Louise Gold and Caroline Quentin are among several actresses cast to play Berthe in the Menier Chocolate Factory’s forthcoming production of Pippin over the course of its three month run.
Gold, who took on the role from the show’s first preview yesterday, will continue to play Pippin’s grandmother Berthe until 8 January, before Quentin takes over from 10 to 22 January. Further casting of the role for the rest of the run is to be announced.
Gold comes to the Menier Chocolate Factory with numerous West End performances behind her. Among her many credits are Oliver!, Mary Poppins, Mamma Mia!, Anything Goes and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Away from musicals, she has appeared in Noises Off at the National Theatre and several productions at the Regent’s Park Open Air theatre.
Quentin returns to the London Bridge venue after having appeared in its last show, Terrible Advice, which closed on 12 November. The actress’s stage credits also include Life After Scandal at Hampstead theatre and An Evening With Gary Lineker in the West End, while she remains well known for her television work including Blue Murder, Jonathan Creek, Life Begins and Men Behaving Badly.
Stephen Schwartz’s fantasy musical Pippin tells the story of the eponymous young man (played by Harry Hepple) who is the heir to the throne of Charlemagne. Searching for beauty, glory, fame and magic, he instead comes across lust, sex, war, politics and religion.
The Menier Chocolate Factory’s production also stars Frances Ruffelle, Ian Kelsey and Matt Rawle.
CB