Following weeks of open auditions, it has been announced that producers of Cilla the Musical have found the star of the new musical.
Based on the critically acclaimed ITV mini-series based on the early life of Cilla Black written by Jeff Pope, this new musical will open in Cilla’s hometown of Liverpool on the 7th September before embarking on a UK tour.
It has been confirmed that Kara Lily Hayworth will lead the cast as Cilla Black, after queuing for four hours at London’s Dominion Theatre to have her chance to audition in the first rounds. She made it through to the final 30 before being chosen to do her final audition at the Cavern Club in Liverpool.
Originally from Watford, Kara trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama. She recently performed in Secret Cinema’s Moulin Rouge and this will be her first leading role in a big new musical.
Talking about the news she said: “When I was 11 I was shopping with my mum and bumped into Cilla and asked her for an autograph. I told her I wanted to be an actress – she laughed and said ‘It’s a tough industry, but if you really work hard and go for it, you’ll be just fine.’ She was a huge inspiration to me as a child; I grew up watching her on Blind Date every Saturday night with my Nan. To be chosen to play her is such an honour and I’m so excited to take on the role. To open in her hometown of Liverpool is so special and a real privilege.”
The story follows the extraordinary life of the ordinary teenage girl from Liverpool, Priscilla White, and her rocky, yet incredible, rise to fame. By the age of just 25 she was recognized as international singing star Cilla Black. By the age of 30 she had become Britain’s favorite television entertainer headlining series’ of Blind Date, Surprise Surprise and many more.
Meanwhile, the musical soundtrack will include classic Cilla Black songs such as Anyone Who Had a Heart, Alfie and Something Tells Me, alongside a backdrop of the legendary “Liverpool Sound” including the Beatles’ Twist and Shout, and American influences like California Dreamin by The Mamas and The Papas and many more.
Cilla the Musical is directed by Bill Kenwright and Bob Tomson. It is produced by Bill Kenwright and Laurie Mansfield, alongside Executive Producer Robert Willis.
Cilla the Musical embarks on a UK tour from the 7th September. For a full list of tour dates visit:https://www.cillathemusical.com/. To book tickets for some of the venues visit: ATG Tickets and Ticketmaster.co.uk .