Star Cast Announced for Brand New British Musical
Celebrating the chart-topping pop tunes of the past four decades, NOW That’s What I Call A Musical will feature award-winning actress Nina Wadia starring as Gemma, alongside 80’s icon Sonia, playing herself, when the production visits Newcastle Theatre Royal (Tue 8 – Sat 12 Oct 2024).
The brand-new British musical written by award-winning comedian Pippa Evans and directed and choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood, is to visit Newcastle Theatre Royal as part of its first ever UK tour.
Nina Wadia, known for her role as Zainab Masood in BBC One's Eastenders said: “I grew up listening to the NOW tapes so for me, being a part of this musical is like going home. When I read the script, I immediately fell in love with the characters and Pippa’s story. I can’t wait to get started on my first-ever musical.”
“Everybody has memories of where they were when each song was out and what they were doing. We are going to take people back on a nostalgic road of all their favourite songs.” Pop-star Sonia, who’s catchy debut single You’ll Never Stop Me Loving You shot to number one in the UK and sold a staggering 350,000 copies, adds.
Relive the playlist of your life through the iconic compilations brand NOW That’s What I Call Music, which has sold an estimated 200 million copies worldwide, and get ready for a fun-filled evening bursting with hits from Whitney Houston, Wham!, Blondie, Tears For Fears, Spandau Ballet and so many more.
It’s Birmingham, 1989. Two school friends, Gemma and April, are busy with very important business - planning their lives based on Number One Magazine quizzes and dreaming of snogging Rick Astley. Cut to Birmingham 2009 and it’s the most dreaded event of their lives– the school reunion. Drama, old flames and receding hairlines come together as friends reunite and everything from the past starts to slot into place. The biggest question is: what was with all that hairspray?
The creative team will include Set and Costume Design by Tom Rogers & Toots Butcher, Musical Supervision and Arrangements by Mark Crossland, Lighting Design by Ben Cracknell, Sound Design by Adam Fisher, Wigs & Hair Design by Sam Cox, Associate Choreography by Aaron Renfree and Casting by Annelie Powell CDG.
Further cast members are still to be announced.
NOW That’s What I Call A Musical! plays Newcastle Theatre Royal Tue 8 – Sat 12 Oct 2024. Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.
