Picture: Michael Wharley
JLS pop star Aston Merrygold will join the cast of Selladoor Worldwide’s Footloose the Musical to take on the role of Willard when the UK touring production visits Aberdeen, Glasgow and Wimbledon this summer.
Commenting on the latest development in a successful music career which was kickstarted by a run on The X Factor culminating in a runner-up spot (to Alexandra Burke) in 2008, Merrygold said: “I’m delighted to be joining the phenomenal cast of Footloose. Willard is a superb role and I’m really looking forward to the challenge of stepping into such a lovable, comedy part and performing on these amazing stages.
“Footloose is just the best night out and I guarantee if you come along you’ll leave with a spring in your step and a smile on your face. I’m so looking forward to working with this team and I can’t wait to see you all there.”
Merrygold will join the cast for performances at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen from 25-30 July, before playing Glasgow King’s Theatre from 1-6 August and Wimbledon New Theatre from 15-20 August.
All other performances will feature another X Factor alumni and reality TV favourite Jake Quickenden as Willard.
The cast continues to include Darren Day as Reverend Moore with Lucy Munden as Ariel, Oonagh Cox as Rusty, Anna Westlake (Lulu), Alex Fobbester (Bickle), Ben Barrow (Wes), Ben Mabberley (Jeter), Geri Allen (Ethel), Holly Ashton (Vi), Jess Barker (Wendi-Jo), Joshua Hawkins (Ren), Samantha Richards (Urleen), Tom Mussell (Chuck) and Daniel Miles and Lucy Ireland as off-stage swings.
Presented by Selladoor Productions and Runaway Entertainment, the production is directed by Racky Plews, with choreography by Matthew Cole, musical supervision by Mark Crossland, design by Sara Perks, lighting design by Chris Davey and sound design by Chris Whybrow.
Based on the hit 1984 film which featured Kevin Bacon in the central role of the boy who brings dance to a small American town, the show first opened on Broadway in 1998.
Footloose the Musical has music by Tom Snow and lyrics by Dean Pitchford and is adapted for the stage by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie. It is based on Pitchford’s original screenplay.
Angela Thomas
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