Musical theatre stars Anna-Jane Casey, Sophie-Louise Dann, Damian Humbley and Ben Lewis will star in the return of satirical favourite Forbidden Broadway at the Menier Chocolate Factory this June.
The four West End regulars will call upon their joint extensive knowledge of musical theatre to perform the popular comedy revue that offers affectionate parodies of some of the genre’s biggest productions including West End newcomers The Book Of Mormon, Once and Miss Saigon.
Casey, who appeared in a previous production of the show at the London Bridge venue in 2009 alongside Lend Me A Tenor The Musical star Dann, joins the production following her latest leading role as Mrs Wilkinson in Billy Elliot The Musical. Her numerous other West End credits include Spamalot and Sunday In The Park With George.
This updated version of the show, which holds the record for New York’s longest running comedy revue, will see Humbley and Lewis make their Forbidden Broadway debuts. Both acclaimed actors are Menier Chocolate Factory regulars, with Humbley returning following his starring role in the venue’s Olivier Award-winning hit Merrily We Roll Along and Lewis following his role in the theatre’s acclaimed Candide.
When the show was last seen at the Menier Chocolate Factory, it won the public over with its wittily rewritten songs and hilarious impressions. Offering a glimpse of what the production may have in store for audiences this summer, Charles Spencer’s 2009 review for The Telegraph said: “The show lives up to its promise that “It’s a trifle rude and we may get sued” with a hilarious Billy Elliot spoof in which Elton John is subjected to some wonderfully wicked innuendo. And I loved the description of The Lion King having “a story so bizarre-y/It’s Hamlet on safari.”
The accomplished quartet will perform in the Phillip George-directed show from 19 June (press night 2 July) until 16 August.