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How stagey are you? Lauren Samuels vs Lucie Jones

Our theatrical battles continue with a pair of ”We Will Rock You” besties

Lauren Samuels

Lauren is currently appearing in Bend It Like Beckham.

Her previous theatre credits include Peter Pan (Curve), Grease (West End) and We Will Rock You (West End and tour).

Lucie Jones

Lucie shot to fame in the sixth series of ITV's The X Factor.

Her theatre credits include Les Miserables (West End), American Psycho (Almeida) and Ghost (Asia Tour)

What was the last show you went to see?

A couple of weeks ago I went to see Carley Bawden, who I trained with at GSA, in McQueen at the Theatre Royal Haymarket. She was brilliant, as was the whole play. 1

I went to see Bend It Like Beckham last week at the Phoenix. I went to see my bestie Lauren, she plays the lead. (That's super stagey right?) 1

How many cast recordings do you own? Which is your favourite?

I don't actually own physical copies of many cast recordings. I have a collection on my laptop that I burned from the library at drama school… am I allowed to say that?!

I'm hoping to get a copy of the Bend It Like Beckham one from work soon then that will be my favourite! It has to be doesn't it?! 0

Oh gosh I don’t even know how many I actually own. My fave is defo Memphis London recording. 1

What is the stagiest picture on your phone?

Erm, this is pretty stagey… Preeya [Kalidas] and myself with Sonia [Friedman] and Pam [Skinner] from SFP at The Oliviers this year. 1

A whole cast selfie we took onstage at Ghost The Musical. I love that pic. 1

How many times have you seen Wicked?

I saw Idina Menzel in it while still at college… then I've seen friends in various casts since. So probably 4/5 times?! 1

Three. No, Four. OK five. 1

Who would you invite to a dinner party (dead or alive)?

I'd invite Michael Jackson, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Robin Williams and Barbra Streisand. 1

Freddie Mercury. 0

Who is the most famous person in your phone contacts?

How does one measure "fame"? Because I'd say my mum is a rock star… Other than that, Lucie Jones of X-Factor fame? 0

Probably Simon Cowell. Or maybe Harry Styles? Depends on what famous means to you. 0

Have you ever had your photo taken by Darren Bell?

Yes, yes I have. More than once. More than twice. Probably more than thrice.1.5 [bonus half point for this one literally ‘by’ Mr Bell]

No I haven't. But if he was ever free I'd totally book! 0

What is the stagiest thing that’s ever happened to you?

A video posted by WhatsOnStage (@whatsonstage) on

Turning from "rags to riches" in one simple twirl at last year's WOS Awards!! (Literally a dream…) 2 [Bonus point for one of our favourite #WOSAwards moments ever]

Sitting in a room "jamming" with Colm Wilkinson and Ramin Karimloo at the Les Miserables 25th anniversary concert at the O2 Arena. Stagey. As. Life. 2 [Yep, bonus point for #EpicStaginess]

What is your earliest theatrical memory?

My mum took me to see Phantom of the Opera. That's the first show I remember seeing. 1

Playing an orphan in Annie in Cardiff and believing nothing would ever feel as good as tap dancing on the table to "You're Never Fully Dressed"! 1

What do you like to do after a show?

I'm pretty boring. Shower, brew, Netflix, bed…oh and steam with the old Dr Nelson if I need to. Obviously. 0.5 [half a point for Stagey Nelson]

Go to the Ivy and have cocktails, where else do people go? Or go home and listen to the soundtrack of the show I've just done. Or order a dominos and watch Netflix. 1

And the winner is…

9/10

Lauren wins today's battle and joins Sabrina, Eva and Jon in joint second. Stagey piracy stops Miss Samuels catching up with Mr Lipkin.

8/10

Lucie is pipped at the post, but we almost gave a point for honourary stagey Simon Cowell – how GREAT was I Can't Sing?


Stagey League Table

1. Simon Lipkin

10 points


=2. Sabrina Aloueche

9 points


=2. Eva Noblezada

9 points


=2. Jon Robyns

9 points


=2. Lauren Samuels

9 points


6. Amelia Lily

8.5 points


=7. Gina Beck

8 points


=7. Cassie Compton

8 points


=7. Lucie Jones

8 points


=10. Carrie Hope Fletcher

7 points


=10. Marc Elliott

7 points


=10. Aaron Sidwell

7 points