Following sell-out dates at Jermyn Street Theatre and the former New Player's Theatre, Jest End marks its highly anticipated return to Leicester Square Theatre in 2012. With two exclusive new dates just announced, this evening of satirical escapism is fast becoming a firm fixture in Theatreland.
The Forbidden Broadway-style show is written and directed by Garry Lake and features regularly updated material parodying the West End's most popular musicals. Long-runners lovingly lampooned include The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables and Wicked; though you can also expect recent and impending arrivals such as Jesus Christ Superstar, Ghost and Matilda.
Leading the cast are Rachael Wooding (Jersey Boys, Hairspray), Matt Henry (Avenue Q), Carl Mullaney (Les Misérables) and Ashley Russell (BBC's I'd Do Anything, Shrek). They are supported by Suzy Almond (Dreamboats and Petticoats), Ceili O' Connor (The Wizard of Oz), Zoe Doana (Les Misérables), Wayne Fitzsimmons (Chicago), Oliver Roll (Viva Forever) and Andrew Simeon (We Will Rock You).
Producer Garry Lake said, "This has been such a monumental year for London, it felt only fitting to tribute our glorious West End once more in this affection way in 2012."
Jest End is supported on stage by Tenors of Rock. Formed with seven of the best male rock voices in the UK, the boys reinvent the standard male vocal group with their take on a number of rock and pop classics in stunning harmony.
Jest End is produced, directed and written by Garry Lake. Musical direction is by Jeremy Wootton and choreography by Rebecca Howell.
Jest End will run Wednesday 26 – Thursday 27 September 2012, 11pm. Tickets: £25-£35 (concessions available). Box Office: 08448 733433 (bkg fee applies) or online at www.leicestersquaretheatre.com (bkg fee applies).
Since graduating from the Bird College of Performing Arts, Rachael Wooding has worked extensively both in the UK and abroad. Rachael most recently played Mary Delgado in the long-running West End production of the smash-hit musical Jersey Boys. Her previous West End credits include the lead roles of Amber in Hairspray, Meatloaf in We Will Rock You and Serena in Fame. Rachael has also played numerous lead roles on tour, including AJ in Loveshack, Ariel in Footloose, and the title role in the recent UK tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Evita. Rachael's credits as a concert performer include Momentous Musicals and Christmas in New York, produced by Speckulation Entertainment, Michael Ball's Summer Concert and the Queen Symphonic Spectacular. She also appears on the original cast recording of Christmas in New York. She recently appeared on TV in a featured role on ITV's Coronation Street, and can be heard on the Coronation Street: The Musical cast recording.
Matt Henry recently played Gary Coleman in the first national tour of Avenue Q, a role he resumed from the West End production. Previous credits include Mr Beaver in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (Royal & Derngate, Northampton), Sammy Davis Jr in The Rat Pack Live from Las Vegas and roles in Miss Saigon and The Lion King.
Carl Mullaney graduated from Arts Education School before going on to enjoy roles in long-running shows including Les Misérables (25th Anniversary Tour and 25th Anniversary Concert) and Chicago (international tour). He has also appeared in West Side Story and Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens.
Ashley Russell is currently appearing in Shrek The Musical at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. A finalist in BBC1's I'd Do Anything, she has also enjoyed roles in We Will Rock You and Sister Act The Musical.
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