Killian Donnelly by Chanel Anderson

The next of the theatre favourites blog comes from Chanel who writes about her favourite Killian Donnelly. 

When did you first discover your performer?
The first time I saw Killian, it was in Les Misérables in March 2011. He was playing Enjolras and he utterly blew me away.

Have you seen them perform live if so in what show?
Yes, I’ve seen him perform three times. Once in Les Misérables, once in Billy Elliot and once in The Commitments. Sadly, due to the pricing of trains and tickets, I haven’t been able to see him as many times as I’d like!

How would you describe him to your fellow theatre fans?
I would describe him as an all-around fantastic person. He is an absolute joy to watch on stage and his versatility as a performer astounds me. Not to mention, he’s incredibly lovely to talk to and will always go out of his way to talk to you.

Favourite performance?
My favourite performance without a doubt was the last time I saw him, which was in The Commitments. It’d been around six months since I’d last saw him but the amount he’d improved since then was amazing. His vocals were top notch and his Deco was pretty much everything I’d imagined when reading the book. There were little subtleties throughout the performance that made it clear to me that he knew his character inside out.

Favourite song you’ve heard them perform?
Oh, this is a difficult one! I think it’s probably between ‘Thin Line Between Love And Hate’, ‘Try A Little Tenderness’ & ‘He Could Be A Star’.

Have you met them?
I’ve met him twice now. As I said earlier, he is an absolutely lovely person and is a complete and utter joy to talk to!

What show would you like to see them in?
I’ve been saying for ages now that I’d love to see him play the Guy in Once. I think he would be perfectly cast for it. I’d also really like to see him play Fiyero in Wicked at some point- I think he’d do a fantastic job with it!

Stephen Ashfield by Clare O'Keefe

The next of the theatre favourites blog comes from Clare who writes about her favourite Stephen Ashfield.  

WHEN DID YOU FIRST DISCOVER YOUR PERFORMER?

I first saw Stephen on GMTV back in 2008 performing with the Jersey Boys, straight away i thought i`ve got to go and see these guys, but never got round to it then by chance i was at a Charity Concert at the Piccadilly Theatre and the Jersey Boys were performing there...they looked and sounded even better live than they did on the tv, i absolutely loved them (especially Stephen) and it went from there....

HAVE YOU SEEN THEM PERFORM LIVE?

I`ve been lucky enough to see Stephen performing in various shows over the years including: Jersey Boys, Legally Blonde (both on tour and at the Savoy), Bewitched Bothered and Bewildered, Boy Meets Boy and in his current role of Elder McKinley in The Book of Mormon aswell as various cabaret shows, charity concerts and other events he`s done.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THEM TO YOUR FELLOW THEATRE FANS?

Stephen is incredible, not only is he extremely talented and gorgeous but he`s so lovely too, he always takes the time to stop and chat at stage door, he`s got a great sense of humour and always has me in fits of laughter!!! it`s a joy to watch him on stage and a pleasure to know him

FAVOURITE PERFORMANCE

I`ve loved every show i`ve seen Stephen in but if i had to choose a favourite it would have to be his current role as Elder McKinley in The Book of Mormon...he`s absolutely hilarious and steals the show for me everytime!!!

FAVOURITE SONG YOU`VE HEARD THEM PERFORM?

There have been so many and as much as i love Stephen singing "I am Africa" and "Turn it Off" in The Book of Mormon i think my fave has to be "Cry for Me" when he played Bob Gaudio in the Jersey Boys as it`s the first song i heard him sing and it brings back so many happy memories

HAVE YOU MET THEM? 

Yes hundreds of times!!! I`ve known Stephen for 6 years now and have been lucky enough to meet him either before or after every show i`ve seen him in...he`s simply the best!!!

Haley Flaherty by Emily Claire Nieman

The next of the theatre favourites blog comes from Emily who writes about her favourite Haley Flaherty.  

When did you first discover your perfomer?  

All my favourites are essentially my favourite performers but my number one has GOT to be Haley Flaherty! I first saw her in Matilda on September 22nd 2012 and thought I recognised her from seeing her on stage, went to meet her at stage door a few weeks later and she was just the loveliest person ever! 

Have you seen them perform live if so in what shows? 

Unfortunately on Matilda so far but out of the 65 times I’ve seen the show I’ve seen her as Miss Honey 50 times! She basically IS Miss Honey so she’s a cheater but also freaking amazing in the role, a ridiculous triple threat! 

How would you describe them to your fellow theatre fans? 

She is the epiphany of loveliness! She’s also up for a joke & a laugh so never take her TOO seriously. And she genuinely cares, which is an absolute rarity! And who can forget her Scottish-ness, however her brilliant British accent in Matilda wouldn’t make you aware of it! She’s so thoughtful & nice to everyone so never think that you can’t go up and chat to her just because you don’t know her/she doesn’t know you. If you genuinely see her in the show & think she’s great so want to chat to her just go for it! 

 Favourite performance?  

My birthday show a few weeks ago! I sat front row where you can see all her awesome facial expressions and hear all her little phrases/sounds that don’t get picked up by the mic and it’s just glorious, SHE’S glorious! (Miss Honey in Matilda)

 Favourite song you've heard them perform? 

This Little Girl from Matilda or Toucha from Rocky. TLG is always sung incredibly. I remember one show she’d just come back from being ill and when I saw her before the show she said that “she goes bad” at the TLG mark. So it got to that song & I don’t know what I was expecting but I waited for something to happen, like for her to completely lose her voice I guess? Obviously it being my 30-something show I can tell when something’s changed, and that day the song did sound very different but I actually loved it! & the fact that she felt that way is just too cute no?! Haha :’) And Toucha purely for the growls! She’s done one or two in Matilda but holy-moo, she has a fest of them in Toucha and I just melt really! :’) 

Have you met them?

YESSSSS! Way too many times, at least once on every day I’ve seen Matilda and then more if I’ve seen her twice in one day or gone to say hi when I’m just up in town! Speaking to her just makes me happy! She’s actually really open & I just go for sarky banter or lovely chats- I love both! <3 

Although I kind of forgot to smile this is my favourite picture (I only have 3 others with her!) with the lovely lady, GO SELFIES!! And she properly got into it which I wasn’t expecting at all! :’)

What show would you like to see them in?  

I would love to see her reprise some roles such as Roxie in Chicago, Sophie in Mamma Mia and Sandy in Grease but I also think she’d make an awesome Molly in Ghost, G(a)linda in Wicked. I also would love to see her as Mrs Wormwood or a School Kid in Matilda! 

Benjamin Brook and Evan James by Samantha Hayes

Continuing in this series of blogs by theatre fans writing about their favourite performer this newest blog comes from Samantha who writes about two stars Benjamin Brook and Evan James.

Benjamin Brook (The Book of Mormon)
When did you first discover your performer?
I first discovered Ben when i went to see the show for the first time (March 2013) Unfortunately he wasn't on stage as he is just a swing in the show.

Have you seen them perform live?
I have been lucky enough to of seen Ben perform on stage covering different Mormon Boys.

How would you describe them to your fellow theatre fans?
One of the kindest people that i have ever met, has time to stop at Stage Door for a chat and pictures.

Favourite performance?
As Ben covers different Mormon Boys the best cover would have to be Elder White.... No one can hold the word HELLOOOOOOO as long as Ben and make the best facial expressions at the same time (Always makes me giggle).

Favourite song you've heard them perform?
The first song in the show with the other boys which is called 'HELLO'

Have you met them?
YES......I have been so lucky to of met Ben everytime i have gone to see the show (or just to Stage Door)




Evan James (Book Of Mormon)
When did you first discover your performer?
I first discovered Evan when i went to see the show for the first time.

Have you seen them perform live?
YES... As Evans a swing i get to see him cover different Mormon boys :) 


How would you describe them to your fellow theatre fans?
Evan is one of the loveliest people that i have ever met at a Stage Door, he always has time to stop for a chat (and pictures) !!

Favourite performance?
fave cover would have to be Elder Thomas (Poptarts), he makes the part so funny. !

Favourite song you've heard them perform?
Fave song would have to be 'TURN IT OFF' (with the other mormon boys !!)

Have you met them?
YES... I have been so lucky to of met Evan lots of times at Stage Door.

Gareth Bailey and Lizzi Franklin by Dannii Gribbin

Continuing in this series of blogs by theatre fans writing about their favourite performer this newest blog comes from Dannii who writes about Gareth Bailey and Lizzi Franklin.

When did you first discover your performer?
When Dirty Dancing first went on the international tour

Have you seen them perform live if so in what shows?
I first met them, 17th May and first seen Gareth perform as Johnny 21st, seeing both Gareth and Lizzi perform on Friday both show.

How would you describe them to your fellow theatre fans?
They are the loveliest people you will ever meet, can talk about anything and can always have a laugh with too..always happy for a chat and photo at stage door.. really enjoy our chats, so glad got the chance to meet you.

Favourite performance?
Johnny in Dirty Dancing 
Havent see Lizzi yet, but the clips ive seen in her in Cats are just incredible.

Have you met them?
Pictures attached on the blog.

What show would you like to see them in?
Would love to see Gareth as Skye in Mamma Mia, Starlight Express, Ghost. Desperate to see Lizzi as Penny or Baby one day, would love to see her in Rock of ages, Charlie in the chocolate factory. I know they will be amazing in everything they do will always support them.

Nicky Swift by Megan Hopkins

Continuing in this series of blogs by theatre fans writing about their favourite performer this newest blog comes from Megan who writes about Nicky Swift.

When did you first discover your perfomer? 
Though the twitter page of Les Mis 

Have you seen them perform live if so in what shows? 
Les Mis and small concerts. 

How would you describe them to your fellow theatre fans? 
Fun, loving bubbly, kindest person, happy to help, always has time for you! 

Favourite performance? 
She is first cover Madame T which is my all time favourite character she has played but my favourite performance is when she fell over straight on to her bum and sat there in giggles till Cameron stop laughing and got her up! 

Favourite song you've heard them perform? 
Master of the house 

Have you met them? 
Lot and lots of times at the Les Mis SD 

What show would you like to see them in? 
Sweeney Todd as Mrs Lovett and she has also said she would love to play that character.

Rebecca Trehearn by‏ Sophie Hankinson

Continuing in this series of blogs by theatre fans writing about their favourite performer this newest blog comes from Sophie who writes about Rebecca Trehearn.

When did you first discover your performer?
I first discovered her on twitter as I followed a lot of performers just never saw them live. I knew about her in Ghost as my friend saw her as Molly Jensen in London. So when she was cast as Molly for the UK tour of Ghost I was elated that I could finally see her portrayal of Molly Jensen.

Have you seen them perform live if so in what show?
I have seen Rebecca as Molly Jensen in Ghost 3 times. Outstanding every time. I hope soon I can see her perform at a gig or two.

How would you describe them to your fellow theatre fans?
Truly incredible on stage and off. Her voice is so powerful and just makes me cry (in a good way of course). And so lovely in person too! Plus she posts some hilarious tweets on twitter that make me laugh for days. She's just a wonderful person.

Favourite performance?
The last time I saw Ghost (Feb 22nd) was a special performance for me as it would be the last time I saw this cast. Rebecca was so amazing as Molly that she even made me cry during scenes such as Here Right Now and Three Little Words. Not to mention her acting and gorgeous singing during With You and Nothing Stops Another Day.

Favourite song you've heard them perform?
All of these songs I chose is because she sings them with such passion that by the end of them I'm a blubbering mess. So, Nothing Stops Another Day from Ghost, The Hill from Once, Reasons/Finale from Bobby Cronin's 'A Concrete Jungle' and Pure Imagination.

Have you met them?
Yes and she's so so so lovely. I've gotten a few pictures with her and given her some presents at stage door which is always a pleasant experience. Although I can never put into words how amazing she is up front so here's hoping next time I see her I can tell her how fantastic she is.

What show would you like to see them in?
Gahhhh so many! Wicked of course as Elphaba. Mrs Lovett in Sweeney Todd, Mrs Lyons in Blood Brothers, Fantine in Les Mis, Girl in Once and hoping Bobby Cronin's A Concrete Jungle comes across the pond so she can play Abby in that. Just... Give her all the roles!