Beverly will be the third performer to assume the role in this ongoing show following Nicole Scherzinger and Kerry Ellis. Presently she is starring in Memphis at the Shaftesbury Theatre until July. Knight also received critical acclaim for her portrayal of Rachel Marron in The Bodyguard at the Adelphi Theatre.  This revival of CATS has a limited 10 week run at the Palladium following its explosive return last year.

CATS first hit the stage at the New London Theatre in 1981 and set new records with its run of more than 20 years. The story is based on T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book Of Practical Cats, and tells the story that takes place over one night of the Jellicle Ball. On this one night of the year the sage leader of the cats, Old Deuteronomy, chooses which cat will enter the Heaviside Layer and have the privilege of being born into a new Jellicle life.

Knight said, “To be asked to join the company of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s historic show was so exciting and totally unexpected as, vocally, I am so different to the many incredible women who have sung the classic ‘Memory’ over the years. To follow in their footsteps is something to truly relish! I am really looking forward to transforming into Grizabella with her fabulous costume and amazing makeup and to be playing the role at the London Palladium. Working with Andrew will be a real privilege.”
You can find and purchase tickets for Knight’s performance in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS at The Palladium Theatre ticket site. She takes the stage on October 23, 2015.

The post Beverly Knight To Take Over Role Of Grizabella In CATS At The Palladium In London appeared first on Broadway Black.

This year comedian, presenter and acclaimed, award-winning actor Lenny Henry hosted.

Among the nominees were Brandon Victor Dixon for his role in Scottsboro Boys at Garrick Theatre in London. Beverly Knight for her role in Memphis The Musical at Shaftesbury Theatre. Both were nominated as leading actor and actress in a musical respectively. Watch them both talk about their nominations below along with Rolan Bell for his nomination for supporting role in Memphis The Musical. Not shown in av video below is Jason Pennycooke for his nomination for supporting role for Memphis The Musical at Shaftesbury Theatre

Memphis The Musical took home the Oliviers for Best Sound Design and Best Choreography.

But were nominated for a total of 7 Oliviers

• Autograph Sound Award for Outstanding Achievement in Music
• Best Actor in a Musical
• MasterCard Best New Musical
• Best Actress in a Musical
• Best Costume Design (Paul Tazwell)
• Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical
• Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical

Also, among the nominees:

For Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre

Juma Sharkah for her performance in Liberian Girl at the Jerwood Theatre Upstairs at the Royal Court

Tanya Moodie for her performances in Intimate Apparel at Park Theatre and The House That Will Not Stand at Tricycle Theatre

For Magic Radio Best Musical Revival

The Gershwins’ Porgy And Bess  at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

Now watch the performances from these shows below, as well as video performances from the pre-show on ITV. We’ve even included the one of Nicole Scherzinger singing Memory from Cats.

CONGRATS TO ALL THE NOMINEES AND WINNERS!

The post The Best Of The 2015 Olivier Awards: Everything You Need To Know appeared first on Broadway Black.