By KJP and MM
The honourable mentions
Shows in which one of the protagonists is a standby or understudy are often very exciting to witness. Having not rehearsed together, there is a certain level of spontaneity, and both actresses have to be completely on the ball and feed off each other to make it work. Double standby shows are also special, as both actresses have rehearsed together thus allowing for in-depth knowledge of each other's character choices, yet as a result of not having much stage time, the performance remains fresh. These shows often evoke a certain degree of familiarity with a smattering of spontaneity, a combination which, more often than not, is a successful one. Perhaps spending so much time together bonding in their dressing room helps to bring out the best in them when sharing the stage. Pairings such as Shona White/Annalene Beechey, Cassidy Janson/Sarah Earnshaw and Ashleigh Gray/Sarah Earnshaw were celebrated as some of the most truthful and emotional performances seen on the Apollo Victoria stage.
Rachel Tucker as Elphaba and Louise Dearman as Glinda begin their run on Monday 29th March. They have previously worked together as the lead females in So Jest End. We wish them every success in their new roles, and look forward to seeing them in action.
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