After taking the theatre world by storm in 2016 when she stepped into the role of Fanny Brice for the West End run of Funny Girl, Natasha Barnes' star has only continued to rise. And she looks set to have another spectacular year in 2018 as she releases her debut album Real and not only that, she's expecting her first child in the summer!

Producers of THE GRINNING MAN have welcomed in the new year with a new extension – the award-winning transfer from Bristol Old Vic is now booking at the West End’s Trafalgar Studios until 14 April 2018. Why are folks raving? Why haven't you seen it yet?

It's a new year, so we thought why not start as we mean to go on, with some new #StageFaves segments!? After a little thought we had a lightbulb moment - why not feature a different song each week and tweet cool little bits of trivia about it as we go!? - and so your first #StageFaves song of the week is "Aquarius" from the musical HAIR.

They're powerhouse vocalists in their own right but now Amber Riley, Cassidy Jansen and Beverley Knight have teamed up, they're unstoppable! The three stunning #StageFaves go by the "Leading Ladies" and in November, released their debut album "Songs from the Stage". The trio stopped by BBC's Children In Need last month to sing an absolutely beautiful rendition of the Bette Midler classic "Wind Beneath my Wings". Be honest, you cried...

To celebrate the smash-hit HAMILTON opening at the Victoria Palace theatre in December, the show's creator Lin-Manuel Miranda joined the West End cast for a very special British #Ham4Ham video, mashing up classic UK tunes with our favourite HAMILTON ones...

Children in Need is always a magical night and 2017 was no exception. This year, the cast of Eastenders went big with this spectaular mashup of musical theatre faves set in and around Albert Square. From Les Mis to Mary Poppins, it was all in there, and we have to say, those actors can sure hold a tune!

HAMILTON creator Lin-Manuel Miranda joined James Corden for his latest "Crosswalk Musical" segment to spread the love and hippy vibes of HAIR. It might be the most outrageous episode yet of this hilarious segment which takes famous musical theatre shows and condenses them into sections that last the time it takes to cross a road...

It was Musicals week on Strictly Come Dancing and glorious gaggle of dynamic duos treated us to a host of brilliant dances to classic Showtunes! From CATS to PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, we were swept away by the marvellous moves, and we even spotted some familiar faces from the West End...

We'll have to wait just a little longer for them to show us their paso doble as it has been announced that the opening of Baz Luhrmann's STRICTLY BALLROOM will be delayed by two weeks. The first preview will now take place on Thursday 28th March, with the opening night moved to Thursday 24th April.

The wait is over! HAMILTON officially got its London premiere tonight (21 December 2017) at the West End's Victoria Palace Theatre. We're rounding up the reviews as they come in. Do Brits get it? Here's what critics are saying so far...

As the hours count down to HAMILTON's opening night, we've rounded up some of the best news stories about this fantastic show and how it really is changing the face of musical theatre. From the realisation of Lin-Manuel Miranda's epic vision to the racial politics of its casting, there's even room for a light-hearted look at cast members' favourite lyrics and our very own 'spy in the stalls' report of the first preview. Find out more about HAMILTON here.

THE GRINNING MAN got its London premiere this week at the West End's Trafalgar Studios and is capturing the hearts of audiences and reviewers alike. Whether it's the puppets, the haunting score or the fantastic lead performance from Louis Maskell, we've rounded up the best reviews for your pleasure and perusal...

As THE GRINNING MAN officially receives its West End premiere tonight (18 December 2017), let's catch up on celebrities recording their own signature takes on songs from the show... After the releases earlier this month of Alexander Armstrong, Louise Dearman and Harry Enfield's efforts, it's now the turn of Kelsey Grammer, Matt Lucas and Hannah Waddingham to put their own spins on this most gothic of new musicals...

After success with their young amateurs’ productions including The Secret Garden and 13 at the West End’s Ambassadors Theatre, the British Theatre Academy (BTA) has announced its summer 2018 season, which will include a major London run of BRING IT ON THE MUSICAL as well as stagings of Spring Awakening and, not to be outdone with today’s big-budget West End announcement, Chicago.

This one has cult hit written all over it! The first four London dates of Edinburgh hit SIX THE MUSICAL, which turns the six wives of Henry VIII into pop princesses, have already nearly sold out. As an extra performance is added – and surely a transfer elsewhere – have a listen to this first professional recording from the show…

Stage-to-screen musical adaptation NATIVITY! THE MUSICAL officially gets its London premiere tonight (14 December 2017) at the Eventim Apollo, but if you didn't manage to book for its limited, wildly popular five dates here, start planning ahead now - producers have confirmed it'll return for an extended festive run next Christmas...

Jiminy Cricket makes his National Theatre stage debut tonight (13 December 2017) in Dennis Kelly's stage adaptation of the 1940 Walt Disney screen classic PINOCCHIO. Watch #StageFave Audrey Brisson bring him to life - and remind yourself of the Disney original. You'll be giving a little whistle all the way to the South Bank and back...

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas(aurus)! And to help #StageFaves get even more in the festive mood, Tom Fletcher has released a stunning music video to accompany the release of The Musical Edition of his hit novel THE CHRISTMASAURUS, which also comes to the London stage from 21 December 2017. Standby too for rehearsal room access this week...

In MIRACLE ON 34th STREET, children tell Macy's Santa Claus, who just happens to be the real Kris Kringle, what they want for Christmas? We had to find out from the cast of this festival musical radio play what they'd ask for too. They also share their favourite Christmas songs and holiday memories. What are yours?

New musical ORANGES AND ELEPHANTS is receiving its world premiere as part of Hoxton Hall's all-female spring season Female Parts and its cast has now been revealed. The show centres on two rival female gangs in Victorian London blending Music Hall, Fairground and Musical Theatre storytelling, so which of your #StageFaves do you think would be suited to the task?!