Latest news with #KarisAnderson
South Wales Guardian
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
Tina Turner musical to close in London's West End after seven years
Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, which will see TV presenter Fleur East and theatre actor Karis Anderson star as Turner from June 24, is the longest-running production in the Aldwych Theatre's history. The musical will make its final West End bow on September 13, having been put together in association with the late singer, and telling her life story from her humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee, to her transformation into a rock-and-roll star. Speaking about the show's cancellation, producer Tali Pelman said: 'The decision to close our West End production has been extremely difficult. 'Celebrating and sharing Tina's legacy has meant so much to all of us who have been working on this show over the last decade. 'We are proud to have fulfilled Tina's dream for the musical, which was to serve not only as a reminder of her work but as the beating heart of her empowering message – courage, indomitable spirit and an eternal optimism in what is possible. 'We are grateful to our exceptional authors and creatives, to the many extraordinary women who have played this phenomenal role on the Aldwych stage, to the casts, musicians, production and backstage teams, and to the countless others who have dedicated themselves to the London production over the past 10 years. 'We are delighted that the show is selling out on tour across the UK and Ireland, and continues to elate audiences in productions across North America, Europe and around the world. 'In London this will be a summer of celebration, led by our glorious duo of Karis Anderson and Fleur East in our final West End cast.' The show premiered in the West End in April 2018 and since then productions have opened in North America, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands and Australia, with a Brazilian production opening in February 2026. Turner achieved 11 UK top 10 songs and two UK number one albums, having begun her career with her then husband Ike Turner releasing songs such as River Deep, Mountain High, Nutbush City Limits and Tell Her I'm Not Home. The star went on to achieve global success with her solo career which saw her release songs such as What's Love Got To Do With It?, The Best and Private Dancer.
Daily Mirror
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Tina Turner musical to end on West End as Strictly star joins final cast
The Aldwych Theatre in London's West End has been home to Tina - the Tina Turner Musical for seven years but Fleur East and Karis Anderson will lead its final cast later this year The musical depicting Tina Turner's life and career in the West End will end this year. It comes following the news of a cast change, with a former Strictly Come Dancing star set to be part of the final line-up. Tina - The Tina Turner Musical has run at the Aldwych Theatre in London for seven years, after having debuted at the theatre in 2018. The production of the show, which tells the "untold story" of Tina Turner 's rise to stardom alongside her music, is, however, set to end on September 13. The news comes following the announcement last month that Fleur East, 37, is joining the cast. The performer - who paid tribute to Tina on Strictly in 2023, a year after she competed on the BBC show - will make her debut in June. Between June 24 until the final show, Fleur will share the title role with current cast member Karis Anderson, 35, with the radio host performing at select performances during that period. Karis has portrayed the late singer in the show since 2023 and shares the role with Zoe Birkett, 39, who will leave prior to Fleur's debut over the summer, at the moment. Producers confirmed that the jukebox musical will conclude its West End production in five months time on social media yesterday. They expressed gratitude to fans for their support over the years and noted that the show is continuing to "elate audiences" in productions elsewhere. The news was shared alongside a statement from a producer. A post on the show's Instagram account read: "After 7 triumphant years, Tina - The Tina Turner Musical will be playing it's final West End performance on Saturday 13 September 2025. "Thank you to each and every one of you who has celebrated Tina Turner's life with us over the years. We are delighted that the show is selling out on tour across the UK and Ireland and continues to elate audiences in productions across North America, Europe and around the world." Tali Pelman, one of the producers, said: "Celebrating and sharing Tina's legacy has meant so much to all of us who have been working on this show over the last decade. We are proud to have fulfilled Tina's dream for the musical, which was to serve not only as a reminder of her work but as the beating heart of her empowering message." The producer went on to confirm that Fleur and Karis will be part of the final West End cast. Tali said: "London, this will be a summer of celebration, led by our glorious duo of Karis Anderson and Fleur East in our final West End cast." Following the announcement, fans took to the comments section to share their thoughts. One response to the post on Instagram read: "We're so sad! What an amazing musical with so much heart and soul. Let's see it out in style!" Another said: "This is so sad. One of my favourite shows to watch when I visit London! You've built a brilliant legacy." Someone else wrote: "Sad to hear this - I thought it would run longer. Sending all the amazing cast a big hug." It wasn't just fans who reacted to the post though, with some actors connected to the production also reaching out. Among them was Karis who shared emojis depicting hands in the shape of hearts, whilst Fleur put heart emojis.
Leader Live
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Tina Turner musical to close in London's West End after seven years
Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, which will see TV presenter Fleur East and theatre actor Karis Anderson star as Turner from June 24, is the longest-running production in the Aldwych Theatre's history. The musical will make its final West End bow on September 13, having been put together in association with the late singer, and telling her life story from her humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee, to her transformation into a rock-and-roll star. Speaking about the show's cancellation, producer Tali Pelman said: 'The decision to close our West End production has been extremely difficult. 'Celebrating and sharing Tina's legacy has meant so much to all of us who have been working on this show over the last decade. 'We are proud to have fulfilled Tina's dream for the musical, which was to serve not only as a reminder of her work but as the beating heart of her empowering message – courage, indomitable spirit and an eternal optimism in what is possible. 'We are grateful to our exceptional authors and creatives, to the many extraordinary women who have played this phenomenal role on the Aldwych stage, to the casts, musicians, production and backstage teams, and to the countless others who have dedicated themselves to the London production over the past 10 years. 'We are delighted that the show is selling out on tour across the UK and Ireland, and continues to elate audiences in productions across North America, Europe and around the world. 'In London this will be a summer of celebration, led by our glorious duo of Karis Anderson and Fleur East in our final West End cast.' The show premiered in the West End in April 2018 and since then productions have opened in North America, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands and Australia, with a Brazilian production opening in February 2026. Turner achieved 11 UK top 10 songs and two UK number one albums, having begun her career with her then husband Ike Turner releasing songs such as River Deep, Mountain High, Nutbush City Limits and Tell Her I'm Not Home. The star went on to achieve global success with her solo career which saw her release songs such as What's Love Got To Do With It?, The Best and Private Dancer.
Daily Mail
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Britain's Got Talent fans blown away by Tina Turner Musical performance - but do YOU recognise the lead singer who used to be in a famous girlband?
Britain's Got Talent fans were blown away by a performance by the cast of Tina - The Tina Turner Musical during Saturday night's spectacular live semi-final. The memorable first live show of this series saw The Blackouts and singer Vinnie McKee land a spot in the grand final next month. And in between the contestants performances, fans were treated to 'incredible' performances by the cast of the show, which is currently in London 's West End. However, some viewers may have recognised the 35-year-old lead singer, who is taking on the role of the music legend on stage. Before bagging the huge role, the star was part of a huge girlband, which she performed in alongside Alexandra Buggs and Courtney Rumbold. The group haven't released any new music since 2016 and had singles including Black Heart and Love Me... so can you guess who it is? Britain's Got Talent fans were blown away by a performance by the cast of Tina - The Tina Turner Musical during Saturday night's spectacular live semi-final That's right, it's Karis Anderson from Stooshe! The girl group formerd into 2010 after answering a call for auditions and went on to sign a record deal with Warner Music in 2011. They released Black Heart in June 2012, which peaked at number three after a month in the top ten. They even received a nomination for Best British single at the 2013 Brit Awards, up against some of the biggest names in the industry such as Adele. As well as their catchy singles, the trio released an album called London with the Lights On in 2013 which shot to number eight on the charts. They went on to tour with female super houses such as J-Lo and Nicki Minaj and made various TV appearances including The Jonathon Ross show & Top of the Pops. Although they went on to release a few singles from their second album, the full album was never released. The group have been inactive since and last year they confirmed on their Instagram account there would be no chance of a reunion yet. Alexandra wrote: 'Hey loves, I'm sorry to say we aren't announcing new music before I get your hopes up. 'Your girls a mumma (been for a couple years now lol) and I am starting a new business within the parent and baby space.' And now, Karis is taking the West End by storm in her role as Tina Turner - and BGT fans were loving her performance. They took to X to write: 'Karis Anderson singing tina turner should win britains got talent # BGT ' 'So the amazingly fabulous Tina Musical to start ...all downhill from here then #bgt.' 'Hold on she is f***** incredible!! Blew me away #Tina #bgt #BritainsGotTalent.' 'Surely Tina deserves the gold buzzer? #BGT.' 'The lead singer In the Tina tuner west end musical is absolutely incredible #bgt.' Elsewhere in the live show, Scottish singer Vinnie earned the most votes from the public after earlier wowing with his operatic rendition of Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol. While Swedish light act The Blackouts had bagged Amanda Holden's golden buzzer, despite being hit with a technical issue before their performance. The two acts emerged victorious ahead of Alesha Dixon's favourite Linda Mudzenda who finished second and magician Eden Choi in third place. But while Vinny and The Blackouts were celebrating their win, viewers at home demanded a rule change amid the show's new golden buzzer twist. This year, the judges and hosts Ant and Dec have the opportunity to press a golden buzzer in the semi-finals, not just in the auditions as before. ITV confirmed: 'In each semi-final, either one of the judges or Ant and Dec will be given control of the golden buzzer, and as soon as they see a performance worthy of a place in the final, they will have just one opportunity to press it. 'That act will be granted a one-way ticket to the final, along with one other act from that night who will be voted in by the public.' However, viewers branded this move unfair to those acts who followed the golden buzzer winner, which appeared particularly the case amid Linda's performance. Some viewers believed the Zimbabwean singer deserved the golden buzzer, however, she didn't get a change to win it as her performance came after The Blackouts, who bagged the honour from judge Amanda. Taking to X, viewers were quick to give their verdict about the golden buzzer twist, with many branding it 'flawed' and 'unfair'. They penned: 'This is why the judges should wait untill the end to use their Golden Buzzer. An unfair advantage to put an act through to the final halfway through the Semi final.' 'For the semi-finals of @BG would it not be fairer to choose the golden buzzer act at the END of the show? #BGT.' 'next time they do golden buzzer surely they will know they made a mistake pressing it half way through instead of at the end coz this girl deserves it much more than the dancers #BGT.' 'So we can't vote until we've seen all the acts but a golden buzzer can be given before they've seen all the acts…' 'she deserves the golden buzzer and to go straight through to the final to be honest…what's the point of the golden buzzer being straight after the act, surely they should see everyone first and then send someone straight through????' 'I'm not saying that BlackOuts don't deserve to be in the final but a Golden Buzzer at this point denies those that follow the chance to have one. And for it to be their second as well...' 'I think the new format is really flawed. Amanda pressured to press the golden buzzer so early on makes means acts don't get a fair chance. The acts so far are not really special or deserving of a golden buzzer imo.'
Daily Mirror
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Britain's Got Talent fans astonished as singer from forgotten girl band opens semi-final show
The 2025 live semi-finals of Britain's Got Talent got off to a sensational start as Karis Anderson stormed the stage to belt out a classic Tina Turner hit as she opened the show Britain's Got Talent fans were stunned to learn the opening performer of first semi final show of the 2025 season was once in a hit girl band. The long-running series kicked off with a show stopping performance from singer Karis Anderson - who is currently leading the cast of the hit West End musical Tina. The 35-year-old singer takes on the role of iconic singer Tina Turner in the musical - which chronicles the life and career of the Goldeneye singer who passed away at the age of 83 in 2023. Britain's Got Talent viewers were treated to a dazzling performance from Karis, who belted out the 1966 Ike & Tina Turner singer River Deep Mountain High. While many were blown away by Karis's powerful vocals alone - many others were gobsmacked when they realised they recognised the singer for her career away from the West End. That's because the singer is a member of girl band Stooshe - which she performed in alongside Alexandra Buggs and Courtney Rumbold. The trio formed their band in 2010 after answering a call for auditions, and signed a record deal with Warner Music in August 2011. They went on to release the hit singles Slip, Love Me and the Number 3 hit Black Heart - while their debut album, London with the Lights On, was released in 2013 and reached number 8 on the charts. Those tuning in to watch BGT on Saturday night were stunned by Karis's powerhouse vocals - and wished that they could vote for her to win the contest. One wrote on X: "Karis Anderson singing Tina Turner should win Britain's Got Talent." While another typed: "The amazingly fabulous Tina Musical to start!" Fans of Stooshe may be disappointed that the group have not released any music since 2016 - and do not appear to have any plans to make any more tracks. Last year, the band posted on their official Instagram to confirm they have no plans to release music. Alexandra from the band wrote: "Hey loves, I'm sorry to say we aren't announcing new music before I get your hopes up. 'Your girls a mumma (been for a couple years now lol) and I am starting a new business within the parent and baby space.' Saturday night saw Scottish singer Vinnie Mckee and Swiss dance troupe The Blackouts make it through to the grand final. Vinnie won the votes of the viewing public to make his way to the final. While The Blackouts were automatically sent through after judge Amanda Holden gifted them the first ever golden buzzer of the live semi final shows. For the 2025 season there has been a rule change where one judge is nominated each episode and granted the power to slap the golden buzzer and grant an act finalist status. After being wowed by the team - who were delayed to the stage by technical issues - Amanda hit the buzzer and they went through. However, the rule change has sparked a mixed response from fans - with many fearing the final will be overfilled with the judges favourites rather than viewer favourites. And many watching at home found the live studio audience unbearable as they screamed at Amanda to hit the gold buzzer after every performance - until The Blackouts were given the reward. One complained on X: "the golden buzzer in the semi finals already causing havoc cause the audience won't shut up #bgt." And another complained: "Will this audience shut up #BGT." Many viewers hit out over the decision to introduce a golden buzzer during the live semi final rounds. One wrote: "#BGT so basically the judges may as well ljust pick the finalists and forget about the semis ... what a joke." Another typed: "A live show golden buzzer is completely unnecessary. What if she doesn't press it at all? #BGT." And another raged: "#BGT in other words it's so the judges can fix it!" Others took to social media to blast the format of multiple semi final shows stretched over more than a month. One complained, writing: "So every Saturday for the next 6 weeks, is the Semi Final episodes #BGT."
