Picture: Danny Kaan
Award-winning actress Rakie Ayola and former Hollyoaks actor Charlie Clapham have joined the principal cast of For Tonight for the imminent stage debut of the original new bilingual musical in the West End.
Ayola (On Bear Ridge, National Theatre Wales/Royal Court, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, West End) and Clapham will join the previously announced Ami Di Bartolomeo (Six, We Will Rock You), Jacob Young (Heathers, Mamma Mia!), Dale Evans (Jesus Christ Superstar) and Emily Burnett (CBBC’s So Awkward).
Leo Andrew (West End productions of Chess, Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph, The Phantom of the Opera, Now And Then and Groundhog Day at Old Vic Theatre), Joey Cornish (Jersey Boys), Charlotte-Hannah Jones, Llewellyn (Hairspray, Magic At The Musicals) and Otilia Panainte will appear in featured roles. The ensemble will include Emily Bull, Cassius Hackforth, Ediz Ibrahim, Jay Jobarteh, Nathan Kiley, Sophia McAvoy, Mared Williams and Celeste Williamson.
The cast will be accompanied by the Trinity Laban Choir members including: Grace Clifford, Lois Odell, Mali Wen, Nadia Harper, Jasmine Cole, Matthew Waters, Aidan Cross, Joseph Birch-Scanlan, Evangelos Papadimitriou and Zach Lillis.
Blending traditional Welsh choral, indie-pop, folk and Romani-inspired melodies and rhythms, For Tonight is set in 19th century North Wales and Liverpool and tells the story of two families, a Roma family and a Welsh farming family.
Inspired by writer Spencer Williams’ three times great grandfather’s handwritten journal the musical which has music, book and lyrics by Shenelle Salicido and Williams, will play a one-night only concert performance at the Adelphi Theatre on 5 September 2023.
Directed by Nick Evans, the creative team for the production also includes musical director Iestyn Griffiths, choreographer Kevan Allen, producer Blair Russell, orchestrator Jen Green, set designer Stewart J Charlesworth, casting with orchestral management by Dave Danford for Absolute Music Services Ltd, casting by Harry Blumenau Casting, and general management by HD General Management.
Commenting on the performance co-writer Williams says: “This musical is rooted in my Welsh family history, but like the Romani peoples has journeyed far and wide in the course of its development. I can’t wait for UK audiences to experience this timeless tale that showcases the distinct music, movement, and language of the Welsh and Romani cultures.”
The cultural script consultant Raine Geoghegan added: “This musical is really like no other. In both the Welsh and Romany culture there is an abundance of story, song, music that touches the soul, nowhere is that more apparent than in the title song ‘For Tonight’, I love the balance of word, music and song, not forgetting dance and movement. These are ancient cultures that carry voices from the past, there is something for everyone.”
Angela Thomas
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