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THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE CANNOT BE DENIED

BILL KENWRIGHT PRESENTS FOR A STRICTLY LIMITED SEASON

The West End return of TIM RICE and ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER’S

MUSICAL MASTERPIECE

EVITA

The story of an ordinary woman’s meteoric rise to power at a time of extraordinary political unrest, Evita is set to captivate West End audiences again as it makes a much anticipated return to London, playing 12 weeks at the Phoenix Theatre from 28 July – 14 October 2017, with a press Gala performance on Wednesday 2^nd August at 7pm.

The season marks the 65^th anniversary of the death of Eva Perón which will be commemorated in Argentina in July. This enigmatic figure, whose rise from humble beginnings to extraordinary wealth and power is immortalised in the musical Evita, passed away on 26 July 1952 and was laid in state exactly 65 years prior to the commencement of this latest West End season.

Taking on the iconic role of Eva Perón is one of musical theatre’s most exciting young leading ladies Emma Hatton, who has performed the lead role of Elphaba in the West End production of Wicked, the principle roles of Scaramouche and Meatloaf in We Will Rock You at the Dominion Theatre, and Donna in the West End production of Dreamboats and Petticoats.

Leading Italian performer Gian Marco Schiaretti plays Che, a character who reflects the voice of the Argentine people. Linked to Eva by destiny; he brings balance to the story of Eva’s rise to fame. Gian Marco Schiaretti most recently played the title role of Tarzan in Disney’s Musical Tarzan, in Stuttgart. Prior to this he played Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet across Italy.

The cast is completed by Oscar Balmaseda, Sarah O’Connor, George Arvidson, Lewis Barnshaw, Jessica Ellen, Callum Fitzgerald, Kellie Gnauck, Dominic Adam Griffin, Joe McCourt, Jude Neill, Jordan Oliver, Chrissie Perkins, Oliver Slade, Matias Stegmann and Yuval Zoref.

Telling the story of Eva Perón, wife of former Argentine dictator Juan Perón, Evita follows Eva’s journey which ultimately lead her to be heralded as the ‘spiritual leader of the nation’ by the Argentine people.

With more than 20 major awards to its credit, and an Oscar winning film version starring Madonna and Antonio Banderas, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita is iconic. Featuring some of the best loved songs in musical theatre, including Don’t Cry for Me Argentina, On This Night of a Thousand Stars, You Must Love Me, and Another Suitcase in Another Hall, this spectacular production promises to be the theatrical event of the summer. Don’t miss the chance to see Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s extraordinary musical Evita in the West End.

www.kenwright.com

‘DOWNTON ABBEY’ ACTRESS LAURA CARMICHAEL

TO CO-STAR WITH

 

STOCKARD CHANNING

Tony and Emmy Award Winner

in

 

By ALEXI KAYE CAMPBELL

Olivier Award Winner

Directed by JAMIE LLOYD

Olivier Award Winner

TRAFALGAR STUDIOS

29^th July – 18^th November

 

Final casting has been announced for Apologia, which will begin previews on 29^th July at Trafalgar Studios. Laura Carmichael will join previously announced Tony and Emmy award winner Stockard Channing, Freema Agyeman, Joseph Millson and Olivier Award winner Desmond Barrit in a new production of Alexi Kaye Campbell’s darkly funny and haunting play about family and its secrets, directed by Jamie Lloyd.

 

Laura Carmichael is best known for her hugely popular portrayal of ‘Lady Edith Crawley’ in ITV’s award winning series DOWNTON ABBEY.  She was last seen on stage at the Trafalgar Studios playing ‘Mistress’ in the Jamie Lloyd adaptation of THE MAIDS, Jean Genet’s intense psychological thriller.  Laura’s most recent film appearance was her portrayal of ‘Muriel Williams’ in Amma Asante’s feature A UNITED KINGDOM.

 

Laura says: I’m thrilled to be joining this wonderfully talented cast of Apologia. Alexi Kaye Campbell’s play deeply moved me, as well as making me laugh; it really took me through every emotion, so I think audiences will be in for a treat. I know what a brilliant experience it is to have Jamie Lloyd as a director, so I’m delighted to be working with him again, and to be returning to Trafalgar Studios.”

 

Carmichael will play the role of Trudi, the American partner of Peter (Joseph Millson), who is the older son of Kristin Miller (Stockard Channing).  Miller is a firebrand liberal matriarch and eminent art historian. A birthday gathering should be a cause for celebration but the cracks in her family relationships are brought to the surface by the recent publication of her memoir. As the darkly funny evening progresses, secrets emerge about the sacrifices she has made and about the price paid by those she loves.

 

 

Apologia follows Olivier Award winning Alexi Kaye Campbell’s critical success with The Pride and his acclaimed plays Sunset at The Villa Thalia at the National Theatre and The Faith Machine at the Royal Court Theatre.

 

This production marks the return to the Trafalgar Studios of the multi-award winning Jamie Lloyd,following his critically acclaimed productions of The Ruling Class and Macbeth starring James McAvoy and his hit production with Martin Freeman of Richard III.

 

Apologia is produced by Howard Panter for Trafalgar Entertainment Group, DB Productions and Broadway’s Dodger Theatricals.

 

The producers of Apologia are also delighted to continue Jamie Lloyd’s pioneering commitment to ensuring that tickets to the highest quality West End dramas remain affordable and accessible, particularly to younger audience members. As such two exciting new ticketing initiatives are announced for the production:

 

·         TODAYTIX £15 RUSH EXCLUSIVE: In partnership with TodayTix, a daily rush scheme will see the front row for every performance sold at £15, allowing people to access the best seats via the app.

 

·         £25 UNDER 25 RATE: A general under 25s rate of £25 (redeemable for any standard-priced seat, subject to availability at time of booking) will also be available throughout the run forevery performance Monday – Thursday. This rate will be available through ATG Tickets.

Dates:                                   Saturday 29^th July – Saturday 18^th November
Press night:                        Thursday 3^rd August at 7.00pm 
Performances:                  Monday – Saturday at 7:30pm, Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2:30pm

Access Performances:  Wednesday 13^th September (Captioned performance)

Wednesday 4^th October (Audio described)

Box Office:                         www.atgtickets.com/trafalgarstudios / 0844 871 7632
Ticket Prices:                     From £15
Twitter:                               @ApologiaPlay  @TrafStudios      

York Theatre Royal – until 1 July 2017.  Reviewed by Michelle Richardson

Written by Bridget Foreman and directed by Julie Forster and Katie Posner, Everything is Possible – The York Suffragettes is York Theatre Royal and Pilot Theatre’s latest large scale community production. In total 350 volunteers gave up their time to bring the story to the stage, with a cast of around 150.

We started with being directed to the Piazza outside The York Minster where we were confronted by a mass of people demonstrating, all dressed in modern clothing. Amongst the demonstrators, holding placards, people were singing and playing musical instruments, the energy was palatable. It was all very confusing but we all got carried away, especially with the singing, and joined in with the chanting and demonstrating. I believe the majority of us were either cast members or audience, but there were certainly some tourists thrown into the mix, probably thoroughly confused by what was going on. Suddenly the suffragettes appear, giving a speech and making their stand, before being moved on by the police of the early 20th century and we march back to the theatre. This was certainly a novel introduction to the show and heightened the anticipation for what was to come. I must admit that it has probably been 30 years ago since I last demonstrated, very nostalgic.

The story is about Anne Seymour Pearson and her journey with the suffragettes. She is played by Barbara Marten, most noted for her role in Casualty. We see her getting sucked into the movement by injustice inflicted upon others. After being jailed she becomes more involved and we are treated to the general history of the suffragettes and Emmeline Pankhurst. At times this was quite harrowing, especially the force feeding scene. Amongst the acting we are treated to several newsreels from the day, even Emily Davison’s death at the Derby where everything seemed to change in their favour. Unfortunately that took a lot longer because of the Great War. But change it did, with women getting the right to vote in 1918, but only if they were over the age of 30, women over the age of 21 did not get to vote until 1928.

We are left with a polling station from the present day with all being able to vote.

Marten was the definite star, but the community actors were excellent. Even though the cast was huge, I did not feel that there were too many and it was easy to follow. The first act was actually quite gripping, the second, not so much so, it seemed quite hurried and rushed. In the second act there is what I can only describe as a comedy sketch and although it was quite humorous I am not convinced that it needed to be there, I suppose it did lighten the mood.

I’m glad to see that at the end we got to see the whole cast including the choir, who had been hidden from our view the whole time, providing us with some fantastic singing.

This was such a powerful production and amazing to think this is a community collaboration. All that is left for me to say is well done and thank you to everyone involved and I thoroughly recommend that you catch it whilst you can.

Showing at York Theatre Royal until Saturday 1st July, only the evening performances start outside.

London Coliseum 20 June – 22 August – Reviewed by Claire Roderick

Loud and gloriously OTT, this is one hell of a musical. Featuring classic songs from Meatloaf’s Bat Out Of Hell albums, this isn’t just a jukebox musical. The songs on the original album were all from Jim Steinman’s rock musical based on Peter Pan, and now 40 years on, Bat Out Of Hell comes to the stage as a fully formed and furiously entertaining show.

In 2100, Manhattan (Obsidian) has been shorn from the USA and is ruled by billionaire, and Commander-in-Chief, Falco. He lives in a tower with his name plastered over it in huge letters, has ostentatious taste in interior design, but doesn’t appear to be on Twitter. Falco’s plans for improving Obsidian are constantly thwarted by the Lost, a gang of teenagers who never age (the cause of their mutation and a little flavour of Obsidian is revealed in a copy of The Obsidian Times, placed on each seat and well worth a read before the show starts). Falco’s daughter, Raven, falls in love with the leader of the Lost, Strat, but Falco will stop at nothing to keep his daughter safely locked in his tower.

Plot wise then, nothing original, but a brilliantly cheesy and knowing riff on Romeo and Juliet meets Peter Pan (I would have been perfectly willing to clap on cue to revive poor Tink) that at times feels like Glee does Escape From New York. It’s hysterically melodramatic and daft, but that’s what makes it SO GOOD. Steinman’s songs are weaved into the story and his very cliched book feels like an extension of some of the overly dramatic lyrics. These characters only seem to show their true emotions through song – and that’s just fine with me. I never thought I’d be welling up at Objects In The Rear View Mirror May Appear Closer Than They Are, but Patrick Sullivan, Giovanni Spanó and Dom Hartley-Harris are heart-breaking as the Lost sing about their past. Hartley-Harris and smoky voiced Danielle Steers are a fantastic double act as Jagwire and Zahara, with storming versions of Dead Ringer for Love and Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad. Rob Fowler as Falco and Sharon Sexton as his wife Sloane have incredible chemistry and provide most of the laughs. Christina Bennington is amazing as Raven, switching between full belt and pure simple notes in a heartbeat, and Andrew Polec as Strat is just phenomenal. Polec has the stage presence of a seasoned rock frontman, and how that tiny frame can produce such a huge voice is a mystery.

Every song is a joy, with the entire cast providing impeccable vocals, and the staging of Bat Out Of Hell and I Would Do Anything For Love as act finales was superb. Emma Portner’s quirky choreography might not be to everyone’s taste, but the routine to Paradise By the Dashboard Light is inspired lunacy, in fact that whole number is one of the best things I’ve seen on stage for a long time, with Fowler and Sexton almost bringing the house down as they writhed on the car. And what happens to the car is genius.

The set is dystopian, with banks of TV screens, tunnel mouths and industrial looking buildings. The lighting is wonderfully evocative, reminiscent of familiar rock videos and, at one point, The Adventure Game (I’m probably showing my age here, but we were hoping someone would wheel on an aspidistra). All the elements of this show fit together perfectly, creating an unmissable production that you will want to see again and again.

The Majestic are proud to present High School Musical from the talented students from Darlington College Performing Arts course

Disney Channel’s smash hit movie musical comes to life on your stage! Troy, Gabriella and the students of East High must deal with issues of first love, friends and family while balancing their classes and extracurricular activities.

 

Disney’s High School Musical is fun for the whole family. So buy your tickets now to avoid disappointment!

 

With Performances Thursday 29 June to Sunday 2 July

A message from the students below

 

“As we want to encourage more people to come and see our shows that are performed by our talented Darlington College Performing Arts students, our Thursday show will be priced on a Pay What You Decide basis. This means our audience will not have to pay until after you have seen our show.  This not only allows you to pay what you can afford, rather than a fixed ticket price, but also removes the financial risk of buying a ticket for a show in advance without knowing whether you are going to enjoy it or not”

 

Tickets are priced £10 on the other days are available from http://www.majestic-tickets.co.uk

Cast announced for Antic Disposition’s Richard III
UK Cathedral Tour: 14th July – 28th July 2017
Temple Church, London: 22nd August – 9th September 2017

This summer, award-winning theatre company Antic Disposition present a thrilling new production of Shakespeare’s Richard III, which will be staged in six of England’s most historic cathedrals and London’s ancient Temple Church this summer.

Joining Antic Disposition for the first time, Toby Manley (Alice’s Adventures Underground; Look Left Look Right’s The Caravan; Early Days at the Finborough) will take on the principal role of Richard III in this darkly comic drama. The cast also includes Antic Disposition regulars Chris Courtenay, William de Coverly, Alex Hooper, Charles Neville, Jill Stanford, Louise Templeton and Bryony Tebbutt, alongside company newcomers Joe Eyre, Robert Nairne and Jess Nesling.

The tour will include two special performances in Leicester Cathedral – the first production of Richard III to be performed in the building since the king’s remains were discovered buried under a nearby car park and reinterred in the Cathedral in 2015. Antic Disposition’s Richard III also visits Ely, Peterborough, Gloucester, Bristol and Salisbury Cathedrals.

The Wars of the Roses are over and King Edward IV rules England. But his brother, Richard, is in no mood to celebrate. With murder, deceit and dark humour as his weapons, Richard overcomes friends and foes alike to seize the crown. But as the body count rises, he soon learns that a throne founded on blood offers little security.

Richard III concludes at Temple Church in London for a run of fifteen performances. Located in the secluded and tranquil heart of London’s legal quarter between Fleet Street and the River Thames, Temple Church was built by the Knights Templar in the 12th Century and is one of London’s most beautiful and historic buildings. Known for its unusual circular design, Temple Church recently gained fame as a key location in Dan Brown’s novel, The Da Vinci Code.

Award-winning theatre company Antic Disposition, founded by director Ben Horslen and director/designer John Risebero, is best known for presenting innovative and visually striking productions of classic plays and stories in spectacular historic buildings. Past productions include A Christmas Carol in Middle Temple Hall, The Comedy of Errors in Gray’s Inn Hall and Henry V, which recently toured twelve UK cathedrals marking the centenary of the First World War and Shakespeare400.

JOANNE CLIFTON AND BEN ADAMS TO STAR IN UK TOUR OF

FLASHDANCE – THE MUSICAL

Presented by Selladoor Productions and Runaway Entertainment

Flashdance – The Musical returns to the UK for the first time since 2011 starring Strictly favourite Joanne Clifton who returns to Wimbledon after a triumphant turn as Millie Dillmount in Thoroughly Modern Millie in early 2017, and singer-songwriter Ben Adams, and will arrive at Glasgow King’s Theatre on 05 August 2017 prior to an extensive UK tour. For full details of tour venues and dates, visit www.flashdanceuktour.co.uk

Strictly Come Dancing Champion Joanne Clifton is no stranger to being at the top, as she is also a World & European Champion ballroom dancer, and is one of very few pro dancers to have won both the main Strictly glitter ball with Ore Oduba last year and the Christmas Special in 2015 with Harry Judd.

Joanne made her musical theatre debut in the role of Streetwalker in the UK premiere of the Irving Berlin musical Face The Music, for which she was nominated for an Off West End Award. She followed this up with a turn as Marilyn Monroe in the Norma Jeane Musical and then tread the boards as Millie Dillmount in the No. 1 UK Tour of Thoroughly Modern Millie for which she garnered rave reviews.

She is now excited to take on her latest starring role as Alex Owens in the UK Tour of Flashdance. Joanne says,

“This is just another dream come true! I think everyone in the world whether dancer or non-dancer, as soon as they hear ‘What a Feeling’, remember that iconic scene at the end of the film and I’m so incredibly lucky that I get to do that every night in a UK TOUR along with fabulous numbers like “She’s a Maniac.” I’m over the moon! It’s another amazing opportunity in my musical theatre career and I can once again sing and act alongside dancing! I just hope the water’s not too cold when it falls on me!’

Ben Adams who will join Joanne on stage as Nick Hurley has been singing and performing since the age of 8. His career started as head chorister at St. Margaret’s, Westminster Abbey, singing at royal weddings, touring all over Europe, recording 2 classical albums and frequently singing for the likes of the queen and the pope.

At 16, he became the lead singer of the band a1, who racked up 10 million record sales, 2 UK number ones, 5 studio albums and toured throughout the world, winning a Brit award among many others.

When the band split, Ben took to the studio and is now a successful song writer and producer, working with the likes of Robin Thicke, Craig David, JLS, Ward Thomas, Sam Bailey, Boyzone and Alexandra Burke to name but a few. He also reached the final of Celebrity Big Brother, the Norwegian version of Strictly Come Dancing, and Master Chef in Denmark. As well as writing for other artists, he went straight to number 1 in the itunes charts with his classical album titled One Beautiful Mourning. His first solo album 1981 will be launched early 2018.

In 2010, A1 reformed and having successfully completed stadium tours in Asia and 68 sold out arena concerts across Europe, they starred in The Big Reunion on ITV2 and played arenas across the country.  They continue to tour throughout the world.

Ben has also written a brand-new musical called ‘EUGENIUS!’ Which after a sold-out London Palladium performance, is set to hit the West End stage next year.

Ben says of taking to the stage in Flashdance:

“It’s amazing to be part of such an iconic story, and as an 80’s child I was brought up on this music so I couldn’t be happier playing Nick in the theatre production of Flashdance. Whilst I continue with my own music career and touring with a1, Musical Theatre has always been a real passion of mine, so to be asked to play this role, and to be working with such an amazing cast and crew is a real honour. I look forward to seeing you all out on the road in the coming months”

Additional cast includes: Colin, Kiyani, Rikki Chamberlain, Garry Lee Netley, Carol Ball, Sia Dauda, Hillie Ann Lowe, Simeon Beckett, Rhodri Watkins, Demmileigh Foster, Emily Kenwright, Ameila Rose Fielding, Alex Christian, Matt Concannon

Flashdance – The Musical tells the inspiring and unforgettable story of 18-year-old Alex, a welder by day and ‘flashdancer’ by night, who dreams of going to the prestigious Shipley Dance Academy and becoming a professional dancer. When a romance complicates her ambitions, she harnesses it to drive her dream.

Prepare to be blown away with an astonishing musical spectacle and phenomenal choreography to this iconic score, including the smash hits Maniac, Manhunt, Gloria, I Love Rock & Roll and the award-winning title track Flashdance – What a Feeling.

Based on the Paramount Pictures film (Screenplay by Tom Hedley and Joe Eszterhas, story by Tom Hedley) Flashdance is an inspiring musical about the power of holding onto your dreams and love against all odds. Flashdance proved a hit with audiences, and remained in the Top 10 Box Office in the States for 15 weeks after release. The original score also proved hugely popular, with the soundtrack album selling 700,000 copies within two weeks of release. The platinum selling hit title track Flashdance – What A Feeling won both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe in 1983, with the soundtrack winning the Grammy Award for Best Album of Original Score Written for a Motion Picture or a Television Special in 1984.

Presented by Selladoor Productions – producers of Footloose, Avenue Q and Little Shop of Horrors and Runaway Entertainment producers of In The Heights, Guys and Dolls and Lazarus, Flashdance – The Musical is not to be missed! Take your passion and make it happen! Book now at www.flashdanceuktour.co.uk

 

 

THE HUNTING OF THE SNARK 

 

‘Raiders of the Lost Ark meets Bedknobs and Broomsticks, a slick slapstick and zippy one-liners.’ THE STAGE (4 stars)

 

‘Packed to the gunnels with laughter and mayhem.’  

EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS (5 stars)

 

‘A bit bonkers and a bit crazy, heartwarming and very, very funny.  Sometimes some of the best theatre is made for young people.’ 

BBC SCOTLAND RADIO

 

‘Full of laughs, brilliant songs, and a great story.’ 

PRIMARY TIMES MAGAZINE

 

 ‘… an enchanting, triumphant piece of children’s theatre.’

EDFRINGEREVIEW.COM (5 stars)

 

GRAND OPERA HOUSE YORK

Friday 29 & Saturday 30 September

                 

 

All aboard!  The ship is departing!  All children, animals and silly people welcome!

 

The impossible voyage of an improbable crew to hunt an imaginary creature is brought magically to life in this sparkling musical comedy adventure for 4 to 94 year olds.  

 

Enter the imaginative world of Alice in Wonderland creator, Lewis Carroll, in this brand new, highly original, ultra-modern adaptation inspired by his much loved classic poem.

   

Fresh from London’s West End, this show features five high-energy actors, life-like puppets, fantastical characters, and lashings of daft humour.

 

A riotous ragtag gang of bold adventurers including the Boy, the Banker, the Butcher, the Baker, the Bellman and the knitting Beaver set off on a quest to catch the mythical Snark… on the journey they encounter the Jub Jub bird, the sly Bandersnatch and the dastardly Boojum… Can a Snark be caught with soap?  Will the Beaver escape the hungry Butcher’s clutches? Will the Baker remember his name?  Does anyone know what a Snark actually looks like?

 

Side-splittingly funny, joyful, fast-paced and bursting with a soundtrack of witty songs by an award-winning songwriter, The Hunting of the Snark is a tour de force that‘ll delight, excite and entertain.

 

Performances: Fri 1.30pm & 4.30pm, Sat 11am & 2pm

Tickets: £16.25

Box Office: 0844 871 3024

Online: www.atgtickets.com/york

 

Mayflower, Southampton – until 24 June 2017.  Reviewed Sharon MacDonald-Armitage

The stage of Southampton’s Mayflower gave an appearance reminiscent of the Moulin Rouge as the audience walked into the auditorium for a revival of Harvey Fierstein’s La Cage aux Folles. With a sumptuous but equally gaudy set of red and gold there is a real feeling of ‘campness’ in the air and quite rightly so as this is a musical love story set in present day France. It tells the story of Georges (Adrian Zmed) and Albin (John Partridge) a gay couple whose relationship has to be hidden away from their prim and prospective in-laws.

The pairing of Zmed and Partridge seems a little unusual, but there is a genuine connection between them which makes their relationship believable and heart-warming. Albin’s transvestite, night club singing, alter-ego Zsa Zsa however steals the show. With legs that go on forever and an ability to walk and dance in heels that many women envy, Partridge is made for this role, his attitude, sass and ability to engage directly to the audience are among the many highlights. Partridge demonstrated his tremendous vocals and the ability to hold a note for what seems like an eternity. It is his interpretation of the well-known gay anthem I Am What I Am that shows his talent interpreting a song; heart wrenching and powerful.  Zmed is also no slouch with his vocals and his Song on the Sand is charming.

There is something glorious with the set and costumes and who could expect anything less with this production that screams out over the top everything. Gary McCann has come up trumps with an amazing smorgasbord of sequins and feathers something any girl or drag queen would die for. The costumes reflect Zsa Zsa’s outrageousness but this does not mean the ensemble dancers are left wanting. The vibrant red can-can dresses are only slightly upstaged by a peacock outfit that is outstanding in its lushness.

Samson Ajewole as butler turned aspiring house maid is hilarious in his delivery of lines and his attitude. From his yellow footman’s outfit which pales into insignificance when he rocks up in his housemaids dress and apron to his sequined gown Ajewole is an actor to keep an eye open for in the future.  It is particularly nice to see him perform alongside well-established musical theatre royalty Marti Webb as Jaqueline.

La Cage aux Folles is a luxurious piece of theatre full of laughs and poignant moments and George and Albin represent what life should be about: family, friends, tolerance and forgiveness, something that is often overlooked in today’s busy world.

This whole production is camp, glorious and divine and one that will bring a smile to your face.

ANDREW “FREDDIE” FLINTOFF TO MAKE STAGE DEBUT INFAT FRIENDS – THE MUSICAL AT LEEDS GRAND THEATRE

Former England cricket captain and star of SKY’s League of Their Own, Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff, will swap the cricket pitch for the stage as he joins an all-star cast for the world premiere of Kay Mellor’s Fat Friends – the Musical which opens at Leeds Grand Theatre on 7^th November 2017.

Freddie will play Kevin Chadwick opposite the previously announced Jodie Prenger as his fiancée, Kelly. X-Factor winner Sam Bailey will also feature with further casting to be announced.

Speaking about his debut, Freddie said: “I am really excited to be starring in Fat Friends – The Musical at Leeds Grand Theatre in November and at some other great venues around the UK in 2018. Having had the pleasure of recently working on an episode of Kay’s latest TV series, it’s great to have the opportunity to work with her again. I loved the TV series and think Fat Friends – The Musical, is going to give people a great night out. I’m really looking forward to it.”

One of the world’s most recognised cricket stars, Freddie Flintoff won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award in 2005 after playing a pivotal role in regaining the Ashes from Australia. Since the Lancashire Lad’s cricket career ended in 2010, he has forged a career as a much-loved presenter and broadcaster appearing as a captain on SKY’s ‘A League of Their Own’ and being crowned King of the Jungle in the first Australian version of ‘I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!’ Freddie has also launched a clothing range ‘Flintoff by Jacamo’.

Having just filmed a part in Kay Mellor’s new ITV series, this role will see Freddie continue to affirm his acting credentials after bowling over the show’s creator, Kay Mellor and composer Nicholas Lloyd Webber during auditions.

“I was introduced to Freddie at one of our TV casting sessions” said Kay. “It was clear to me that he could leave his cricket bat behind, embody a character and understand the drama. It was a no brainer… he got the part. Then, as we were talking through Fat Friends – The Musical, I wondered if Freddie could sing. I was ecstatic when Nick met him and agreed his voice was perfect for the role.

“I am thrilled and delighted that Freddie is able to join us for our run at Leeds and part of the tour as well, playing our leading male. I can’t wait to start working with the super talented cast we’ve got so far!”

Nicholas Lloyd Webber added: “I am thrilled that Freddie will be joining our stellar cast of Fat Friends – the Musical. He immediately really impressed us in his audition and we are so excited to be working with him on our show. Our starting XI is now nothing short of sensational.”

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 7^th Nov to Saturday 2^nd Dec 2017

 

Tickets are priced from £20 (restricted viewing) 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