Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

Press Office

Wednesday 24 Sep 2014

Press Packs

Over The Rainbow: where are they now? Previous contestants' success stories

I'd Do Anything – The 'Nancys' – 2008

Jodie Prenger

As the nation's favourite Nancy, Jodie has been playing the role ever since Oliver! opened in the West End. Her run ends at the end of March 2010.

Since 2009 she has been a panellist on daytime show Loose Women. Jodie has also presented Radio 2 shows for Elaine Paige and Paul O'Grady in their absence.

Francesca Jackson

Since I'd Do Anything, Francesca Jackson has been in a new Barry Manilow based musical, Can't Smile Without You. She has recently finished touring in Bill Kenwright's Dreamboats And Petticoats.

Currently Fran is rehearsing for the role of Petra in A Little Night Music in Paris, where she'll be performing alongside Greta Scaachi.

Samantha Barks

Finishing third, Samantha went on to tour in the musical Cabaret for a year around the UK. More recently she finished Aladdin in Windsor.

Sarah Lark

In October 2008, Sarah was selected to play the strawberry seller in Oliver! and is set to act as a cover for Nancy until the end of March 2010. Sarah is also involved in the musical Bluebird, and has made a cast recording.

Niamh Perry

Niamh played the lead role of Belle in the musical Only The Brave, which had its world premiere at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. She appeared in pantomime from December 2008 to January 2009 in Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs playing the lead role of Snow White.

In June 2009, Niamh began playing the lead role of Sophie Sheridan in Mamma Mia! The Musical in London. She has just opened in the brand new Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Love Never Dies.

Jessie Buckley

As runner up, Jessie Buckley was offered to understudy Nancy, but turned it down in favour of another production: A Little Night Music, in the role of Anne Egerman. Jessie also performed at the Andrew Lloyd Webber's Birthday In The Park show in Hyde Park. She is currently studying.

Any Dream Will Do – The 'Josephs' – 2007

Lee Mead

As the winner of Any Dream Will Do, Lee played Joseph in the West End until January 10 2009. He performed at many concerts including Concert For Diana and the Andrew Lloyd Webber 60th Birthday Concert. Lee released an album in November 2007, which achieved a double gold status.

After taking several months off to study acting in New York, Lee made a jump to straight acting and won the role of Lord Arthur in Lord Arthur Savile's Crime.

Lee starts the role of Fiyero in Wicked in May.

Daniel Boys

Daniel appeared in Avenue Q until January 2010, a show which earned him the 2009 Theatregoers Choice Award for Best Take Over in a Role.

Chris Barton Chris is currently playing Sketch in Hairspray until July 2010.

Lewis Bradley

Lewis will be playing the role of Fiyero in Wicked in March. He has recently appeared in Sleeping Beauty in Swansea.

Lewis is Lee Mead's understudy in the role of Fiyero in Wicked and will be playing the role in Wicked in March.

How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? – The 'Marias' – 2006

Connie Fisher

As the winner of the first ever show, Connie played Maria in the West End production of The Sound Of Music. In 2006 Connie released two albums: Favourite Things and The Sound Of Music – The London Palladium Cast Album.

In July 2007, she performed in Andrew Lloyd Webber's segment of the Concert For Diana at London's Wembley Stadium in front of 63,000 people.

In October 2007, she won the 2007 lastminute.com People's Choice Theatre Award for Favourite Theatre Actress. She also starred in her first TV drama Caught In A Trap on ITV1. Connie went on to star in the film The Wedding Dress.

Her second solo album, Secret Love, was released in February 2009. Connie is currently playing the role of Maria Rainer/Maria Von Trapp in the touring production of The Sound Of Music.

Aoife Mulholland

After appearing on the show, Aoife went straight into Chicago playing Roxie Hart. Upon leaving Chicago she was offered the role of alternate Maria in The Sound Of Music, where she performed the role twice a week.

Upon leaving The Sound Of Music, Aoife worked as a TV presenter before returning to musical theatre. She is currently starring in Legally Blonde in the West End.

Belinda Evans

Belinda spent a year after the competition in Les Miserables. Her more recent engagements have included playing Rosina in The Barber Of Seville for Opera UK, and Musetta in La Boheme for New Devon Opera. Belinda will also be Soprano Soloist for two anniversary performances of Verdi's Requiem.

Abi Finley

Shortly after being voted out of the competition, Abi was cast by Sir Tim Rice as Fiona in his revival of Blondel. Straight after appearing in Blondel, Abi was cast as Serena in the UK touring production of Fame.

From May 2008, she starred as Miranda in Betwixt! The Musical. Abi has also recently been in First Lady Suite. She has just signed up to play the role of Peggy in a Hi-de-Hi musical.

To top

Press releases by date:

Press release by:

RSS feeds:

Related Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ links

Related web links

Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ iD

Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ navigation

Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Β© 2014 The Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.

This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.