Lauren Drew | |
|---|---|
 Drew performingSix in 2022 | |
| Born | (1993-02-17)17 February 1993 (age 32) Port Talbot, Wales |
| Occupation | Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts |
| Years active | 2016–present |
Lauren Drew (born 17 February 1993) is a Welsh actress and singer. Known for her work in musical theatre, she won aWhatsOnStage Award and received aLaurence Olivier Award nomination.
Drew was born inPort Talbot. She pursued aBTEC National Diploma in Musical Theatre atNeath Port Talbot College[1] before going on to study at theMountview Academy of Theatre Arts, graduating in 2016. That year, Drew was a finalist in the Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year competition alongsideCourtney Bowman.[2]
Upon graduating from Mountview in 2016, Drew made her professional stage debut in the ensemble of the UK tour ofGhost. This was followed by herWest End debut the next year inKinky Boots at theAdelphi Theatre, and a role inHeathers atThe Other Palace in 2018.
Drew played Suzanne inSweet Charity at theDonmar Warehouse and was the understudy forEva Peron inEvita atRegent's Park Open Air Theatre in 2019. Drew portrayedCatherine of Aragon on the 2019 UK tour ofSix. She would later reprise her role on the 2021 tour of the production as well.[3][4]
Also in 2021, Drew competed in thetenth series ofThe Voice UK, auditioning withJessie J's "Mama Knows Best" to four yeses.[5] She was initially inAnne-Marie's team before being "stolen" bywill.i.am. Drew was eliminated in the semi-finals.[6]
Drew returned to Regent's Park Open Air Theatre in 2022 when she played Brooke Wyndham inLegally Blonde.[7] For her performance, Drew was awarded theWhatsOnStage Award for Best Supporting Performer in a Musical.[8] She also played Fantine on the UK tour ofLes Misérables.[9] The following year, Drew originated thetitular character of the new musicalLizzie, which ran at theHope Mill Theatre in Manchester,[10]Southwark Playhouse in London,[11] and had a tour. In 2024, Drew portrayedCéline Dion in the jukebox musicalTitanique at theCriterion Theatre.[12]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Ghost | Ensemble / Molly (understudy) | UK tour |
| 2017 | Kinky Boots | Ensemble / Nicola (understudy) | Adelphi Theatre, London |
| 2018 | Heathers | New Wave Girl / Heather Chandler (understudy) / Dance Captain | The Other Palace, London |
| 2019 | Sweet Charity | Suzanne | Donmar Warehouse, London |
| 2019 | Evita | Ensemble / Eva (understudy) | Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, London |
| 2019, 2021 | Six | Catherine of Aragon | UK tour |
| 2022 | Legally Blonde | Brooke Wyndham | Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, London |
| 2022 | Les Misérables | Fantine | UK tour |
| 2023 | Lizzie | Lizzie Borden | Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester / UK tour /Southwark Playhouse, London |
| 2024 | Dirty Rotten Scoundrels | Jolene Oaks | Concert,London Palladium |
| 2024 | Titanique | Céline Dion | Criterion Theatre, London |
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | WhatsOnStage Awards | Best Supporting Performer in a Musical | Legally Blonde | Won | [13] |
| 2023 | BWW UK Awards | Best Leading Performer in a New Production of a Musical | Lizzie | Won | |
| 2025 | Olivier Awards | Best Actress in a Musical | Titanique | Pending | [14] |