Full casting for Kay Mellor’s new show, Fat Friends the Musical, has been revealed, with Kevin Kennedy from Coronation Street starring as Fergus.
The show will open in November at Leeds Grand Theatre ahead of the UK tour that will see it visit Newcastle, Southampton, Norwich, Manchester and Birmingham among other places.
About the cast
Joining Coronation Street actor Kevin Kennedy will be Rachael Wooding, from We Will Rock You, who will appear as Joanne, alongside Jonathan Halliwell, from Let It Shine, who will star as Paul, and Chloe Hart, from Hairspray, as Val.
The role of Alan will be played by Neil Hurst, one of dozens of Yorkshiremen who applied for the role through an open audition call.
Kennedy’s theatre credits include Chicago, We Will Rock You, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Hamlet and Ducking Out.
Wooding’s leading stage credits include We Will Rock You, Jersey Boys, Hairspray, Evita, while most recently, she starred in the UK tour of Wonderland and Street of Dreams.
Jonathan Halliwell was a finalist in the BBC contest, Let It Shine, and will appear on screen in Kay Mellor’s upcoming BBC drama Love, Lies and Records. For stage he has appeared in White Christmas.
Chloe Hart has appeared in Kinky Boots, A Damsel in Distress, Wicked, Les Miserables and led the West End cast of Hairspray.
Tour dates
Some of the places that Fat Friends the Musical will appear include:
• Theatre Royal, Newcastle: 23rd – 27th January
• Mayflower Theatre, Southampton: 5th – 10th February
• Theatre Royal, Norwich: 12th – 17th March
• Opera House, Manchester: 19th – 24th March
• New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham: 3rd – 7th April
Booking a place
Group organisers should contact their preferred venue to find out more about group rates.
Full tour dates can be found on www.fatfriendsthemusical.com.
Groups of ten or more wishing to watch Fat Friends the Musical in Birmingham can call 0844-871 3031.
(Photo Credit: Jay Brooks.)
