The Menier Chocolate Factory production of Candide, which is bursting at the seams with young musical theatre talent, has added a couple of experienced performers to its cast in the form of Jackie Clune and James Dreyfus.
Clune, who has recently been touring in Dolly Parton musical 9 To 5, and Dreyfus, a memorable Emcee in Cabaret, join the previously announced Fra Fee, Cassidy Janson, Ben Lewis, Scarlett Strallen and David Thaxton in Leonard Bernstein’s musical adventure that follows the title character on his journey across the world and through a host of emotions.
Dreyfus, whose appearances in sitcoms Gimme, Gimme, Gimme and The Thin Blue Line saw him rise to fame, will play Dr Pangloss, a man believed to be the world’s greatest philosopher, while comedian and actress Clune will play nameless travelling companion Old Lady. Both have a wealth of previous musical theatre experience, Dreyfus in productions including The Producers and Clune in Billy Elliot The Musical and Mamma Mia!
The cast is completed by Carly Anderson, Jeremy Batt, Michael Cahill, Christopher Jacobsen, Frankie Jenna, Rachel Spurrell, Helen Walsh and Matt Wilman.
The production, which is directed by Top Hat‘s Matthew White and follows current comedy The Lyons into the London Bridge venue, has high standards to meet. Previous Menier Chocolate Factory Christmas musicals including Sunday In The Park With George, La Cage Aux Folles and A Little Night Music have transferred into the West End and won a clutch of awards.