The production of the new British musical is set to begin performances at the Southwark Playhouse from the 2nd December.
Rehearsal images have been released for the British musical which is receiving its premiere at the Southwark Playhouse next month.
Featuring book and lyrics by Metta’s Artistic Director P Burton-Morgan, and music and lyrics from Stiles + Drewe award winner Ben Glasstone (Reanimator), the musical is an exploration of the crisis of masculinity via a collection of oddballs.
The cast for The Rhythmics is led by Noel Sullivan (School of Rock, Years and Years and Gavin and Stacey) as Grey alongside Zweyla Mitchell Dos Santos making her professional debut playing Silva. They are joined in the production by Ken Christiansen (Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, It’s a Sin, Mother Courage and her Children) as Nick, Kinny Gardner (Godspell, The Rocky Horror Show, The Mousetrap) as Sid, Kirby Hughes (From Here to Eternity, Crazy for You) as Sue, Rebecca Hayes (A Christmas Carol, Cylch Sialc, The Pact) as Robin, Andrew Patrick-Walker (Jerry Springer – The Opera, Brooklyn the Musical, The Muppets Most Wanted) as Jeremy, Joshua Steel (Aladdin, Friendsical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat) as Connor, and Phil Snowden (Billy Elliot, Les Miserables and Bridgerton) as Dennis.
Hapless single-dad Grey is in a rut. Teenage daughter Silva packs him off to revive his rockstar dreams, successfully auditioning for ‘Nick & the Rhythmics’ only to realise… he’s actually signed up for an All-male Rhythmic Gymnastics troupe. Against the odds these burly blokes make it as far as the World Championships – twirling their ‘ribbons of fire’ – and along the way Grey finally learns to commit to life. Calendar Girls meets The Full Monty in this joyous new British musical.
Talking about the casting for the musical, P Burton-Morgan says, “I’m so thrilled to be collaborating with this bunch of theatrical legends – we were blown away in auditions by the talent and enthusiasm in the room. Maybe it’s this show, maybe it’s the 18 month career hiatus we’ve all had, but never have I been met with such commitment and passion. Can’t wait to share the joy of this brilliant company who are pouring their heart and soul into this life-affirming new show – truly a tonic for our times.”
The Rhythmics is directed by P Burton-Morgan, with choreography by Mark Smith, with Ellie Verkerk as Musical Supervisor, Erika Gundesen as Musical Director, James Nicholson as sound designer, Francine Huin-Wah as costume designer, Jane Deitch as casting director, and Will Reynolds as set and lighting designer.
The Rhythmics will play at the Southwark Playhouse from the 2nd December until the 8th January 2022.