The wonderful Scarlett Strallen’s most recent appearance playing the role of the frisky minx Cunegonde in the Menier Chocolate Factory’s production of Candide. She has been twice nominated for an Olivier Award – in 2006 for her portrayal of Josephine in HMS Pinafore at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and in 2012 for Singin’ in the Rain. She played Cassie in the West End revival of A Chorus Line and won this year’s Star WhatsOnStage Award for her role in that. Candide in my humble opinion should have at least been nominated for an Olivier for either, if not both performers.

The critics were united in their applause. Michael Coveney in his WhatsOnStage review wrote about her take on “Glitter and Be Gay” number: ” She does it brilliantly, virtually humping her own jewellery box, varying her tempo for skilful dramatic effect, discharging the coloratura trills with aplomb and finally raiding even the Venetian chandelier for more baubles.”

The Observer’s Kate Kellaway said that Scarlett “goes the glorious extra mile to bring the house down – and most of the chandelier with it”