CASTING ANNOUNCEMENT: Stellar cast announced for Royal Exchange’s festive musical production of legendary Northern story SPEND SPEND SPEND
A Royal Exchange Theatre production
SPEND SPEND SPEND
A Musical by Steve Brown and Justin Greene
Book and Lyrics by Steve Brown and Justin Greene
Music by Steve Brown Inspired by the Life of Viv Nicholson
And the book by Viv Nicholson and Stephen Smith
Directed by Josh Seymour
23 November 2024 – 11 January 2025
A big festive musical treat for Royal Exchange audiences opens in November; SPEND SPEND SPEND brings the unique story of football pools winner Viv Nicholson to life this winter. Directed by Josh Seymour and with a cast helmed by Rachel Leskovac (Olivier Award-nominated for her portrayal of the young Viv in the original 1999 London production), this wildly funny and profoundly moving award-winning musical is an extraordinary rags-to-riches and back again story. This marvellous musical comedy with a huge heart runs at the Royal Exchange Theatre from 23 November 2024 to 11 January 2025.
Alongside Rachel Leskovac (WATERLOO ROAD, BBC; CORONATION STREET, ITV) as Viv, Rose Galbraith (CRUEL INTENTIONS, The Other Palace; SONDHEIM’S OLD FRIENDS, Sondheim Theatre) will play Young Viv, bringing the past to life. West End legend Rebecca Thornhill (SINGING IN THE RAIN, National Theatre; OPENING NIGHT, Gielgud Theatre) joins them to play Viv’s mother and Mrs Waterman.
Director Josh Seymour said,
“SPEND SPEND SPEND is packed with hilarious and heartbreaking songs which will explode with energy when delivered by our brilliant cast and band. Audiences can expect a bittersweet rollercoaster of a story as we follow Viv through the highs and lows of life. She’s a great character to spend an evening with – wild, witty and warm.”
The men in Viv’s life impacted her greatly. Alex James-Hatton (BONNIE & CLYDE, UK Tour; NEWSIES, Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre) plays her second husband Keith, who won the pools that day in 1961. Joe Alessi (GRENFELL: IN THE WORDS OF SURVIVORS, National Theatre/St Anne’s Warehouse; ANIMAL CRACKERS, Royal Exchange Theatre/UK Tour/Barbican/West End) joins the cast as her father George, and Lejaun Sheppard (42 BALLOONS, The Lowry; COME FROM AWAY, Phoenix Theatre) plays Johnny Love.
The multitalented ensemble are comprised of Jamil Abbasi (101 DALMATIONS, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre; THE GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF, Noël Coward Theatre), Abigail Brodie (THE ADDAMS FAMILY, London Palladium/UK Tour; GUYS AND DOLLS, Savoy Theatre/Phoenix Theatre), George Crawford (WAITRESS, UK Tour; NEWSIES, Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre), Ayesha Maynard (TO WONG FOO, Hope Mill Theatre; HAIRSPRAY, Kilworth House Theatre), Rachel Moran (&JULIET, UK Tour/West End; JUST FOR ONE DAY, Old Vic), Alfie Parker (SISTER ACT, UK Tour; JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, UK Tour) and Karen Wilkinson (STANDING AT THE SKY’S EDGE, Gillian Lynne Theatre; THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, His Majesty’s Theatre).
Josh continues… “In the materialistic, image-centred culture of today, Viv’s story feels more relatable than ever – we’re all at the mercy of the myth that money or fame will solve our problems. SPEND SPEND SPEND beautifully explores how it’s not expensive holidays or fancy cars that give our lives meaning, but the deep-rooted connections with family and community that will truly endure the test of time.
“I’m honoured that this production will be a tribute to the legacy of our composer Steve Brown, who sadly passed away this year and I know audiences will fall in love with his thrilling music.”
Josh Seymour trained as Resident Assistant Director at the Donmar Warehouse. Credits as Director include THAT FACE (Orange Tree Theatre); ROMEO AND JULIET (Cambridge Arts Theatre); SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER (English Theatre Frankfurt); THE NARCISSIST (Chichester Festival Theatre); MUSIK (Edinburgh Festival/Leicester Square Theatre); HOMOS, OR EVERYONE IN AMERICA and ADDING MACHINE: A MUSICAL (Finborough Theatre); ONE ARM (Southwark Playhouse); LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, PAINS OF YOUTH (LAMDA); PARADE, AMERICAN IDIOT and URINETOWN (Mountview); THE LARAMIE PROJECT (Curve Theatre). Credits as Associate Director include HELLO, DOLLY! (London Palladium); THE NORMAL HEART, FOLLIES (National Theatre); FAITH, HOPE AND CHARITY (Alexander Zeldin Company); A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Old Vic Theatre); RED (Wyndham’s Theatre); BEAUTIFUL – THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL (Aldwych Theatre); MY NIGHT WITH REG (Apollo Theatre).
The creative team for SPEND SPEND SPEND also includes Designer Grace Smart, Lighting Designer Jack Knowles, Sound Designers Richard Brooker & Nick Lodge, Choreographer & Intimacy Director Lucy Hind, Music Supervisor, Arrangements & Co-Orchestrator Ben Ferguson, Orchestral Manager & Co-Orchestrator Matthew Malone, Musical Director Livi van Warmelo, Voice & Dialect Coach Natalie Grady, Casting Director Jim Arnold CDG, Birkbeck Assistant Director Elizabeth Laurence and Associate Director Nickie Miles-Wildin.