The new musical Behind the Iron Mask will begin previews at London's Duchess Theatre on July 20th before opening on August 2nd; The Birthday Party is the theatre's current tenant.Starring Sheila Ferguson and Robert Fardell, the show features music and lyrics by John Robinson and a book by Colin Scott and Melinda Walker;
Tony Craven will direct the show, which boasts designs by Nicolai Hart Hansen, lighting by Tim Mascall and sound by Mark Dunne, as well as music direction by Alisdair MacNeill.Behind the Iron Mask is based on the romantic legend of the Man in the Iron Mask (which inspired an Alexandre Dumas novel). Unjustly imprisoned by King Louis XIV, the title character forms relationships with his mysterious jailer Monsieur St. Mars, as well as a gypsy (played by Ferguson). The show will be presented by GBM Productions.Ferguson is best-known as the lead singer of The Third Degrees, but has branched out into theatre; she recently played Muzzy in the West End production of Thoroughly Modern Millie. In addition, she has performed with Frank Sinatra, the Beatles and Tom Jones. Fardell has played Valjean in Les Miserables at London's Palace Theatre, and can also be heard on recordings of and Cabaret, On the Townand Wonderful Town.
