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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jul 8, 2017 7:24:32 GMT
I was just reading an article which referred to someone as the First Lady of British musical theatre. Who do you think it was talking about?  And regardless of who the article was about, who do YOU believe is our 'First Lady'? |
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Post by steve10086 on Jul 8, 2017 7:42:14 GMT
Elaine Paige?
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Post by notmymuse on Jul 8, 2017 7:45:31 GMT
I was just reading an article which referred to someone as the First Lady of British musical theatre. Who do you think it was talking about? And regardless of who the article was about, who do YOU believe is our 'First Lady'? I'd imagine they were talking about La Paige. I've always found that odd, as her career featured some huge hits but she hasn't done much for years, really. In terms of working consistently in significant shows, Joanna Riding must deserve a mention, and in terms of younger actors, Rosalie Craig is rarely off stage (recent maternity leave excepted), and obviously Kerry Ellis has been called the First Lady of Musical Theatre before. Emma Williams is obviously known for musicals but not sure she'd be called first lady. Hmmm. I'm sure I've forgotten some really obvious people now! But for me it would have to be about longevity and significant roles. |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jul 8, 2017 7:45:47 GMT
Is that your guess, or your choice Steve? Or both?? |
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Post by ali973 on Jul 8, 2017 7:48:48 GMT
I would think Elaine Paige has the sure title, but two close runner ups are Ruthie Henshall and/or Maria Friedman.
Jula McKenzie was/is a legend, but in a way her permanent theatrical retirement makes her a star of the past.
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Post by steve10086 on Jul 8, 2017 7:50:39 GMT
Is that your guess, or your choice Steve? Or both?? It was my guess. And would have been my choice 20 years ago, but now I don't know. I'm not sure that anyone really has the same kind of fame/profile these days. |
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Post by infofreako on Jul 8, 2017 7:52:51 GMT
My first guess was Paige when i saw the title. Kerry Ellis would be in the running in terms of relevance today
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Post by alece10 on Jul 8, 2017 8:01:37 GMT
I would think Elaine Paige has the sure title, but two close runner ups are Ruthie Henshall and/or Maria Friedman. Jula McKenzie was/is a legend, but in a way her permanent theatrical retirement makes her a star of the past. Agree with you there. If you were to ask Jo public I think the only name they will know or mention would be Elaine Paige. |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jul 8, 2017 8:03:22 GMT
Do you think that to be First Lady you have to have name recognition outside of MT?
Because if you do I'm afraid Henshall and Ellis are out of the running. They're just not famous enough.
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Post by duncan on Jul 8, 2017 8:09:18 GMT
There is no way its Kerry Ellis.
I'll pop for Gary Barlow just because its the sort of thing the media would do for controversy.
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Post by SageStageMgr on Jul 8, 2017 8:11:23 GMT
My first guess was Paige when i saw the title. Kerry Ellis would be in the running in terms of relevance today Kerry Ellis? The one who replaced Idina Menzel (Wicked, If/Then, Frozen) in that show in London and who was turned down by Will.i.am for The Voice? |
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Post by popcultureboy on Jul 8, 2017 8:28:35 GMT
Just as long as it wasn't referring to any of the Strallens, that's ok
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Post by Mark on Jul 8, 2017 8:40:23 GMT
Elaine Paige, and I guess she is for me too.
Although someone like Jo Riding could give her a run for the title.
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Post by infofreako on Jul 8, 2017 8:42:58 GMT
My first guess was Paige when i saw the title. Kerry Ellis would be in the running in terms of relevance today Kerry Ellis? The one who replaced Idina Menzel (Wicked, If/Then, Frozen) in that show in London and who was turned down by Will.i.am for The Voice? Yes, that one. Because its the sort of pathetic title given by obsessive fangirls or idiots, the latter being my reason for originally guessing Paige |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 8, 2017 8:56:33 GMT
To be the First Lady of Musical Theatre youbhave to have wider recognition outside the niche world of musical theatre and also fly the flag and represent it to a wider audience. Yes in recent years she has become a bit annoying as a personality, but i think the flack Elaine Paige gets is unfair. Id say Elaine Paige and Michael Ball  id also say Sheridan Smith and Imelda Staunton have potential based on name recognition, awards and public appeal (even though i personally cant stand Sheridan) |
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Post by SageStageMgr on Jul 8, 2017 9:01:40 GMT
To be the First Lady of Musical Theatre youbhave to have wider recognition outside the niche world of musical theatre and also fly the flag and represent it to a wider audience. Yes in recent years she has become a bit annoying as a personality, but i think the flack Elaine Paige gets is unfair. Id say Elaine Paige and Michael Ball id also say Sheridan Smith and Imelda Staunton have potential based on name recognition, awards and public appeal (even though i personally cant stand Sheridan) Absolutely 100% this! Elaine Paige was the first and only name that sprung into my mind - and I can't stand her generally (sorry EP fans!). Who have people who don't watch musicals heard of? Michael Ball, EP. Maybe Gary Wilmot. I didn't mean for my previous post about Ellis to seem so harsh, especially as I don't mind her, but she's hardly a household name. EDIT: Also, Michael Crawford. It occurred to me that originating roles is extremely important for several reasons. You'll go on the cast recording, you'll be given all the media and promotional work, go in the critics reviews (when was Phantom in the West End last re-reviewed by the mainstream press? Would Ben Forster in 2017's context get raves?) and so forth. Lots of MT performers are extremely talented but limited to being what I call a 'takeover artists' in long-runners and second/third/eightieth casts. How many brilliant Phantoms have there been since Crawford - and how many outside of our little MT circle could Joe Public name? Originating a role is a massive boon and requires being in the right place at the right time. Elaine Paige originated lead roles in Evita, Cats and Chess before gaining millions of listeners each week on national radio. Michael Ball in Aspects of Love and Les Mis, came 2nd in Eurovision and created a successful solo recording career in his own right. |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 8, 2017 9:05:59 GMT
Plus i also feel with someone who likes to distance themselves from MT and craves a career away from it shouldn't be given the title
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Post by infofreako on Jul 8, 2017 9:08:19 GMT
To be the First Lady of Musical Theatre youbhave to have wider recognition outside the niche world of musical theatre and also fly the flag and represent it to a wider audience. Yes in recent years she has become a bit annoying as a personality, but i think the flack Elaine Paige gets is unfair. Id say Elaine Paige and Michael Ball id also say Sheridan Smith and Imelda Staunton have potential based on name recognition, awards and public appeal (even though i personally cant stand Sheridan) Absolutely 100% this! Elaine Paige was the first and only name that sprung into my mind - and I can't stand her generally (sorry EP fans!). Who have people who don't watch musicals heard of? Michael Ball, EP. Maybe Gary Wilmot. I didn't mean for my previous post about Ellis to seem so harsh, especially as I don't mind her, but she's hardly a household name. Thats fine. I was being 99% humourous in my original post you responded to. Neither of them have the crossover appeal to be worthy of such accolades if indeed anybody is. I absolutely despise EP though, something about her just grates. And first lady of British musical theatre sounds like something she would describe herself as |
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Post by infofreako on Jul 8, 2017 9:09:26 GMT
Plus i also feel with someone who likes to distance themselves from MT and craves a career away from it shouldn't be given the title Are you suggesting EP tries to distance herself from musical theatre? |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 8, 2017 9:11:25 GMT
no, Kerry Ellis
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Post by infofreako on Jul 8, 2017 9:15:59 GMT
Ok wasnt clear
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jul 8, 2017 9:26:18 GMT
Just as long as it wasn't referring to any of the Strallens, that's ok What about Auntie Bonnie? |
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Post by hulmeman on Jul 8, 2017 9:50:35 GMT
Just an observation, but BurlyBeaR asked about The First Lady of British Musical Theatre. So how come the names of Gary Barlow, Michaels Ball and Crawford are mentioned. Have I missed summat???
I would suggest that on any measure, Ms Paige would be generally regarded as the first lady of British MT. Her profile beyond MT would mean she is so widely recognised. For sure Imelda Staunton and Sheridan Smith are up there with the wider public, but I'm not sure they would identify them as MT stars, they are eclipsed by their general acting careers.
Let's not forget Dames Julie Andrews and Angela Lansbury.
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Post by SageStageMgr on Jul 8, 2017 9:55:14 GMT
Just an observation, but BurlyBeaR asked about The First Lady of British Musical Theatre. So how come the names of Gary Barlow, Michaels Ball and Crawford are mentioned. Have I missed summat???[ [ They are playing The Shirelles in blackface at Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. I for one can't wait! |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jul 8, 2017 10:11:55 GMT
Just an observation, but BurlyBeaR asked about The First Lady of British Musical Theatre. So how come the names of Gary Barlow, Michaels Ball and Crawford are mentioned. Have I missed summat??? I think we can give Michael a pass. |
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