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Ruthie Henshall

Date of Birth: March 7, 1967

Location: Bromley, London, England

Olivier Award winner, Ruthie Henshall, has rarely been absent from the West End stage during the past fifteen years. She recently returned from Broadway to star as the lead in the new musical Peggy Sue Got Married. Ruthie released her new album µPilgrim¦ at the end of November 2001 before appearing in a series of musical theatre concerts in America.

Ruthie spent three years studying acting, dancing and singing at Laine Theatre Arts in Epsom from the age of 16 to 19. Whilst studying, Ruthie auditioned for her first role in a touring production of A Chorus Line and won the role of Maggie. Following this she promptly joined Cats at the New London Theatre, where she had the distinction of appearing in a variety of roles including Jemima, Demeter, Griddlebone and Grizabella.

At the age of 21 she was cast as Ellen in Miss Saigon at The Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Following this Ruthie created the role of Aphra in Children of Eden at the Prince Edward Theatre. From here Ruthie won a straight acting role and spent the following summer at the acclaimed Chichester Festival Theatre performing in Shakespeare, Moliere and the musical Valentine¦s Day, based on Shaw¦s µYou Never Can Tell¦. Following Chichester, Ruthie was chosen to play the tragic role of Fantine in Les Miserables at London¦s Palace Theatre. She then went on to play Polly in the stunningly colourful production of Crazy for You in 1993 for which she was nominated for her first Olivier.

In 1994, Ruthie was nominated for the second Olivier and won the coveted award for µBest Actress in a Musical¦ for her portrayal of Amalia Balash in She Loves Me at the Savoy Theatre. As the Express claimed, (If rediscovering the joys of this show has been one of the delights of the summer, it is matched by Ruthie, its starry leading lady÷.

Ruthie then spent 3 months in Canada recreating the role of Polly in Crazy For You, starring opposite Mickey Rooney. After a successful run Ruthie returned to England to star as Nancy in Sam Mendes¦ exuberant revival of Lionel Bart¦s Oliver!

After a further season in Chichester playing Polly in Divorce me Darling, Ruthie went on to star as Roxie Hart in the opening production of Chicago at the Adelphi Theatre. She was nominated for her third Olivier for her outstanding performance and won the µTheatre Goers Award for the Most Popular Musical Actress in The Last 21 Years¦.

In 1998, Ruthie headed to America to establish a career on Broadway. After only three weeks she had impressed producers on Ziegfeld Follies of 1936 and they offered her a leading role. From here Ruthie starred as Velma Kelly in the long running production of Chicago and later starred in Miss Saigon and Putting It Together.

After three successful years in America, Ruthie returned to the UK early in 2001 to make a welcomed return to the West End stage starring as Peggy Sue, in Peggy Sue Got Married at the Shaftesbury Theatre, gaining her a fourth Olivier nomination.

Ruthie is also a recording artist and is featured on a number of original cast recordings and in 1995 released her own personal collection µThe Ruthie Henshall Album¦. In the same year, Ruthie embarked on her own musical tour for two months starting at The Royal Festival Hall. Ruthie recorded her latest album µPilgrim¦ which was released at the end of November 2001.

In December 2001, Ruthie joined Michelle Gomez and Loretta µHotlips¦ Swit in The Vagina Monologues at the Arts Theatre for a six week run. Following this Ruthie made a return to America to appear in a series of free concerts to thank the American public for their help and support after the horrific events of 11th September, µNew York Loves America v The Broadway Tour¦.