Strictly Dancing champions Harry Judd, Jay McGuiness, Louis Smith and recent celebrity contestant Aston Merrygold will take to the stage in London’s West End in dance and music show Rip It Up – The 60s in early 2019.
Following a successful 2018 UK tour, McFly’s Judd, JLS’ Merrygold and former Olympic gymnast Smith will be joined in London by The Wanted’s McGuiness for a four-month season at the Garrick Theatre beginning on 7 February 2019.
The London run marks the return to the themed song and dance show for McGuiness who previously starred alongside in the 2017 tour of the 1950s-flavoured first Rip It Up in 2017.
Commenting on his comeback run, the star who lifted the Glitterball trophy in 2015 said: “I’m really looking forward to joining the cast as the undoubtedly best-looking member! Louis, Aston and Harry put on an amazing show touring with the 60s and I’m so grateful to be joining them. I can’t wait for me and the lads to sit right in the middle of the West End and Rip. It. Up.”
The 2011 champion and 2015 Champion of Champions Judd, who has danced and played the drums in both versions of the show, added: “I love to dance. Along with playing in a band, there’s no better feeling than being on stage dancing. I was brought up listening to 60s music by my parents which has made the whole show even more special to be a part of. Aston and Louis are both incredible performers, so I am looking forward to taking the show to the West End stage, and to welcoming Jay to the group.”
The 2012 winner Smith, whose decision to retire from competitive gymnastics was also announced this week, said: “I’m over the moon to be joining the cast for Rip It Up again and especially now in the West End. Being a part of the tour was incredible.
“To be amongst such talented people and receive the response that we did every night is something I never took for granted and now I’m just so excited to take things up another gear and put on a show worthy of the West End. I’ve always loved performing and having the opportunity to better myself as a performer, so this opportunity couldn’t be better suited for me.”
The fourth member of the post Strictly foursome, Merrygold, who competed in the hit TV show in 2017 commented: “It was so exciting to join the cast of Rip It Up on the 2018 UK tour. I felt like I had some unfinished business when it came to dance and it’s been amazing to work with familiar faces. I’ve loved putting my own spin on some classic 60s moments and can’t wait to show that to a West End audience!”
A celebration of the music of the 1960s, the show features the foursome and a cast of dancers in an energetic show that includes footage from the music legends that defined the decade.
Angela Thomas
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