Laura Mansell Steps Into Lead Role for GODSPELL IN CONCERT Tour; Jade Ewen Departs Due to Illness

Due to ill health, Sugababe Jade Ewen has regretfully stood down from her role in this spring's forthcoming tour of Godspell In Concert - the legendary rock musical from Stephen Schwartz - the Grammy and Academy Award- winning composer of WICKED. Stepping up to the mark at short notice is Laura Mansell, already a member of the current cast who are in rehearsals ahead of the tour opening at the Hackney Empire on Saturday April 4th.

Jade Ewen said of today's announcement:

"I'm saddened to have to withdraw from Godspell due to ill health. I wish the cast and crew a truly successful run, although I know they will put on an amazing show, and I can't wait to see it."

Laura's previous theatrical credits include: Diva 2 in Priscilla, Queen of The Desert (Number 1 UK Tour), Princess Lily in Puss in Boots (Gate Arts Centre), Crystal in Little Shop of Horrors (White Bear Theatre), Precious Maguire in Steel Pier (Bridewell Theatre), BBC Proms with Maida Vale Singers and John Wilson Orchestra (Royal Albert Hall), Ensemble in Rent (Garrick Theatre), Lead Production Vocalist on P&O Azura. Roles whilst training include Mama Noah in Children of Eden and Queen in The Life (European Premiere).

The UK tour will feature a brand new, modern-day rock score packed to the heavens with favourites such as Light of the World, All Good Gifts and Day by Day.

This timeless tale of friendship, loyalty and love has touched the hearts of countless theatregoers all over the world - and now UK theatre fans can join in the celebration as a spectacular ensemble is set to stir souls and raise spirits, aided by a full live band.

Prior to the gala, the show last played the West End in 1972 at the Wyndham's Theatre, where it turned David Essex into an overnight sensation and more recently Godspell has enjoyed a hugely successful run on Broadway.

By permission of Stephen Schwartz - the Grammy and Academy Award- winning composer of Wicked and Pippin - Russell Scott and Mark Pettitt for Godspell in Concert UK Ltd will produce the 12 week UK tour. Kenneth Avery-Clark directs the production which was critically lauded at its London performance.

For more about the production, visit www.godspellinconcert.com, and scroll down for a full list of tour dates!

GODSPELL IN CONCERT - TOUR DATES 2015:

SAT 4TH - SUN 5TH APRIL BOX OFFICE: 020 8985 2424

HACKNEY EMPIRE www.hackneyempire.co.uk

TUE 7TH - WED 8TH APRIL BOX OFFICE: 0844 7701 797

GUILDFORD, G LIVE www.glive.co.uk

SUN 12TH APRIL BOX OFFICE: 02380 711811

SOUTHAMPTON MAYFLOWER www.mayflower.org.uk

TUE 14TH - WED 15TH APRIL BOX OFFICE: 01492 872 000

LLANDUDNO, VENUE CYMRU www.venuecymru.co.uk

FRI 17TH - SAT 18TH APRIL BOX OFFICE: 029 2087 8889

CARDIFF, NEW THEATRE www.newtheatrecardiff.co.uk

TUE 21ST APRIL BOX OFFICE: 01792 475715

SWANSEA, GRAND THEATRE www.swansea.gov.uk/grandtheatre

FRI 24TH APRIL BOX OFFICE: 0118 960 6060

READING HEXAGON www.readingarts.com/thehexagon

SUN 26TH APRIL BOX OFFICE: 01273 709709

BRIGHTON DOME www.brightondome.org

TUE 28TH - WED 29TH APRIL BOX OFFICE: 023 9282 8282

SOUTHSEA, KING'S THEATRE www.kings-southsea.com

FRI 1ST MAY BOX OFFICE: 0191 443 4666

GATESHEAD SAGE www.sagegateshead.com

SUN 3RD MAY BOX OFFICE: 0844 871 3022

SUNDERLAND EMPIRE www.atgtickets.com/venues

TUE 5TH MAY - WED 6TH MAY BOX OFFICE: 0844 871 3023

TORQUAY, PRINCESS THEATRE www.atgtickets.com/torquay

SAT 9TH - SUN 10TH MAY BOX OFFICE: 0844 8000 400

LIVERPOOL, ECHO ARENA AUDITORIUM http://www.echoarena.com/

TUE 12TH - WED 13TH MAY BOX OFFICE: 0844 576 3000

BOURNEMOUTH PAVILION www.bournemouthpavilion.co.uk

FRI 15TH - SAT 16TH MAY BOX OFFICE: 01473 433100

IPSWICH, REGENT THEATRE www.apps.ipswich.gov.uk

TUES 19TH MAY BOX OFFICE: 0844 871 7660

MANCHESTER PALACE www.atgtickets.com

THURS 21ST, FRI 22ND, SAT 23RD MAY BOX OFFICE: 01325 486555

CIVIC THEATRE, DARLINGTON www.darlington.gov.uk/arts

MON 25TH - TUE 26TH MAY BOX OFFICE: 0844 847 2426

GRIMBSY AUDITORIUM www.atgtickets.com

FRI 29TH -SAT 30TH MAY BOX OFFICE: 01322 220000

ORCHARD THEATRE, DARTFORD www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

MON 1ST - TUE 2ND JUNE BOX OFFICE: 0844 871 3011

BIRMINGHAM, NEW ALEXANDRA www.atgtickets/com

FRI 5TH JUNE BOX OFFICE: 0844 871 3020

OXFORD, NEW THEATRE www.atgtickets.com

SAT 13TH JUNE BOX OFFICE: 01424 462288

HASTINGS, WHITE ROCK www.whiterocktheatre.org.uk

MON 15TH- TUE 16TH BOX OFFICE: 01482 300 300

HULL, NEW THEATRE www.hullcc.gov.uk/hullnewtheatre

SAT 20TH JUNE BOX OFFICE: 01274 432000

BRADFORD, ST. GEORGES CONCERT HALL www.bradford-theatres.co.uk

MON 22ND JUNE BOX OFFICE: 0844 871 7645

WOKING, NEW VICTORIA THEATRE www.atgtickets.com

TUES 23RD - WED 24TH JUNE BOX OFFICE: 0845 075 3993

WATFORD COLOSSEUM www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk

SUN 28TH - SAT 29TH JUNE BOX OFFICE: 01253 290 190

BLACKPOOL, GRAND THEATRE www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk

WED 1ST JULY BOX OFFICE: 01494 512000

HIGH WYCOMBE, SWAN THEATRE www.wycombeswan.co.uk

FRI 3RD JULY BOX OFFICE: 01604 624811

NORTHAMPTON DERNGATE www.royalandderngate.co.uk

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