The producers of the hit show Motown the Musical have revealed the cast for the UK and Ireland tour which opens in Birmingham.
Edward Baruwa will play the leading role of Berry Gordy, Karis Anderson will take on Diana Ross’ Nathan Lewis will play Smokey Robinson while Shak Gabbidon-Williams will perform as Marvin Gaye.
The tour opens at Birmingham New Alexandra Theatre on 11th October, heading to venues across the UK until autumn 2019.
Edward Baruwa’s previous credits include the West End productions of Motown the Musical at The Shaftesbury Theatre, Les Misérables at the Queen’s Theatre, Five Guys Named Moe at the Marble Arch Theatre and the UK tour of Sister Act.
Karis Anderson is best known as being one third of pop band Stooshe who celebrated a top five single Black Heart in 2012 for which they received a nomination for Best British Single at the 2013 Brit Awards.
Nathan Lewis was a finalist on ITV’s The X Factor in 2016 as part of boyband Five After Midnight. Nathan makes his stage debut as Smokey Robinson.
Shak Gabbidon-William’s previous credits include Young Simba in The Lion King in the West End and most recently starred as Seaweed in the UK tour of Hairspray.
Motown "soul and energy"
Charles Randolph-Wright, director of Motown the Musical said: “I am so thrilled that we have been able to find this incredible cast of British artists for the UK tour of Motown the Musical.
“Their talent has astounded us all, as they embody the soul of Motown and capture the energy and essence of those iconic artists. We are so excited to bring this show to cities across the UK and can’t wait to begin. Get ready!”
With music and lyrics from the Motown catalogue and book by Motown founder Berry Gordy, Charles Randolph-Wright’s production features a live orchestra playing 50 Motown tracks including Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, I’ll Be There, Dancing In The Street, Stop! In The Name Of Love, My Girl and I Heard It through the Grapevine and tells the story behind the classic hits.
The London production of Motown the Musical opened in February 2016. It continues to play to standing ovations at the Shaftesbury Theatre where it is half way through its third year and is booking until April 2019.
Selected tour venues and dates
- 10th January – 2nd February, 2019: Bristol Hippodrome
- 26th February – 23rd March, 2019: Manchester Opera House
- 6th June – 22nd June, 2019: Newcastle Theatre Royal
- 3rd – 14th September 2019: The Marlowe, Canterbury
For more information and for group bookings visit www.motownthemusical.co.uk
Main image: Edward Baruwa will play the leading role of Berry Gordy in the UK tour of Motown the Musical.
