The musical based on the film will open for previews at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre on the 25th August.

It has been announced that Sleepless A Musical Romance will premiere at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre from the 25th August for a limited run until the 27th September.

Performances will begin at the theatre depending on government advice, with audiences being socially distanced and the producers and venue will follow COVID-secure guidelines for cast, crew and audiences.

It was also announced by producers that there will be a special NHS workers gala A Night for Sleepless Heroes, for NHS and Care workers on Thursday 27 August. They will be allowed up to four free tickets per application with scanned NHS badge/pass on a first come, first served basis.

Sleepless is a a new musical with a book by Michael Burdette and music and lyrics by new British writers Robert Scott and Brendan Cull and will feature a twelve-piece jazz orchestra.

Having originally been set to begin performances 24th March 2020, prior to the UK Government shutdown of theatres, the musical is set to star Jay McGuiness and Kimberley Walsh.

Sleepless tells the heart-warming tale of Sam, who moves to Seattle with his ten year-old son, Jonah, following the tragic death of his wife.  When Jonah phones a radio show, Sam is forced to talk about his broken heart and sleepless nights live on air, and he suddenly finds himself one of the most sought after single men in America and a great news story for feisty journalist Annie on the opposite side of the country. Can Jonah bring the two together on the top deck of the Empire State Building? 

Michael Rose, producer of Sleepless, on behalf of Encore Theatre Productions, said, “Lockdown has effected and frightened a huge number of people in this country – particularly in our industry. Our story in Sleepless deals with mending something that is broken – it’s about putting a family back together after a loss – and we feel it’s time to do exactly that – it’s time to start the healing process – that’s part of what we do in theatre.”

In a statement, Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre said, “Our first priority is and always has been the safety and comfort of our audiences, staff and visiting companies. We are working closely with health and safety experts and strictly following all government guidelines and we look forward to welcoming audiences to the world premiere of Sleepless whenever this is allowed.”

The size of the venue means that there will be no physical contact between the staff and audience at any time and that social distance measures can be strictly obeyed.  Audiences will be temperature checked on entering the building and will be required to wear face masks. All food and beverage orders will be contactless to minimise exposure, hand sanitiser will be available at multiple locations, and all areas of the venue will be thoroughly deep cleaned after each performance.

All cast, crew and audience will be sent the most up-to-date safety measures and instructions 48 hours prior to arrival and the venue will be set-up accordingly to accommodate these measures.

The musical is directed by Morgan Young (White Christmas, Elf, Big), with set design by Morgan Large, costume design by Sue Simmerling, lighting by Ken Billington, video design by Ian William Galloway, sound design by Simon Biddulph, orchestrations and arrangements by Larry Blank, musical supervision by Stuart Morley, musical direction by Chris Walker, orchestra management by Sylvia Addison for Music Solutions and wig and hair design by Richard Mawbey.

Sleepless A Musical Romance will play at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre from the 25th August until the 27th September.