X Factor judge Louis Walsh will make his stage acting debut as a Hollywood producer in the London run of the eagerly-anticipated Nativity! The Musical at London’s Eventim Apollo.
The pop manager and TV talent show judge will step into the role played on film by stage and screen star Clarke Peters from 13 until 17 December.
Commenting on his new role, Walsh said: “I am thrilled to be joining the cast of Nativity! The Musical in London this December, I am a great fan of the films and I can’t wait to get started as the ‘Hollywood Producer’ to see if the class of St Bernadette’s really has the X Factor.”
Produced by Jamie Wilson, Entertainment One, Ramin Sabi and Belgrade Theatre Coventry, the world premiere run of the musical version of the hit 2009 festive family tale of the ultimate school Nativity play is due to begin at Birmingham Repertory Theatre on Friday 20 October.
Welcoming the latest addition to the cast, producer Wilson said: “The company and I are delighted that X Factor judge Louis Walsh will be joining us for the world premiere in the guest role of the ‘Hollywood Producer’. We can’t wait to see Louis’s judging talents in this spectacular Christmas show. Louis is a fantastic addition for the London run of the tour and we are all looking forward to the production appearing at the iconic Eventim Apollo.”
Walsh will join the previously announced Daniel Boys (Paul Maddens), Sarah Earnshaw (Jennifer Lore), Simon Lipkin (Mr Poppy), Jemma Churchill (Mrs Bevan), Jamie Chapman (Patrick Burns) and Andy Brady (Mr Shakespeare).
The cast also includes Derek Aidoo, Jalisa Andrews, Jennifer Louise Jones, Andy Barke, Gary Davis, Jennifer Louise Jones, Katia Sartini and a young cast of 27 talented children.
Written and directed by the film’s creator Debbie Isitt with music and lyrics by Nicky Ager and Isitt, the production is choreographed by Andrew Wright and designed by David Woodhead. Lighting design is by Tim Mitchell with sound design by Tom Marshall and musical supervision and orchestrations by George Dyer.
After Birmingham, the show will head for Southend Cliffs Pavilion, Sheffield Lyceum, Manchester Palace, Plymouth Theatre Royal and Hammersmith Eventim Apollo before playing a Christmas season at Leeds Grand Theatre.
Already a staple of the Christmas TV schedules, Nativity starred a pre-Sherlock Martin Freeman as teacher Mr Maddens who reluctantly takes on the job of producing a musical Nativity with the help of the exuberant Mr Poppy and a host of scene stealing kids.
Angela Thomas
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