First casting for the UK premiere of Broadway musical Side Show, which will open at the Southwark Playhouse in October has been confirmed.
Louise Dearman and Laura Pitt-Pulford will play conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton, in the musical based on a true story about love, acceptance and celebrating the unique.
The Hilton Sisters make ends meet playing a headline act at a seedy side show, languishing under the rule of an oppressive ringmaster. But when spotted by a talent agent, they are thrust into the spotlight of the famed 1920’s Orpheum Circuit. They soon become the highest paid vaudeville stars of their time, but whilst Daisy relishes the spotlight, Violet wishes for a quiet life with a man she loves, and who loves her. Can they balance their individual dreams with their inescapable physical connection?
Louise Dearman is best known for being the first actress to play both Elphaba and Glinda in the hit musical Wicked. Among her many other theatre credits include: Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls (UK Tour), Bianca in Kiss Me Kate (Royal Albert Hall), Mrs D in The Water Babies(Leicester Curve), Eva Peron in Evita (UK Tour) and Jan in Grease (West End).
Meanwhile, Laura Pitt-Pulford was nominated for a 2016 Olivier award for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. Her other credits include: Nancy in Oliver! (Leicester Curve), The Smallest Show on Earth (UK Tour), Follies in Concert (Royal Albert Hall), Maria in The Sound of Music (Leicester Curve) and The Light Princess (National Theatre).
Sideshow originally opened on Broadway in 1997, going on to be nominated for four Tony awards for Best Musical, Best Score, Best Book and Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical.
It features a score by Dreamgirls composer Henry Krieger, which sees both shows making their London debuts within a month of each other. The musical also features a book and lyrics by Bill Russell, with additional book material by Bill Condon.
The UK premiere production of Side Show is directed by Hannah Chissick and produced by Paul Taylor-Mills, who returns to the Southwark Playhouse following his acclaimed productions of In The Heights and Carrie: The Musical.
Side show will appear at the Southwark Playhouse from the 21st October until the 3rd December 2016. For more information and to book tickets visit: http://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/show/side-show/#details.