents so easily, I was litteraly sat there with my mouth wide open at one point! I certainly cannot slip from a Manhattan accent to a German to a British one with such ease! His use of the space around him has been thought through clearly, as well as prop usage too. Although rehearsing with Vanda, Oakes shows us the man behind the writer behind the actor observing his potential employee. David Oakes is nothing but a first class actor of this generation, inspiring many with his abilities and true talent.

It is no secret that Natalie Dormer is an extremely talented lady in the 21st century. She has proved herself with her roles in Game of Thrones and Elementary, giving us very different characters. We see this come through once again in this show.

Initially, we see Vanda as your typical girl who wants her big break in the city. Eventually, Dormer takes you on a journey, exploring a very different character. It cannot be easy being an actress and having to portray an actress. Although I have never done it myself, Natalie holds nothing back and gives it her absolute all! Each moment in the play provides us with a new exciting twist in her character(s). I will say however, I do feel sorry for her in that very revealing costume in the autumn/winter period! She must be freezing the poor love! Nevertheless, the stockings and knee high boots do not hold her back. From what seems like a very innocent Manhattan girl, to a goddess, we see different light’s to Dormer compared to her other roles. Her emotion and use of stage are just like Davids, STUNNING!

All in all this play was truly something! Exploring a sexy new world I was very debious about, it seduced it’s audience into a world of pleasure. If you are nervous like I was then please do not fear! Oakes and Dormer will take your concerns and worries and chuck them away, giving you something to talk about for a long time! To top this show off, I was lucky enough to meet these two amazing stars at stage door after the show. I would like to thank them both for taking time out of their extremely brief lunch break to sign programmes, take photos and accept birthday cards after a tiring and energetic performance.

★★★★★

By Natalie Midwinter

Check out this great interview between Jasper Rees and David Oakes on the play here! Get ticket’s for the last few shows here MUST END DECEMBER 9TH 2017!

Don’t mess with the Goddess

Don't Mess with the Goddess. Directed by: Patrick Marber Cast: Vanda- Natalie Dormer Thomas- David Oakes 'And the Lord hath smitten him and delivered him into a woman's hands'