The full cast has been unveiled for the eagerly anticipated debut of the stage musical adaptation of comedian and author David Baddiel’s best-selling book The Parent Agency.
Featuring music and additional lyrics by Dan Gillespie Sells (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie), the production which will be directed by Tim Jackson (Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York) is due to receive its world premiere at Storyhouse Chester from 15 February until 2 March ahead of a national tour and London season.
Produced by Scenario 2’s John Berry and Anthony Lilley, and Storyhouse’s Suzie Henderson and Helen Redcliffe, the production will feature Max Bispham (Les Misérables, Mrs Doubtfire) and Osian Salter (Les Misérables, The Osmonds a New Musical) with Eli Sowden-Mehta (Wonka, Blitz, Wicked) and Louis Wilkins (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang) sharing the role of Barry, Rebecca McKinnis (Dear Evan Hansen, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie) as Susan and Rakesh Boury (Matilda, The Creakers) as Geoff.
The cast will be completed by Kazmin Borrer (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie), Elliot Broadfoot (Kathy and Stella Solve a Murder), Natasha Cayabyab (Shrek the Musical), Dylan Collymore (Shrek The Musical), Sarah McFarlane (Six), Joshian Angelo Omaña (Why Am I So Single?), Alan Vicary (Girl From the North Country), Ralph Birthwell (Life of Pi), Althea Burey (The Gruffalo), Elliot Copeland (Becoming Nancy), Jessica Daugirda (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie), Sophia Lewis (Around The World in 80 Days) and Robbie Scott (Sunshine on Leith).
Commenting on the stage musical adaptation of his work last year, Baddiel said: “I’m so happy that my first children’s book The Parent Agency is going to be made into a musical. It’s a book that kids tell me they love, including now young adults who first read it years ago. It takes a very real child on a very magical journey that seems to really suit big musical moments – and these have been brilliantly provided by the genius that is Dan Gillespie Sells, who’s been a total joy to work with.”
Sells continued: “I’m so excited to be working with David Baddiel on this brand new musical, I’ve always been a fan of his and I can’t wait to get in to the rehearsal room alongside a wonderful creative team to help bring this story to life.”
Jackson added: “There’s something magical about taking a story that kids and families already love and finding new ways to tell it on stage. I’m looking forward to working alongside David and Dan to turn this wonderful world into a theatrical experience that feels fresh and playful for audiences in Chester and beyond.”
The creative team for the musical will also include choreographer Carrie-Anne Ingrouille (Six, Dear Evan Hansen), costume designer Sarah Mercadé (Jesus Christ Superstar, 101 Dalmatians, The Spongebob Musical), lighting designer Zoe Spurr (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World, Bonnie & Clyde) and assistant director Francesca Hsieh (VANYA), with casting by Jill Green and Amy Beadel.
Last year marked the 10th anniversary of the publication of The Parent Agency. Baddiel’s story of a boy who makes a wish to swap his ‘boring and strict’ parents for a ‘cool’ alternative won the inaugural Laugh Out Loud Award and sold over 355,000 copies worldwide. Celebrations began early this year with the publication of The Parent Agency: 10th Anniversary Edition.
Angela Thomas
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