David Essex will return to the West End in May to introduce a one-off charity concert of hit rock musical Godspell at the Lyric Theatre starring Zoe Tyler and Andy Abraham.
The musical concert held in aid of the Make-A-Wish Foundation UK will take place on 19 May at the venue that currently houses Michael Jackson tribute Thriller Live. It will see Essex return to the show that saw the musician shoot to fame following his leading role in the iconic musical’s premiere production in 1971.
The feel-good show, which features music by Wicked’s Stephen Schwartz, is formed of parables found in the gospels of Matthew and Luke, and charts the story of Jesus Christ as he recruits followers and teaches them lessons through song and dance.
Former X Factor contestant Abraham and Loose Women panellist and West End performer Tyler are joined in the cast by Rob Houchen, who is currently playing Marius in Les Misérables, star of the current UK tour of Ghost The Musical Stewart Clarke, and Sarah Galbraith, whose credits include the Broadway production of The Phantom Of The Opera.
Katie Paine, Turlough Convery, Jason Broderick and Laura Darton complete the cast, which will be supported on the night by a 32-strong choir and live band.
Featuring hit numbers including Day By Day, Light Of The World and Turn Back, O Man, the original London production of Godspell opened at The Roundhouse in 1971 starring Essex, Jeremy Irons and Tell Me On A Sunday star Marti Webb. It then transferred to the Wyndham’s Theatre the following year.