FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR KAY MELLOR’S FAT FRIENDS THE MUSICAL
The first image of the Fat Friends The Musical family has been released today as full casting for Kay Mellor’snew musical is unveiled. Fat Friends The Musical will premiere at Leeds Grand Theatre this November.
Joining the previously announced cast, Natasha Hamilton (Atomic Kitten) will take on the role of Julia, Kevin Kennedy (Coronation Street) stars as Fergus, Yorkshire’s own Rachael Wooding (We Will Rock You) appears as Joanne, alongside Jonathan Halliwell (Let It Shine) as Paul and Chloe Hart (Hairspray) as Val. Yorkshire-born, Neil Hurst, will play Alan. Neil was one of 13 men shortlisted to audition for the role of the overweight ambulance driver following an open call for would-be ‘Alans’. Auditions were held at Leeds Grand Theatre on Friday 2nd September.
As previously announced, the cast is completed by Jodie Prenger, Sam Bailey, Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff and ‘Yorkshire lass’, Natalie Anderson.
The award-winning TV drama has been adapted for the stage by its creator and one of the UK’s most prolific writers, Kay Mellor, whose extensive television credits include hit series Band of Gold, The Chase, The Syndicate and In the Club, and whose stage credits include A Passionate Woman.
Produced by Joshua Andrews and Adam Spiegel, with original music and songs composed by Nicholas Lloyd Webber, Fat Friends The Musical is packed full of warmth, life and weight loss. This brand-new stage show reunites our favourite foodie friends in an original musical bulging with hopes, humour and heart. Join the infamous group of loveable characters as they are put through their Zumba paces at their local branch of Super Slimmer’s by the lovelorn Lauren, whilst Kelly fantasises about fitting into the wedding dress of her dreams. Fat Friends – the Musical offers a generous serving of hilarious fun with a sprinkle of romance on top!
Fat Friends hit television screens in October 2000, following the lives of a group of overweight friends as they struggled with the absurdities of modern dieting. Running for five years on ITV, the show starred Alison Steadman, Gaynor Faye and Lisa Riley, and launched the careers of James Corden and Ruth Jones. Written by Kay Mellor, the show was nominated for multiple awards including the BAFTA for Best Drama Series.
Fat Friends The Musical is at Leeds Grand Theatre from Monday 7th Nov to Saturday 2nd Dec 2017
Tickets are priced from £20 (RV) to £50
(prices include a £3 booking fee. Postage charge £1 where applicable)
Book online at leedsgrandtheatre.com or call Box Office on 0844 848 2700