Producers of the postponed London run of Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill have announced that the production will now take place this summer, starring Audra McDonald. 

Opening for previews at the Wyndham’s theatre from the 17th June, Audra McDonald will make her West End debut portraying jazz singer Billie Holiday in Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill.

The production was originally set to come to London last year, but following the news of Audra McDonald’s unexpected pregnancy was postponed.

1959, in a small, intimate bar in Philadelphia, Holiday puts on a show that unbeknownst to the audience, will leave them witnesses to one of the last performances of her lifetime.  Through her poignant voice and moving songs, one of the greatest jazz singers of all-time shares her loves and her losses.   

The critically acclaimed production is directed by Lonny Price and written by Lanie Robertson. It won two Tony Awards in 2014 including Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play for Audra McDonald.

Lady Day at Emerson Bar & Grill recounts Billie Holiday’s life through the songs that made her famous including “God Bless the Child,” “What a Little Moonlight Can Do,” “Strange Fruit” and “Taint Nobody’s Biz-ness.”

Audra McDonald is Broadway’s most decorated performer, having won six Tony awards and is the only person to have won awards in all four acting categories. Her previous stage credits include her Tony Award winning performances in Carousel, Masterclass and Ragtime.

Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill will play at the Wyndham’s Theatre from the 17th June until the 9th September. To book tickets visit: http://www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk/Tickets/LadyDay/LadyDay.asp.