Musical theatre veteran Gavin Lee is to head back to the West End next year to lead the cast of Top Hat from 5 February, replacing current star Tom Chambers in the role of Jerry Travers.
While Lee boasts numerous London musical theatre credits including Crazy For You, Peggy Sue Got Married, Me And My Girl and Oklahoma, the Olivier and Tony Award nominee has spent the last six years in America starring as Bert in hit production Mary Poppins. The actor originated the role in the West End and headed to Broadway after the show’s acclaimedtwo year run at the Prince Edward theatre.
Lee’s return is not the only nugget of Top Hat casting shake-up news announced today, with Charlotte Gooch set to replace Summer Strallen as Dale Tremont from 27 November.
Gooch joins the cast following recent roles in the national tour of Dirty Dancing and the UK tour of Grease. While she made her West End debut as part of the ensemble in Dirty Dancing at the Aldwych theatre, Top Hat marks her first starring role.
Based on the original RKO motion picture, Top Hat opened at the Aldwych theatre earlier this year, 70 years after the film was first released. Telling the story of a famous American tap dancer who falls in love with the girl of his dreams and sets off across Europe to win her heart, the show features a score of classic Irving Berlin hits including Cheek To Cheek, No Strings and Top Hat, White Tie And Tails.
Top Hat is currently booking until 28 September.