Gary Barlow and Tim Firth's THE GIRLS Musical Finds Teen Leads

Gary Barlow and Tim Firth's THE GIRLS cast is shaping up! The Daily Mail writes that Ben Hunter, Chloe May Jackson and Josh Benson are the teenaged stars set for the musical's upcoming production, based on the ever-popular CALENDAR GIRLS, at the Leeds Grand Theatre this winter.

Hunter and Jackson both appeared in Barlow & Firth's workshop earlier this year, alongside Joanna Riding and Claire Moore (previously announced for the full production), as well as Sally Dexter, Debbie Chazen, Michelle Dotrice, Rachel Lumberg, Harriet Thorpe and Jake Mitchell.

THE GIRLS has received a round of rewrites since the workshop, including new songs. The story is inspired by the true story of a group of ladies, who decide to appear nude for a Women's Institute calendar in order to raise funds to buy a settee for their local hospital, in memory of one of their husbands. This musical comedy shows life in their Yorkshire village, how it happened, the effect on husbands, sons and daughters, and how a group of ordinary ladies achieved something extraordinary.

Songs written for the musical include "So, I've Had A Little Work Done", "Scarborough", "What Age Expects", and "Don't Turn Your Back on a Yorkshire Girl."

THE GIRLS will be directed by Roger Haines and Tim Firth, designed by Rob Jones, with comedy staging by Jos Houben, lighting design by Tim Lutkin and sound design by Terry Jardine and Nick Lidster.

Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research will receive funds from this musical. THE GIRLS will be produced by David Pugh & Dafydd Rogers.

THE GIRLS runs Saturday 14 November to Saturday 12 December in Leeds, then heads out on a UK tour, beginning at the Lowry Salford from Wednesday 13 to Saturday 30 January 2016. Click here for more information.

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