Michael Harrison and David Ian’s new musical The Drifters Girl will now premiere in Newcastle ahead of a West End run in the autumn of 2021, just over a year later than planned.
Starring Beverley Knight, the major new musical inspired by the life of the woman behind legendary vocal group The Drifters will now receive its world premiere at Newcastle Theatre Royal from 8-23 October 2021 before playing a 20-week season at London’s Garrick Theatre from 4 November 2021 (with a press night on 25 November).
Knight (The Bodyguard, Memphis The Musical, Cats) will star as Faye Treadwell, the legendary manager of the group who, alongside her husband George, fought numerous legal battles to protect the integrity of the name The Drifters and protect the group’s musical legacy.
Originally formed as a backing group for singer Clyde McPhatter, the RnB and soul vocal group The Drifters debuted in the early 1950s. Over 60 vocalists have featured in The Drifters’ line-up and the group’s hits include ‘Save the Last Dance For Me’, ‘Under the Boardwalk’, ‘Kissin In the Back Row of the Movies’, ‘Stand By Me’, ‘Come On Over to My Place’, and ‘Saturday Night At the Movies’.
Directed by Jonathan Church (Singin’ in the Rain), with a book by Ed Curtis, the production will be designed by Anthony Ward, with choreography by Karen Bruce, lighting design by Ben Cracknell and music supervision and orchestrations by Chris Egan.
Angela Thomas
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