Twiggy and Elena Skye. Picture: Brian Aris
Check out details of the full cast for the world premiere production of Ben Elton’s new musical Close Up – The Twiggy Musical.
As previously announced Elena Skye (Kinky Boots, Adelphi Theatre, We Will Rock You, London Coliseum/UK tour) will take centre stage as Twiggy in the bio-musical which debuts at the London venue from 18 September until 18 November.
She will be joined by Lauren Azania AJ King-Yombo (Heartbeat of Home, Piccadilly Theatre, The Magic of Motown, UK/European tour) as Kay, Matt Corner (Fiddler on the Roof, Menier Chocolate Factory, The Last Ship, Northern Stage/UK tour) as Justin de Villeneuve, Darren Day (Footloose, UK tour, Chicago, UK tour) as Michael Witney, Beth Devine (White Christmas, UK tour) as Sally, Aoife Dunne (Maria Friedman – Legends, Menier Chocolate Factory, The Witches of Eastwick, Sondheim Theatre) as Cindy, Hannah-Jane Fox (Tommy, Prince Edward Theatre, We Will Rock You, Dominion Theatre) as Nell Hornby and Steven Serlin (Hairspray, Kilworth House, Heathers The Musical, The Other Palace) as Norman Hornby.
The cast will be completed by Emma-Katie Adcock, Liam Buckland, Harriet Bunton, Leanne Garretty, Luke Johnson, David McIntosh, Danny Nattrass, Sydney Spencer and Karen Walker.
Written and directed by Elton, the musical traces the story of a skinny Neasden teenager called Lesley Hornby who became Twiggy, the iconic ‘face of the 1960s’ who went on to become a much-loved stage and screen star, and a successful recording artist. Twiggy was made a Dame for her contributions to fashion, the arts and charity in Queen Elizabeth II’s Birthday Honours in 2019.
Commenting on the musical celebration of her life earlier this year, Twiggy said: “It’s very unexpected, but truly an honour, to see my own life translated onto stage – and I can’t imagine a better, more generous, collaborator than Ben. I’ve been approached before about sharing my story, but never has the alchemy felt so right.”
Elton added: “I’m thrilled to be bringing Twiggy’s incredible story to the stage, with an amazing creative team at the Menier – the perfect home to begin our journey. Very London, very authentic, and such wonderful intimacy in which to stage this musical. In Elena, we’ve found a glorious talent – not just a unique voice, but someone who’s funny, honest and utterly authentic, very much like Twiggy herself.”
Elton leads a creative team that includes choreographer Jacob Fearey, set and video designer Tim Bird, costume designer Jonathan Lipman and sound designer Gregory Clarke, with musical supervision, direction and orchestrations by Stuart Morley.
Angela Thomas
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