Graham Norton and Steven Pacey Join Cast of West End La Cage aux Folles
By: Robert Diamond Nov. 28, 2008
Following the successful West End transfer of The Menier Chocolate Factory's record-breaking production of La Cage Aux Folles, the Producers are delighted to announce the glamorous musical comedy will extend its run at the Playhouse Theatre. Stepping into the sequined shoes of La Cage Aux Folles star Albin is popular entertainer Graham Norton. He takes over the role from original cast member Douglas Hodge, who will be extending his critically acclaimed run in the production until January 17th 2009. Denis Lawson will also be extending his run in the production until January 17th 2009.
Graham Norton trained at Central School of Speech and Drama and began his career as an actor, comedian and broadcaster. His previous acting work includes Father Noel in Father Ted, Puckov in Another Gay Movie and Taylor in I Could Never Be Your Woman.
One of the best known presenters on British television, Graham Norton is currently hosting the latest series of his BBC2 chat show The Graham Norton Show. He recently fronted reality TV talent show I'd Do Anything for BBC1. Previous television work includes Channel 4 chat shows So Graham Norton and V Graham Norton and BBC programmes Strictly Dance Fever, The Bigger Picture, How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? and Any Dream Will Do.
Graham has toured the UK and America with his live stand-up shows. He has won numerous awards including four Best Entertainment Performance BAFTAs, Best Talk Show at the National Television Awards, Best TV Comedy Personality and Best Talk Show at the British Comedy Awards, and an International Emmy in the Popular Arts Category.
In La Cage Aux Folles Graham will star as the flamboyant and loveable Albin, whose idyllic existence with partner Georges is threatened when Georges' son announces his engagement to the daughter of a right-wing politician who wants to close down the local nightlife - and their Saint Tropez drag nightclub!
Also joining the cast of La Cage aux Folles on January 19th as Georges is actor Steven Pacey. His theatre credits include; Moonlight and Magnolias (the Tricycle Theatre), The Old Masters (Comedy Theatre), The Constant Wife (Apollo Theatre), Harold Pinter's production of The Room/Celebration (Almeida Theatre), The Birthday Party (Piccadilly Theatre) and Someone Else's Shoes (Soho Theatre). Steven was nominated for an Olivier Award for the role of Bertie Wooster in the musical By Jeeves. His television work includes Wallander, Boy A, the BBC's Spooks and the ITV comedy-drama Distant Shores.
The original production of La Cage Aux Folles opened at the Palace Theatre on Broadway on 21st August, 1983 where it became the biggest new American musical of the decade. It ran for 1,761 performances and won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book of a Musical. The show's song "I Am What I Am" became an instant hit in the pop charts and was recorded by a variety of artists, including Gloria Gaynor and Shirley Bassey.
La Cage aux Folles proved an enormous hit with audiences when it opened at the Menier Chocolate Factory at the end of last year. All tickets for the run sold out in advance of opening night. Due to popular demand, the production was reconceived for the Playhouse Theatre where it opened on October 20th 2008 for a strictly limited season.
Graham Norton will be performing in La Cage Aux Folles until April 25th.
Due to his current television commitments Graham Norton will not be appearing on these dates;
January 24th, 31st (both shows on each day), March 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th and April 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd.
On December 17th La Cage Aux Folles will be featured on the Royal Variety Performance on BBC 1 at 7.30pm. Making their appearances alongside the fabulous Cagelles will be the productions Zazas, old and new - Douglas Hodge and Graham Norton.
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