Today there have been a few cast announcements for shows both in London and Manchester. Let’s take a closer look at who is starring in what in the months ahead …

Wonder.land at the Manchester International Festival 2015 – This brand new musical is one of the highlights at this year’s festival. It is based on Lewis Carroll’s famous book Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and will feature music by Damon Albarn and lyrics by Moira Buffini.

The MIF cast will include: Sam Archer, Rosalie Craig, Witney White, Rob Compton, Luke Fetherston, Hal Fowler and Lorraine Graham. It will be directed by Rufus Norris.

It will be performed as part of the festival from the 29th June until the 12th July. Following its premiere it will be playing in repertoire at the National Theatre’s Olivier Theatre from November 2015 until April 2016.

The Seagull, Open Air Theatre Regent’s Park – Meanwhile, the Open Air Theatre in Regent’s Park is preparing to open their latest season, they have announced the cast for The Seagull. It is a specially commissioned version of the play to mark the 120th anniversary of the play.

This newly commissioned version of the play will be directed by Matthew Dunster and will include in the cast Janie Dee, Sabrina Bartlett and Matthew Tennyson.

Memphis: The Musical, Shaftesbury Theatre – Last but not least is the news that X-Factor winner Matt Cardle is to join the cast of Memphis as Huey Calhoun, taking over from Killian Donnelly from the 6th July. This news comes as Beverly Knight has been confirmed to continue on as Felicia Farrell until October 2015.

Cardle said of making his musical debut: “I’m thrilled to be making my acting and West End debut in Memphis. From the first time I saw the show I felt I had a real connection with the character of Huey.”