Just as I published one set of casting news for forthcoming musicals, then a whole lot more is announced! 101 Dalmatians, Sister Act the Musical and the return of Anything Goes join the pile of things to book for
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre have announced full casting for their forthcoming production of 101 Dalmatians (12 Jul – 28 Aug), a newly commissioned musical written by Douglas Hodge (music and lyrics) and Johnny McKnight (book), from a stage adaptation by Zinnie Harris. Based on the book by Dodie Smith, leading the cast as the iconic villain Cruella de Vil is Olivier and Tony Award nominee Kate Fleetwood. Dalmatians Pongo and Perdi are puppeteered by Danny Collins (Pongo Voice), Emma Lucia (Perdi Voice), Yana Penrose (Perdi Head) and Ben Thompson (Pongo Head).
Also joining the cast are: Jamil Abbasi (Ensemble), Stuart Angell (Captain Head), George Bukhari (Jasper), Sonya Cullingford (Ensemble), Jade Davies (Swing), Karen Fishwick (Danielle), Joseph Fletcher (Ensemble), Taofique Folarin (Swing), Courtney George (Ensemble), Tash Holway (Swing and Dance Captain), CJ Johnson (Ensemble), Kody Mortimer (Ensemble), Simon Oskarsson (Swing), Tom Peters (Captain Voice), Eric Stroud (Dominic), Jonny Weldon (Casper), and Grace Wylde (Madam Doué).
Anything Goes has announced it is beginning its return to the Barbican sooner rather than later, opening now on 25th June. And it has also fleshed out its cast as joining the previously announced Kerry Ellis, Denis Lawson, Bonnie Langford, Simon Callow, Samuel Edwards, Nicole-Lily Baisden, Haydn Oakley and Carly Mercedes Dyer will be Carl Au as Luke, Trev Neo as John, Clive Hayward as Ship’s Captain and Cornelius Clarke as Ship’s Purser.
The ensemble will include Jessica Buckby, Natalie Chua, Eamonn Cox, Jacob Fisher, Selina Hamilton, Maddie Harper, Eu Jin Hwang, David Kar-Hing Lee, Billie-Kay, Sammy Kelly, Anna McGarahan, Perry O’Dea, Tom Partridge, Christopher Short, Jack Wilcox and Alexandra Wright and swings Josh Barnett, George Beet, Gabrielle Cocca and Emily Ormiston.
Sister Act the Musical is preparing for its return to London by announcing its cast. Opening at the Eventim Hammersmith Apollo on 19th July, Beverley Knight will take on the iconic role of Deloris Van Cartier since Whoopi Goldberg had to withdraw after the pandemic postponements. But Jennifer Saunders remains as Mother Superior and Clive Rowe will play Eddie Souther.
Joining them are Lizzie Bea as Sister Mary Robert, Keala Settle as Sister Mary Patrick. Lesley Joseph will play Mary Lazarus. The ensemble also includes Jeremy Secomb, Graham McDuff, Tricia Deighton, Lori Haley Fox, Tom Hopcroft, Bradley Judge, Tanya Edwards, Catherine Millsom, Anne Smith, Emma Ralston, Jermaine Woods, Michael Ward and Caroline Bateson. Complete casting to be announced soon.
