Casting for the European premiere of the off-Broadway musical Pete ‘n’ Keely at the Tristan Bates Theatre from the 2nd May has been confirmed.
It’s 1968. America’s Swingin’ Sweethearts, Pete Bartel and Keely Stevens, are performing live on national television! The only catch? They haven’t spoken to each other in five years.
Through a non-stop parade of song hits from the 50s and 60s – highlighted by elaborately staged flashbacks – Pete and Keely relive the roller coaster ride that got them where they are today… divorced! Pete and Keely have some unfinished business, and the tension bubbling beneath the show’s glitzy surface threatens to boil over at any moment in a confrontation that will definitely not be ready for prime time.
This European premiere production directed by Matthew Gould will star Katie Kerr as Keely and David Bardsley as Pete. Katie Kerr’s previous theatre credits includes Little Shop of Horrors, Menier Chocolate Factory; Fat Pig, Comedy Theatre and Sweeney Todd, English National Opera. Meanwhile David Bardsley’s previous work includes Titanic, Charing Cross Theatre; Guys and Dolls, National Theatre and The Fix, Donmar Warehouse.
Matthew Gould’s credits include The Mystery of Edwin Drood, The Glass Protégé, and I’m Getting My Act Together and Taking It On The Road. Talking about the production he said: “From the moment I was introduced to Pete ‘n’ Keely last year all my childhood memories of illicitly watching American comedy sketch on my tiny black and white TV in my bedroom came flooding back. Memories that were in black and white but now will be realised in full bodied 60s colour as we embrace the joy, laughter and sheer bloody talent of Pete and Keely as they reunite for one final TV spectacular.”
The musical features a book by James Hindman, original music by Patrick Brady and original lyrics by Mark Waldrop and Patrick S. Brady and is produced by Wallflower Theatrical.
This production will feature set and costume designs by Emily Bestow, lighting by Mitchell Reeve and sound by Sam Glossop.
Pete ‘n’ Keely will play at the Tristan Bates Theatre from the 2nd to the 20th May. For more information and to book tickets visit: https://www.tristanbatestheatre.co.uk/whats-on/pete-n-keely.