Ian McFarlane and Stephen Fletcher are to lead the cast of the fantasy musical Betwixt! at the King’s Head in May.
The story evolves around fantasy novelist Bailey Howard and his roommate Cooper Fitzgerald as they are transported to the land of In-between. There they must rescue the kidnapped Prince Haydn and fulfil the land’s prophecy, all the while encountering strange creatures from the Nymph Queen to a singing disembodied head.
The musical’s creator McFarlane, not only content with having written the book, music and lyrics for the show, takes the role of Cooper. McFarlane has previously performed at the King’s Head in Peter Pan as John Darling. McFarlane also appeared in Tony Blair The Musical at the 2007 Edinburgh Festival.
His roommate and audacious novelist Bailey will be played by Fletcher who most recently appeared in the leading role of Peter in Stags and Hens at the Royal Court Liverpool. Fletcher’s credits also include Mary Stuart at the Donmar Warehouse.
Abi Finley, a semi finalist in the BBC’s How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?, takes on the role of Miranda. After her stint in the television competition, Finley went on to star in Tim Rice’s Blondel as Fiona. She also embarked on a UK tour of Fame playing the shy but ambitious actress Serena Katz.
Prince Haydn will be played by David McGranaghan, who has previously appeared in The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe at the West Yorkshire Playhouse and the New Shakespeare Company’s production of The Boyfriend.
They are joined by West End regulars Amanda Symonds as the evil sorceress Langwidere and Mark Inscoe as The Great Garbo. Plus Amy Griffiths as Princess Ariella and Claire Greenway as April McScoop. Ross Aldred who plays Marasmus, took part in the original workshop production in 2006.
The production is directed by Kate Golledge who recently directed the English Touring Opera’s production of Bridgetower. Golledge’s past credits include Sweethearts at Finborough theatre and Be The Star You Are at the Young Vic.
Betwixt! runs from 6 May to 22 June (press night 13 May) at the King’s Head theatre.
CM