Get to know the judges of SSSSPOTY 2024: JENNA RUSSELL
Jenna Russell to judge - and award first prize - at Stephen Sondheim student competition
Jenna Russell is a Patron of The Stephen Sondheim Society. This year, as well as joining the jury at The Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year competition, she takes over the role of Prize-Giver from her friend and fellow Patron Julia McKenzie.
Jenna is an award-winning actress with an extensive range of television and theatre credits to her name. Her accolades include both an Olivier Award and Theatre World Award for Broadway Debut Performance playing Dot in Sunday In The Park with George, which she performed in London and on Broadway. She was also nominated for both a Tony and Drama Desk Award for that role. She has received Olivier Award Nominations for her performances as Mary Flynn in Merrily We Roll Along and Sarah Brown opposite Ewan McGregor in Guys and Dolls.
She is soon to appear as Irene Molloy in Dominic Cooke’s production of Hello, Dolly! at the London Palladium. Recent theatre credits include Ada Harris in Flowers for Mrs Harris, Susan in Woman in Mind, Mill in Furthest from the Furthest Thing, Carrie in Steve, Piaf in Piaf, Helen in Fun Home, Mephistopheles in Dr Faustus starring opposite Kit Harington, Little Edie in Grey Gardens with Sheila Hancock (long-listed for 2016 Best Musical Performance, Evening Standard Theatre Awards), and Bart Simpson in Mr Burns.
Jenna has played leading roles at The National Theatre, Royal Court, RSC and Almeida Theatre as well as many other West End credits.
Jenna’s TV credits include Michelle Fowler in EastEnders, Midsomer Murders, Gentleman Jack, Call the Midwife, The Paradise and Holby City. Jenna also played the leading roles of Deborah in Born and Bred (four series), Maggie in On The Up (three series), Bernadette in Picking Up The Pieces (one series) And Petra in the 2009 version of Minder alongside EastEnders actor Shane Ritchie (one series). Films include The Death and Life of J Donovan with Natalie Portman and Mortdecia with Ewan McGregor. Jenna also sings the theme tune for Red Dwarf.
TV credits include: Ten Percent (Amazon), The Trial of Christine Keeler (BBC) and Bridgerton (Netflix). Radio: Nazis: The Road to Power (BBC Radio 4).
