Clare Burt will make her RSC debut in the title role in Miss Littlewood, a new musical about one of the biggest names in British theatre, Joan Littlewood.
The Flowers For Mrs Harris and Big Fish star will take on the central role of the outspoken and visionary ‘Grand Dame’ who inspired a generation of acting and creative talents in the show which will begin previewing at the Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon on 22 June 2018.
Burt will be joined by Aretha Ayeh, Sandy Foster, Amanda Hadingue, Dawn Hope, Emily Johnstone and Sophia Nomvete, who will all play the part of Joan at different stages of her life.
The cast also includes: Daisy Badger (Rosalie), Greg Barnett (Jimmie Miller/Cedric Price), Laura Elsworthy (Shelagh Delaney), Solomon Israel (Gerry Raffles), Natasha Lewis and Tam Williams (Murray Melvin).
With a book, music and lyrics by Sam Kenyon and directed by the RSC’s deputy artistic director Erica Whyman, Miss Littlewood recounts the compelling story of the woman who revived the once-derelict Theatre Royal Stratford East.
Developed in collaboration with Theatre Royal Stratford East, the musical offers a glimpse into the woman whose unique Theatre Workshop was the starting point for classic hit shows and films including Oh, What A Lovely War! and A Taste of Honey.
Commenting on his inspiration for the show, Kenyon whose previous work includes the award-winning The Borrowers and Northern Stage’s hit touring production of Oh, What A Lovely War! said: “I’d always wondered about the imaginative moment when Fanny Brice became Funny Girl, when Gypsy Rose Lee became Gypsy, when Eva Perón became Evita.
“When I read Joan Littlewood’s autobiography, Joan’s Book, and she wrote that she’d quit RADA aged 19 and walked – walked! – to Manchester, I knew immediately that I was on to something. And then I found the most searing love letters buried in the centre of the book. I’ve written this in homage to the Stockwell-born ‘illegitimate’ daughter of a teenage mother, who has inspired theatre makers worldwide and yet is barely known by her name.”
Funning from 22 June until 4 August, the show will be designed by Tom Piper, with lighting by Charles Balfour, sound by Jonathan Ruddick, movement by Lucy Hind, and video by Nina Dunn.
Angela Thomas
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