X Factor finalist (2013) Luke Friend will head the cast of the London Underground-set musical LIFT when it returns to the capital next month with a new production directed by Dean Johnson.
Opening at the Southwark Playhouse on 13 May 2022, the production will feature former busker Friend (American Idiot, Footloose) as the Busker alongside West End star Hiba Elchikhe (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Fiver) as Secretary.
Commenting on his role in the production, Friend said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be a part of the wonderful cast of LIFT! This show is going to be so intimate and unique.
“Being a songwriter and busker myself for many years, I feel as though I completely and utterly relate to my character’s story and the message he is trying to bring across. I can’t wait to give everything to this role and perform at Southwark playhouse for the first time. This is a real treat for me.”
Elchikhe added: “I am really looking forward to being a part of LIFT the musical with this incredible group of people. I can’t wait for you all to see it.”
Friend and Elchikhe will be joined by Kayleigh McKnight (Heathers, Tina: The Tina Turner Musical) in the role of the French teacher, with Jordan Broatch (Anyone Can Whistle) taking on the role of Avatar and Marco Titus (Mandela – A New Musical) as BYT.
The cast is completed by three performers making their professional debut in the production: Cameron Collins will play the Ballet Dancer, Tamara Morgan will take on the role of Lap Dancer with Chrissie Bhima as Avatar.
Presented by Gartland Productions, the new version of the musical which received its world premiere in London almost a decade ago will play the Southwark Playhouse from 13 May until 25 June.
Developed by new musical theatre specialists Perfect Pitch, the musical which debuted at Soho Theatre in 2013 with a production starring Cynthia Erivo, Julie Atherton and George Maguire, has music and lyrics by Craig Adams and book by Ian Watson.
Commenting on the new production, director Johnson said: “Since we first began the journey of our revival of LIFT, we knew casting would be integral to how we could present the show as a snapshot of London in 2022.
“We had the most sensational audition process and the UK is certainly not short of incredible and diverse talent, and this allowed us to find an incredible group of people that can bring this story to life in a fresh way.
“I really believe our cast demonstrates how exciting the talent pool is in our industry with a mixture of established and incredible artists alongside fresh new faces. I really think they are going to blow the roof off Southwark Playhouse as a collective group of artists!”
Featuring new arrangements by the production’s musical director Sam Young, the creative team for the production also includes choreographer Annie Southall, production designer Andrew Exeter and associate designer Natalia Alvarez with assistant design by Xinyi Du, assistant direction by Eden Howes and casting by Pearson Casting.
Angela Thomas
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