David Essex musical All The Fun Of The Fair is to come to London’s Garrick theatre next year, where it plays from 17 April (press night 28 April) to 5 September.
Written by singer/songwriter Essex and Boogie Nights creator Jon Conway, All The Fun Of The Fair is based on Essex’s 1975 album and set against the backdrop of a travelling fun fair. Essex takes the lead role of fun fair owner Levi Lee, recently widowed and the father of a rebellious teenage son. Danger and mysticism lurk in the future, as predicted by the gypsy fortune teller who is in love with Levi.
The musical features a soundtrack of Essex’s most well-known tunes, including Winter’s Tale, Gonna Make You A Star, Rock On and the title track.
Though best known as a recording artist, Essex first came to prominence in musical theatre, starring as Jesus in the original West End production of Godspell in 1972 and Che in Evita in 1978. Since then he has combined stage work with his hugely successful recording career, making stage appearances over the years in She Stoops To Conquer at the Queen’s theatre in 1993, Boogie Nights 2 on tour and, most recently, Footloose The Musical at the Novello theatre in 2006. He also co-wrote and starred in the original musical Mutiny! which played at the Piccadilly theatre in 1985.
All The Fun Of the Fair comes to the West End following an extensive UK tour which included London’s New Wimbledon theatre earlier this year.
CB