Simon Bailey (Come Alive / Moulin Rouge) co-host The West End Frame Show!

Andrew and Simon discuss Coven (Kiln Theatre), Midnight by Todrick Hall (Sadler's Wells East) and Limp Wrist & The Iron Fist (Brixton House) as well as the latest news about Wicked's new middle eastern tour, Gravity's tour with Kerry Ellis, Louise Dearman and Rachel Tucker, StarKid, Hercules and more.

Simon is currently in his second year as The Showman in Come Alive: The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular at the Empress Museum.

Simon's theatre credits include: Crabbit and Harry Lime in The Third Man (Menier Chocolate Factory), Ram’s Dad / Big Bud Dean / Coach Ripper in Heathers (Theatre Royal Haymarket & London Workshop), Tommy DeVito in Jersey Boys (Piccadilly Theatre & UK Tour), Liam O’Deary in I Can’t Sing! (London Palladium), Pharaoh in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat (Gillian Lynne), Tom Watson/Officer Starnes in Parade (Southwark Playhouse), understudy Galileo in We Will Rock You (Dominion), Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty’s), Enjolras in Les Misérables (Queens), Passion (Donmar Warehouse) and Romeo & Juliet The Musical (Piccadilly).

Simon originated the role of The Duke in the original West End cast of Moulin Rouge (Piccadilly Theatre).

Come Alive: The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular is booking at the Empress Museum in Earl's Court until 27th September 2026. Visit www.comealiveshow.com for info and tickets.

This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins.

@AndrewTomlins32

Thanks for listening!

Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk

Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.

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Akeem Ellis-Hyman (The Devil Wears Prada / Hairspray) co-hosts The West End Frame Show!

Andrew and Akeem discuss Here And Now: The Steps Musical (UK Tour, New Wimbledon Theatre), Six Japan (Vaudeville Theatre) and Elf The Musical (Aldwych Theatre) as well as the latest news about Jesus Christ Superstar starring Sam Ryder, Pride The Musical, Rachel Zegler and Ben Platt in The Last Five Years and lots more.

Akeem starred as Seaweed in the UK tour of Hairspray with his other credits including Lola in Kinky Boots (Norfolk and Norwich Operatic Society), Motown The Musical (UK Tour) and Dirty Dancing (UK Tour).

He just finished appearing in the original West End cast of The Devil Wears Prada (Dominion Theatre).

Alongside performing, Akeem is the founder of Beyond The Artist — a company dedicated to creating a safe and nurturing space for performers to rediscover their worth, express themselves authentically, and step into their power. Through workshops exploring mindfulness, energetic release, and self-compassion, Akeem helps artists reconnect with the person behind the performance.

For info about Beyond The Artist, visit www.beyondtheartist.co.uk

This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins.

@AndrewTomlins32

Thanks for listening!

Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk

Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ksenya Gray co-hosts The West End Frame Show!

Andrew and Ksenya discuss Entertaining Mr Sloane (Young Vic) starring Jordan Stephens and Tamzin Outhwaite as well as the latest news about Paddington, the Black British Theatre Awards, Mischief's first musical, the Wicked movie special, I'm Every Woman starring Alexandra Burke and lots more.

Ksenya is a social media manager and runs the social media company Storytellers. Her 2025 projects have included ⁠Saving Mozart, Falling In Love With Mr Dellamort, Marisha Wallace Live at the Adelphi, Sydnie Christmas Live In London, Personality: The Lloyd Price Musical, Your Lie In April's album release, Bettie Page: Queen of Pin-Ups and West End Unscripted.

She has also been working with Kelly Young, Westway Music, Anthony Costa and Shona McGarty.

Follow Ksenya on Instagram: @ksenya.gray

This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins.

@AndrewTomlins32

Thanks for listening!

Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk

Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gregory George (Host of Stage or Screen) co-hosts The West End Frame Show!

Andrew and Gregory discuss Young Frankenstein as well as the latest news about Freaky Friday, Sylvia, Jodie Steele, Death Becomes Her and more. Plus, we have a special preview of a track from Matthew Harvey's musical Unbound which releases a live cast album on 31st October.

Gregory toured the UK as Bob Gaudio in The Jerseys and appeared in Jerry Springer The Opera at the Hope Mill Theatre. Alongside pantos, concerts and workshops, Gregory has also performed at sea, and is about to embark on his next cruise contract.

Gregory is also a presenter and host of the podcast Stage Or Screen where in each episode he’s joined by a guest to take a deep dive into a different movie musical.

Follow Gregory on Instagram @gregorygeorgeuk and check out Stage Or Screen www.linktr.ee/stageorscreen

This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins.

@AndrewTomlins32

Thanks for listening!

Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk

Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Producer Jack Maple (Ride The Cyclone / The Hunchback Of Notre Dame) co-hosts The West End Frame Show!

Andrew and Jack discuss the Les Misérables 40th Anniversary (Sondheim Theatre), Shoshana Bean In Concert (St Martin's Theatre) and Mary Page Marlowe (The Old Vic) as well as the latest news about Cynthia Erivo's new musical movie, Todrick's musical Midnight, Aqua, Pippin and more.

Jack is currently producing the first UK tour of The Talented Mr Ripley starring Ed McVey and Maisie Smith as well as the UK premiere of Ride The Cyclone at the Southwark Playhouse. He recently produced the UK premiere of The Hunchback Of Notre Dame which sold out its performances at the Prince Edward Theatre.

Some of Jack's other producing credits include: Spring Awakening: The 15th Anniversary Reunion Concert (Victoria Palace Theatre), An Officer And A Gentleman The Musical (UK Tour), The Witches Of Eastwick in Concert (Sondheim Theatre), The Show Must Go On! Live (Palace Theatre & NT Live), TuckShop’s Sleeping Beauty (Harold Pinter Theatre), Who’s Holiday! (HOME Manchester & Southwark Playhouse), The View UpStairs (Soho Theatre), The Rink (Southwark Playhouse) and Working (Southwark Playhouse).

He has also produced a number of high profile concerts with a some Broadway icons, including Sierra Boggess, Kelli O’Hara and Caissie Levy, and has had a long association with Bat Out Of Hell, working as Associate General Manager across the musical’s journey to the West End and beyond.

Jack became the West End's youngest producer at the age of 20, when he co-produced the Olivier award-winning revival of Show Boat at the New London Theatre.

The Talented Mr Ripley tours until 22nd November 2025 including a London run in Richmond 10th – 15th November, with 2026 dates to be announced. Ride The Cyclone runs at the Southwark Playhouse 14th November – 10th January 2026.

This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins.

@AndrewTomlins32

Thanks for listening!

Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk

Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re kicking off the week with a special bonus episode, Aneesah Khadijah joins theatre critic and West End Frame Editor Andrew Tomlins for an in-depth artistic conversation and critical reflection on her creative work behind the scenes.

After studying Law at the University of Manchester, Aneesah found her true passion in the arts, developing a distinctive practice that blends precision, empathy, and storytelling across stage management, creative production, and artist liaison work.

Her theatre credits include Caged Sisters Musical (Phoenix Arts Club, Bridewell Theatre), In The Beginning Woman Was The Sun (toured Manchester, Newcastle & Liverpool), RepresentAsian (Lyric Theatre), Mendaki (Voila! Festival 2025) and many more.

In this episode, Andrew offers a thoughtful critique of Aneesah’s artistic approach, from the emotional rhythm and cohesion of Caged Sisters Musical and In The Beginning Woman Was The Sun, to her collaborations with Itikku Productions, where she explores stories of identity, culture, and womanhood. They discuss the artistry of backstage storytelling, the emotional architecture of live performance, and the importance of representation behind the scenes, and Aneesah shares how she supports and uplifts BESEA creatives in technical and management roles.

The conversation goes beyond biography to present a critical evaluation of Aneesah’s professional practice in the industry, offering rare insight into the care, creativity, and collaboration that shape her contribution to the theatre world. Aneesah and Andrew also talk about why they're excited about this year’s MusicalCon!

Aneesah currently works at English National Ballet and is part of the Musical Con team, where she continues to nurture inclusive and supportive creative spaces.

Follow Aneesah on Instagram: @aneesahkhadijah

MusicalCon takes place at the ExCel Centre 18th - 19th October 2025. Visit www.musicalcon.co.uk for info and tickets.

This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins.

@AndrewTomlins32

Thanks for listening!

Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk

Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Harriet Watson (Six) returns to co-host The West End Frame Show!

Andrew and Harriet discuss 13 Going On 30 (Manchester Opera House) and Moulin Rouge (World Tour + West End production) as well as the latest news about Oh Mary!, casting for the Mean Girls tour, Hercules, The Devil Wears Prada and more. They also pay tribute to both Patricia Routledge and Ben Lewis.

Harriet is preparing to star in a one-woman show Six Of Spades by Natasha Brotherdale Smith. The production runs at the Etcetera Theatre Club in Camden next week, directed by Millie Gaston.

Harriet’s theatre credits include: Rock Follies (Chichester Festival Theatre), A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Paris), Closer Than Ever (Edinburgh Fringe Festival), Mismatched (Old Red Lion) and The Jungle Book (Tabard) as well as playing Pauline Quirke in Early Birds (Edinburgh Fringe Festival).

Harriet is a Six The Musical legend. She originally joined the UK & Ireland tour as dance captain and the alternate Seymour and Parr, but went on to play all six queens. After finishing the tour, Harriet became a universal super swing for both the West End and touring productions. Since leaving, she has made countless emergency returns to the show.

Six Of Spades runs at the Etcetera Theatre Club 13th - 19th October. Visit www.citizenticket.com for info and tickets.

This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins.

@AndrewTomlins32

Thanks for listening!

Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk

Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special bonus episode, Stratford East’s new leadership team unveil their inaugural season.

West End Frame Editor Andrew Tomlins is joined by Lisa Spirling (Artistic Director & Co-CEO) and Hanna Streeter (Executive Director & Co-CEO) for an exciting first look at their season, which includes the highly anticipated London premiere of Choir Boy by Tarell Alvin McCraney, directed by Nancy Medina. The season also includes the UK premiere of Here There Are Blueberries by Moisés Kaufman and Amanda Gronich as well as Bloodsport: After Helen of Troy by Ava Pickett, directed by Lisa Spirling.

Also in this episode, Lisa and Hanna discuss the excitement of stepping into their new roles, their mission of driving Stratford East into its next chapter and the realities of navigating theatre-making in today’s challenging economic climate.

Visit www.stratfordeast.com for more information.

This podcast is hosted by Andrew Tomlins.

@AndrewTomlins32

Thanks for listening!

Email: andrew@westendframe.co.uk

Visit westendframe.co.uk for more info about our podcasts.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.