As they prepare to join the Orchestra of Opera North for a hit-packed concert of songs from the shows at St George’s Hall, Bradford on 27 November, the stars of The Best of the West End pick out some personal highlights from the programme.
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The best of The Best of the West End
Alice Fearn
Currently starring as Beverley / Annette in the award-winning West End musical Come From Away, Alice has selected a song from an iconic role that she sang to huge acclaim between 2016 and 2019:
“I can’t wait to perform with the Orchestra of Opera North. The programme is full of West End hits and I’m specifically looking forward to singing Defying Gravity from Wicked. I played the role of Elphaba for over two years in the West End so this epic number really resonates with me”.
Gina Beck
Gina has just completed the UK tour of South Pacific in the lead role of Ensign Nellie Forbush. Another Wicked veteran (Glinda, the Good Witch), she also played Miss Honey in Matilda the Musical, and can be spotted in a cameo appearance in the forthcoming movie.
“I’m really looking forward to our concert with Orchestra of Opera North, and I can’t wait to duet again with my good friend Rob Houchen, singing a song I love called My Eyes Adored You by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, from Jersey Boys. I worked as an usher on this musical when I was first starting out and fell in love with the music! “
Scott Davies
With credits including ENO’s Tosca, Carmen and Rigoletto and high profile roles in the West End, at the National Theatre and on television, Scott epitomises the incredible talent and versatility on show in The Best of the West End.
“I’ve never sung with the Orchestra of Opera North, or at St George’s Hall, so I’m really excited to come up and experience both for the first time with this ensemble of insanely talented singers. I’ve been lucky enough to have sung The Phantom of the Opera more than 2500 times, so that’ll probably be my highlight – and with this Orchestra behind it, it’s going to be fantastic!”
Rob Houchen
Rob comes to Bradford via South Pacific, in which he played the tormented Lieutenant Cable opposite Gina’s Nellie Forbush. He’s no stranger to Opera North, having starred alongside Renée Fleming and Dove Cameron in the London premiere of The Light in the Piazza, which featured our Orchestra.
“I’m so looking forward to performing with the Orchestra of Opera North again. I’m particularly excited about Marius’ solo Empty Chairs at Empty Tables from Les Misérables, as I’ve had the privilege of playing the role in the West End. Hopefully see you there!”
Alice Fearn, Rob Houchen, Gina Beck and Scott Davies join the Orchestra of Opera North under the baton of conductor Michael England for all these songs, plus selections from The Lion King, Mamma Mia! and many more, at St. George’s Hall, Bradford from 4.30pm on Sunday 27 November.
