Photo Flash: Simon Webbe Joins The Cast Of SISTER ACT

Simon will be joined on stage by Sheila Hancock, currently causing a sensation on the BBC's hit Saturday night talent search Over The Rainbow, as Mother Superior, critically acclaimed newcomer Patina Miller as Deloris and Dads' Army legend Ian Lavender as the Monsignor.

Brit Award winning Simon Webbe is a member of the hugely successful boyband Blue, who have sold more than 13 million records worldwide, scoring eleven Top Ten hits and four Top Ten albums in the UK alone. Following Blue's hiatus, Machester born Simon released two best selling solo albums, which included the hits Lay Your Hands, No Worries and After All This Time, and he is currently working on a third. He has also appeared on numerous television shows around the world, including a run on series eight of I'm A Celebrity.... on ITV1. Film credits include The Truth About Love (with Jennifer Love Hewitt) and Rolling With The Nines. His leading role in Sister Act marks his West End debut.

Sheila Hancock's career has spanned stage, television, radio, film and the written word. As well as playing the stern, yet, hilarious Mother Superior in Sister Act she is currently appearing as a judge on the BBC's Over The Rainbow. Originally signing for six months from the opening of the show last spring, Sheila has now extended her contract once again to stay with Sister Act until the end of August.

Sister Act Producer, Whoopi Goldberg says

"We're so thrilled that the fabulous Sheila Hancock will continue to trade her judge's robes for a nun's habit for another three months. She is truly a force of nature and we're so grateful to have her in our production of Sister Act. And, what can I say about the delicious and talented Simon Webbe, except that we are honoured to welcome him to the family. We're so fortunate to have one of the most gifted and exciting casts in the West End and the audiences are in for a treat."
Simon Webbe says

"I knew from the minute the curtain went up and the band kicked in that this was a show I wanted to be in. The audition process was nerve wracking of course, but it just made me more determined to get the part. I've perfromed to thousands and thousands of people with Blue, but to be playing this role, on stage at the London Palladium is going to be something else completely, and I'm honoured to be doing it opposite Patina, Sheila and this brilliant company. I literally can't wait!"

Sheila Hanock says

"This is fast becoming a habit isn't it! I'm as passionate about Sister Act today as the day we opened. Whilst it's fair to say I've got a pretty busy schedule at the moment, and this is probably the last long run I'll do, when the opportunity arose to continue performing with this wonderful company, I knew I couldn't really turn it down. Here's to our second summer at the London Palladium."
Other new cast opening on Monday May 31 are Jacqueline Clarke as Sister Mary Lazarus and ensemble members Lauren Appleby, Kiara Jay, Rachel John, Aaron Lambert, Ellie Leah, Amanda Minihan, Grant Murphy, Nathaniel Morrison, Ashley Russell and Carrie Sutton.

The record breaking production was recently nominated in seven categories at this year's Whatsonstage.com Theatregoers Choice Awards and for four awards at the prestigious Laurence Olivier Awards.

The show's Original Cast Recording is also a big favourite with fans, recently reaching Number 1 on the iTunes Soundtrack chart and Number 3 on amazon.co.uk's pre-order chart.

SISTER ACT features a score by Alan Menken, eight-time Oscar winner and the genius behind many of the world famous songs from Disney's movies, including The Little Mermaid, Beauty & The Beast, Aladdin and Enchanted, with lyrics from his long time collaborator, Glenn Slater. The book is by the award-winning team, Cheri and Bill Steinkellner, whose writing credits include the classic television comedy Cheers, and the production is directed by Peter Schneider.
The SISTER ACT creative team is completed by Musical Supervisor Michael Kosarin, Choreographer Anthony Van Laast, Set Designer Klara Zieglerova, Costume Designer Lez Brotherston, Sound Designer Mick Potter, Lighting Designer Natasha Katz and Musical Director Nick Skilbeck.

Founded by Joop Van Den Ende, Stage Entertainment is one of the world's largest theatrical producers and venue operators. It also co-owns SEE Tickets, a multinational ticketing company with bases across Europe. UK credits include Hairspray, Disney's High School Musical 1 & 2, Strictly Come Dancing Live!, Strictly Come Dancing The Professionals, Saturday Night Fever and Fame.

Swarovski is delighted to sponsor Sister Act the Musical by providing crystals for the costumes of Miss Patina Miller and adding an extra sparkle to what is a glistening performance. www.swarovskisparkles.com

BOOKING DETAILS
SISTER ACT
The London Palladium, Argyll Street, London W1
Telephone 0844 412 2704

Website www.sisteractthemusical.com

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