Spotlight on: Charlie Stemp
Published on 26 November 2025
Hailed by one reviewer as a "song and dance man of the old school," Charlie Stemp is an English actor and musical-theatre performer known for his dazzling tap skills and old-school charm.
Who is Charlie Stemp?
Born in London, Stemp trained at Laine Theatre Arts, one of the UK’s leading performing-arts colleges, before landing leading roles in the West End and beyond.
Stemp’s career since has spanned classic revivals, big dance shows, Broadway appearances, and award-winning West End roles; he's often seen in productions that showcase his signature technical skill and sunny personality.
Where have I seen him before?
Stemp wasted no time launching his musical theatre career, landing a part in Wicked straight out of college. Following his time in Oz, he then travelled the rest of the world as Eddie in the international tour of MAMMA MIA!.
Many audiences first encountered Charlie Stemp as Bert in the acclaimed West End revival of Mary Poppins at the Prince Edward Theatre, starring opposite Zizi Strallen. His performance became instantly iconic - most notably for tap-dancing upside down across the proscenium arch, a showstopping moment that cemented his reputation as one of the most thrilling dancers working today.
Wasn’t he in Half A Sixpence?
Yes, and it was Half a Sixpence that made Charlie Stemp a star! His performance as Arthur Kipps in the 2016 West End revival was widely praised for its warmth, humour, and extraordinary dancing. The role earned him the WhatsOnStage Award for Best Actor in a Musical and a Laurence Olivier Award nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical.
The success of the production led to a 2021 reworking by Julian Fellowes, retitled Kipps. It was filmed for Sky Arts, with Stemp once again stepping into the title role.
What else have I seen him in?
Stemp made his Broadway debut in 2018 in the revival of Hello, Dolly! playing Barnaby Tucker, where American audiences instantly embraced his charm and physical comedy.
More recently he starred as Bobby Child in Crazy For You, which played at the Chichester Festival Theatre before transferring to London’s Gillian Lynne Theatre. A year later, in 2024, he returned to the West End to play opposite Stephanie J. Block in the Barbican revival of Kiss Me, Kate.
What’s next for Charlie Stemp?
Charlie Stemp will soon be stepping into the world of festive fun: starring in Richmond Theatre’s pantomime Cinderella, appearing alongside Helen George and the legendary Basil Brush. This isn’t his first panto (oh, no, it isn’t!) having previously played Alan-a-Dale in the London Palladium's Robin Hood.
