Opening in Bristol in September next year, Dreamgirls will tour the country into 2020.
The musical, which first opened on Broadway in 1981, follows an all-female singing group called The Dreams through their journey to stardom. Set against the backdrop of 1960s Chicago, Dreamgirls is said to be inspired by notable R&B artists of the period, such as The Supremes, James Brown and Jackie Wilson.
Effie, Lorrell and Deena are the characters taking centre stage, although casting hasn’t been revealed yet. In 2006, the story was adapted into a film of the same name that proved successful, with Jennifer Hudson (in the role of Effie) winning an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. Beyonce Knowles and Eddie Murphy also starred in the film.
This tour follows a West End premiere back in December 2016 at London’s Savoy Theatre, and is set to include singalong tracks like Listen, And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going and One Night Only.
Casey Nicholaw is confirmed as the show’s director and choreographer; among his previous credits are The Book of Mormon and Disney’s Aladdin.
The UK tour will begin in Bristol in September 2020, before visiting venues in Milton Keynes, Blackpool, Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Birmingham. It will continue into 2021. The full list of dates and venues have yet to be announced - keep an eye on the website at www.dreamgirlsthemusical.co.uk for updates.
The listings so far:
Bristol Hippodrome, 12th September - 3rd October
Milton Keynes Theatre, 6th - 17th October
Winter Gardens, Blackpool, 27th October - 8th November
His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen, 10th - 21st November
Edinburgh Playhouse, 24th November - 5th December
The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, 8th December - 2nd January
Organisers can contact a specific venue for information on group bookings.
