Clare Burt to Star Alongside Kelsey Grammer in BIG FISH; Full Cast Announced

Clare Burt is today announced to star as 'Sandra Bloom' alongside the previously announced Kelsey Grammer as 'Edward Bloom' in a new production of John August and Andrew Lippa's BIG FISH THE MUSICAL. Based on the novel BIG FISH by Daniel Wallace and the Columbia Pictures film screenplay by John August, this new production will be the London premiere of the musical and also marks Kelsey's first time on the London stage.

Directed by Nigel Harman, BIG FISH THE MUSICAL will play at The Other Palace from Wednesday 1 November 2017 - Sunday 31 December 2017, with a Press Night on Tuesday 7 November and a Gala Night on Wednesday 8 November.

The Other Palace opened in February 2017 as a home for musical theatre. Discovering, developing and reimagining musicals is at the heart of what The Other Palace is about. The spaces are used to nurture the next generation of musicals, and the creatives behind them; celebrating the very best of the art form, from the established to the brand new.

Clare Burt was the winner of the UK Theatre Award for Best Performance in a Musical for her portrayal of 'Mrs Harris' in "Flowers for Mrs Harris" at the Sheffield Crucible. She created the role of 'Jan' in the original production of the award-winning musical "London Road" at the National Theatre. Her other National Theatre credits include "Sunday in the Park with George" and "Coram Boy". Clare's Donmar Warehouse credits include the musicals "Into the Woods", "Company" and "Nine". She also appeared as 'Eunice' in The Young Vic's acclaimed production of "A Streetcar Named Desire".

Kelsey Grammer played the role of 'Dr. Frasier Crane' in the NBC sitcoms "Cheers" and "Frasier" for which he has won five Emmy Awards and three Golden Globe awards. In 2010 Kelsey made his Broadway musical debut playing the lead role of 'Georges' in "La Cage Aux Folles", for which he was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical. He also originated the roles of 'Charles Frohman' and 'Captain Hook' in the Broadway premiere of the musical "Finding Neverland".

BIG FISH THE MUSICAL will be directed by Nigel Harman, director of the upcoming tour of "Shrek The Musical" and perhaps better known to audiences for his stage and TV work as an actor. Nigel first met with writers John and Andrew in 2016 and the vision and creativity they shared for this new version was evident. Nigel said "When I first encountered the piece I was struck by its depth of humanity and it's zest for life. A story that celebrates life in all of its wonders and despairs. A simple tale told in the most extraordinary way. It has been wonderful to revisit the music, book and lyrics with John and Andrew"

The cast of BIG FISH THE MUSICAL is completed by Matt Seadon-Young (Les Misérables, Beautiful, Pride) as 'Will Bloom', Frances McNamee (Little Shop of Horrors) as 'Josephine Bloom', Forbes Masson (Travesties, Dr.Faustus) as 'Amos/Don', Jamie Muscato (Lazarus, Bend it Like Beckham)as 'Edward', Laura Baldwin (Shrek, Alice in Wonderland) as 'Sandra', Landi Oshinowo (Shrek, Sister Act) as 'Witch/Jenny Hill', Dean Nolan (Fiddler on the Roof) as 'Karl', and George Ure (Sweeney Todd, Wicked) as 'Zaki'. They are joined by Sophie Linder-Lee (The Rocky Horror Show, Wicked), Gemma McMeel (Titanic and Candide), Tanisha Spring (Beautiful, Thriller Live) and Jonathan Stewart (Guys and Dolls).

Meet Edward Bloom, an ordinary man, and an extraordinary father. He has always told his son tall tales filled with beauty, love and imagination but when his son confronts him about what is make believe, they both discover that the truth is more wonderful than fiction.

BIG FISH THE MUSICAL is a love story that will take you on an exhilarating and heart-warming journey deep into the heart of what it means to be human. Blending fairy-tale, romance and adventure it celebrates the true meaning of life, and reminds us that the love for our family and friends will live on within them, long after we have gone.

Adapted from the much-loved book by Daniel Wallace and Tim Burton movie, BIG FISH THE MUSICAL has a beautiful score by Tony nominee Andrew Lippa (The Addams Family, The Wild Party) and a new book by John August (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory).

BIG FISH THE MUSICAL will be presented at The Other Palace by Big Fish Productions, Selladoor Worldwide and Baiyue Culture Creative with associate producers Dominic May and Underbelly Productions.

Originally produced on Broadway by Dan Jinks, Bruce Cohen and Stage Entertainment with Roy Furman, Broadway Across America/Rich Entertainment Group, John Domo, The Nederlander Organization and Edward Walson in association with CJ E&M, Dancing Elephant Productions, Parrothead Productions, Harvey Weinstein/Carole L. Haber, Peter May/Jim Fantaci, Ted Liebowitz/Joe Piacentile and Columbia Pictures.

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