Top row: Isabelle Methven, Dewi Wykes, Louis Suc; Middle row: Maria Goodman, Lara Denning, David Ricardo-Pearce, Bottom row: Kibong Tanji, Sam Harrison, Elisa De Grey, Ailsa Dalling
Theatr Clwyd and Chichester Festival Theatre have unveiled the full cast for the highly anticipated world premiere production of the new musical inspired by Enid Blyton’s much-loved Famous Five adventure stories.
Written by award-winning playwright Elinor Cook, with music and lyrics by Theo Jamieson, The Famous Five will make its debut at Theatr Clwyd’s Anthony Hopkins Theatre with previews from 23 September ahead of an opening night on 29 September. The Theatr Clywd run will end on 15 October, with the production then heading for Chichester where previews will begin on 21 October, before an opening night on 25 October. The production will continue up to 21 October.
Theatr Clwyd’s artistic director Tamara Harvey will direct Ailsa Dalling (The Wizard of Oz, Leeds Playhouse) as puppeteer and puppet associate; Elisa De Grey (Peter Pan, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre) as Timmy puppeteer and puppet associate; Lara Denning (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, UK tour) as Aunt Fanny; Maria Goodman (Jabberwocky, The Other Palace/Theatre Royal, Margate) as George; Sam Harrison (Avenue Q, Gielgud Theatre) as Bobby; Isabelle Methven (Annie The Musical, Piccadilly Theatre) as Anne; David Ricardo-Pearce (Kiss Me Kate, Watermill Theatre) as Uncle Quentin; Louis Suc (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Theatre Royal Drury Lane) as Dick; Kibong Tanji (TINA: The Tina Turner Musical, Aldwych Theatre) as Rowena and Dewi Wykes (Petula, National Theatre Wales) as Julian.
The creative team for the production also includes designer Lucy Osborne, choreographer Annie-Lunnette Deakin-Foster, with musical supervision by David White and Benjamin Holder, musical direction by Katherine Rockhill, orchestrations by Theo Jamieson, lighting by Johanna Town and video design by Ash Woodward.
Announcing the production earlier this year, Harvey said: “I loved Enid Blyton’s stories when I was a kid – the magical worlds she created and the daring adventures she and her characters took me on – and so it’s a huge privilege to have the chance to bring The Famous Five to life on stage.
“Elinor and Theo have perfectly captured the spirit of the books, whilst also bringing their own wit and sense of mischief to this brand new musical. Blyton’s work has inspired millions of readers for generations.
“Together with Chichester Festival Theatre and our team of brilliant creatives, I can’t wait to share the joy of this new Famous Five adventure with audiences in North Wales and Chichester.”
Angela Thomas
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