Olivier Award-winner Jenna Russell will take on the title role when the critically acclaimed musical Flowers For Mrs Harris receives its London premiere at Riverside Studios later this month.
Russell, whose extensive stage credits include The Bridges of Madison County (Menier Chocolate Factory) and Grey Gardens (Southwark Playhouse) will star as Ada Harris in the new production which will be directed by Bronagh Lagan (Cruise, West End, Little Women, Hope Mill Theatre).
Featuring music and lyrics Richard Taylor (The Go-Between, Tom’s Midnight Garden) and a book Rachel Wagstaff (Birdsong, Moonshadow), the stage adaptation of American writer Paul Gallico’s 1958 novel Mrs ’Arris Goes to Paris which received its well-received world premiere at the Sheffield Crucible in 2016, will play a limited nine-week season at Riverside Studios from 30 September until 26 November 2023.
Commenting on the musical’s London run, producer Ollie Hancock said: “Never before have I seen something on stage which has moved me with such force and relentless power. Richard and Rachel’s beautiful writing had such a profound effect on me that I left the theatre tear-streaked, striving to be a better person and to produce work which was just as impactful.
“I’m delighted to be bringing this gorgeous musical about the power of kindness to London for the first time in the creative hub that is Riverside Studios, especially with theatrical royalty Jenna Russell, who has wowed audiences on both sides of the Atlantic, in this extraordinary British musical!”
Commenting on her casting in the production, Russell said: “Ada Harris is a dream role in an exceptional piece by Rachel Wagstaff and Richard Taylor. Reading the play had a profound effect on me, and I can’t wait to see how that translates to a live experience, for the actors and audience alike.”
Presented by Aria Entertainment and Tiny Giant Productions, the cast will also include Hal Fowler (London Road, National Theatre), Olivier Award-nominee Kelly Price (What’s New Pussycat?, Birmingham REP), Annie Wensak (Half a Sixpence, West End/Chichester Festival Theatre), Charlotte Kennedy (My Fair Lady, London Coliseum/UK and Ireland tour), Nathanael Campbell (Come From Away, West End/Abbey Theatre, Dublin), David McKechnie (Standing at the Sky’s Edge, Sheffield Theatres/National Theatre) and Pippa Winslow (Bonnie & Clyde, West End), with Issy Khogali (professional debut), Richard Morse (School of Rock, West End/UK & Ireland tour), Off-West End Award-nominee Harry Singh (ANIMAL, Park Theatre/Hope Mill Theatre) and Abigail Williams (Elegies of Angels, Punks & Raging Queens, Charing Cross Theatre). Casting is by Jane Deitch.
The production features new orchestrations by Jason Carr. The creative team also includes musical director Jonathan Gill, movement director Anjali Mehra, assistant director Teenie Macleod, set designer Nik Corrall, lighting designer Adam King, sound designer Charlie Smith, costume designer Sara Perks, production manager Felix Davies and production assistant Ylan Assefy-Waterdrinker.
Angela Thomas
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