David Hunter and Joanna Woodward in The Time Traveller’s Wife. Picture: Ant Clausen
The world premiere production of the stage musical adaptation of the bestselling novel The Time Traveller’s Wife will make its West End debut at the Apollo Theatre in the autumn.
Following on from a sold-out debut season at Storyhouse in Chester last October, the musical will arrive in London with preview performances beginning on 7 October 2023 ahead of an official opening night on 1 November 2023.
David Hunter (Waitress, West End/tour, Kinky Boots, Adelphi, Once, Phoenix Theatre) and Joanna Woodward (Pretty Woman The Musical, Piccadilly Theatre/Savoy Theatre, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Aldwych Theatre) will reprise their performances as the time travelling Henry and his timeless love, Clare. Further casting is to be announced.
Based on Audrey Niffenegger’s acclaimed debut novel and the New Line Cinema film screenplay by Bruce Joel Rubin, the musical features original music and lyrics by pop royalty Joss Stone and Dave Stewart, additional lyrics by Kait Kerrigan and a book by award-winning playwright Lauren Gunderson.
The musical is directed by Bill Buckhurst and designed by Anna Fleische, with choreography by Shelley Maxwell, lighting design by Lucy Carter, illusions by Chris Fisher, video design by Andrjez Goulding, sound design by Richard Brooker, musical supervision and arrangements by Nick Finlow, orchestrations by Malcolm Edmonstone and wigs, hair and make-up design by Susanna Peretz. Casting will be by Grindrod Burton Casting
The Time Traveller’s Wife in the West End will be produced by Colin Ingram, InTheatre Productions, Gavin Kalin Productions, Teresa Tsai and Crossroads Live, by special arrangement with Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures.
Announcing the West End transfer, Ingram said: “After six years developing this show and an extremely successful try-out in Chester, we are so delighted to present the world premiere of a new British musical based on such a beloved book.
“This confident, clever and charming musical by British rock royalty Dave Stewart and Joss Stone shows off their musicianship and director Bill Buckhurst and his creative team have created an incredible world to tell this cherished story in the most powerful and emotional way.”
Stewart commented: “Working with Joss Stone alongside Lauren Gunderson has been a thrilling experience. The world that director Bill Buckhurst has created for this very emotional love story brings magic to the stage. The songs Joss and I have written for this amazing musical have been woven together so brilliantly by composer/arranger Nick Finlow and, as we intended, the audience are enraptured in the joy of the story, the music and the complexities of close relationships.”
Stone added: “To say I’m excited is an understatement. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be part of creating a musical, let alone one that will be enjoyed in the West End! It’s truly wonderful to be part of such a talented group of people.”
First published in 2003 The Time Traveller’s Wife was turned into a film starring Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams which was released in 2009. The story also recently provided the inspiration for a short-lived HBO TV series, starring Rose Leslie and Theo James.
Angela Thomas
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