WhosOnTrend: the most viewed Stage Names in September 2025

Another month, another list of trending theatre stars!

As we build up the bank of these features, it’s increasingly interesting to see repeat names and faces.

For those unfamiliar, here at WhatsOnStage, we don’t just report on what’s happening on stage and backstage, we are creating an online encyclopedia of all of your favourite performers and creatives! Stage Names is your go-to place for the who’s who of the West End beyond.

We’re continuing to work hard behind the scenes, adding new names daily.

In alphabetical order, here’s who was trending in September.

Glenn Adamson

Like a bat out of hell, Glenn Adamson is still on trend! After another stint of his legendary portrayal of Strat in the Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf ‘arena-style’ rock musical, Adamson is leaving audiences wanting even more – and you can get it at his live show.

Isobel Akuwudike

This month The Lady from the Sea opened at the Bridge Theatre. Isobel Akuwudike plays Hilda in Simon Stone’s take on Henrik Ibsen, opposite Alicia Vikander and Andrew Lincoln. Akuwudike’s continual rise is also due to her appearance in Netflix’s hot new tense thriller, Hostage.

Phillip Attmore

He’ll soon be Puttin’ on the Ritz at theatres across the country as Phillip Attmore prepares to reprise his acclaimed role as Jerry Travers in Top Hat. Chichester’s hot revival of the stage version of the 1935 Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers film features beloved Irving Berlin classics and will spend Christmas in the capital.

Glynis Barber

Glynis Barber is going on a trip down the River Nile as Salome Otterbourne! Set on a cruise under the Egyptian sun, Poirot investigates yet another murder in Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile.

Vivienne Carlyle

Every time we write news about Blood Brothers, our readers cannot get enough! Vivienne Carlyle is a performer as beloved as the Willy Russell classic itself and will be reprising the role of Mrs Johnstone on tour.

Amber Davies

What a month it has been for Amber Davies! Closing a gargantuan West End show in the form of The Great Gatsby, announced as the lead in a new tour of Legally Blonde, and, a matter of days ago, unveiled as a last-minute contestant on Strictly Come Dancing, while also hosting her podcast in the West End! She is non-stop!

John Hodgkinson

This month we reported the sad news that Simon Russell Beale had had to withdraw from the London run of Titus Andronicus at Hampstead Theatre. However, the Royal Shakespeare Company announced that John Hodgkinson was to take over the title role in Max Webster’s production of Shakespeare’s tragedy.

The Into the Woods cast

Maybe they’re magic! The mighty cast of the Bridge Theatre’s anticipated revival all topped the charts this month. Casting a spell was Kate Fleetwood, who we exclusively revealed to be playing the Witch. Interested in meeting the others? Take a deep breath…

Joining her is Valda Aviks as Grandmother/Giant, Geoffrey Aymer as Cinderella’s Father, Katie Brayben as the Baker’s Wife, Bella Brown as Rapunzel, Chumisa Dornford-May as Cinderella, Jo Foster as Jack, Michael Gould as the Narrator/Mysterious Man, Jennifer Hepburn as Cinderella’s Stepmother, Hana Ichijo as Lucinda, Julie Jupp as Jack’s Mother, Gabrielle Lewis-Dodson as Florinda, Gracie McGonigal as Little Red Ridinghood, Hughie O’Donnell as the Steward, Jamie Parker as the Baker, Oliver Savile as Cinderella’s Prince/Wolf and Rhys Whitfield as Rapunzel’s Prince.

Ellie Kingdon and Sara Poyzer

My my! A (stage) mother-daughter duo has made the list. Sara Poyzer will return to the role of Donna in Mamma Mia!, having a 12-year history with the show. Meanwhile, Ellie Kingdon will step into Sophie’s shoes when she arrives on the Island on 6 October.

Verity Thompson

She’s spectacular in the spectacular Moulin Rouge! world tour and is attracting thousands to her name on the site. Verity Thompson is currently playing Satine as the hit musical can-cans across the UK.