Former X Factor contestant Amelia Lily will lead the cast of American Idiot – The Musical when the Green Day-inspired hit hitches a ride to London’s Arts Theatre this summer.
The singer, who since appearing on the ITV talent show has enjoyed success with hit songs including You Bring Me Joy, will play Whatsername in the show.
The role will mark Lily’s West End debut, though the singer has technically appeared on the London stage once before, having appeared at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in 2012 for a special Shrek The Musical curtain call in aid of Children In Need.
Directed and choreographed by Racky Plews, American Idiot – The Musical will run from 17 July (press night 22 July) to 27 September.
Featuring many of Green Day’s greatest hits including Boulevard Of Broken Dreams, Holiday, Wake Me Up When September Ends, 21st Century Breakdown and the punk band’s unreleased love song When It’s Time, the Tony Award-winning musical charts the story of three boyhood friends as they each search for meaning in a post-9/11 world.
Commenting on bringing the production to the West End, the musical’s producers said: “We are absolutely delighted to be bringing American Idiot to the Arts Theatre this summer and autumn following its very successful life on Broadway. It’s a cracking musical for fans old and new. We can’t wait to bring this musical to the heart of London.”
American Idiot – The Musical will open at the Arts Theatre following the return of Jonathan Harvey’s modern classic Beautiful Thing, starring EastEnders’ Charlie Brooks, which plays from 3 June to 11 July.