Features

Frozen in London dream casting

With ”Frozen” announced for the West End, here’s who we think would be perfect in the London production

Alexia Khadime, Natalie McQueen and Richard Fleeshman
Alexia Khadime, Natalie McQueen and Richard Fleeshman
© Dan Wooller for WhatsOnStage

It's official: the musical adaptation of the hit animated film Frozen is coming to London. What better excuse for a dream casting? Here's a few suggestions of who we think would be fabulous in the main roles.

Have any more ideas? Let us know on Twitter and Facebook who you'd feature.


Richard Fleeshman – Kristoff

Richard Fleeshman
Richard Fleeshman
© Dan Wooller for WhatsOnStage

In terms of dashing Disney leads, they don't often come more ready made than Richard Fleeshman, currently starring opposite Rosalie Craig in the hit revival of Company in the West End. We can't imagine many more musical theatre stars better suited to the reindeer-loving man of the woods.

Jennifer Saunders – Oaken

Jennifer Saunders
Jennifer Saunders
© Dan Wooller for WhatsOnStage

Yes, we know Oaken is a man in the film, but we think the queen of comedy Jennifer Saunders would have an absolute ball in the role of the shop and sauna owner.

Ashley Zhangazha – Hans

Ashley Zhangazha
Ashley Zhangazha
© Dan Wooller for WhatsOnStage

Having recently taken on the role of the sharply-dressed gambling man Sky Masterson in the Royal Exchange's Guys and Dolls, we think the award-winning Ashley Zhangazha would be a great fit for the smooth-talking, morally dubious Prince Hans. With his easy charisma and mix of musical and non-musical credits, Frozen seems like the perfect step up to an original leading West End role for the performer.

Natalie McQueen – Elsa

Natalie McQueen
Natalie McQueen
© Dan Wooller for WhatsOnStage

Currently smashing it in 9 to 5 the Musical in London, we're pretty sure Natalie would make time for the role of Elsa if it came-a-knocking. Quite apart from her top notch singing and acting skills, her hair's proof that she's made for the part. And we're not the only people who think that – much has been said on social media about her playing Elsa too.

Julie Atherton – Olaf

Julie Atherton
Julie Atherton
© Dan Wooller for WhatsOnStage

We'd love to see the brilliant Julie Atherton play the jolly snowman Olaf. She's got the puppet skills, having previously starred in Avenue Q . But her comedy chops are excellent too. It's a winning combination.

Zubin Varla – Duke of Weselton

Zubin Varla
Zubin Varla
© Dan Wooller for WhatsOnStage

Zubin Varla is currently touring the country in an immaculate five-star Equus and was utterly spellbinding in the heartbreaking Fun Home at the Young Vic, but we'd love to see him play up his comedy side as the nefarious Duke of Weselton in Frozen.

Alexia Khadime – Anna

Alexia Khadime
Alexia Khadime
© Dan Wooller for WhatsOnStage

Who better to play Princess Anna than the excellent Wicked and Book of Mormon alumnus Alexia Khadime. She's got the voice for it, that's for sure and she's funny to boot. Let's make this happen.

Simon Lipkin – Sven

Simon Lipkin
Simon Lipkin
© Dan Wooller for WhatsOnStage

Ever since Simon Lipkin starred in Avenue Q in the West End he's been the go-to for quirky whimsical puppetry performances (if you need more proof just check out The Lorax). We'd love to see him "take the reins" of Sven, Kristoff's trusty reindeer sidekick.