The West End production of Stepping Out opens for preview performances tonight, Wednesday 1 March, at the Vaudeville Theatre. The heart-warming comedy charts the lives of seven women and one man attempting to tap their troubles away at a weekly dancing class led by their ever patient teacher, Mavis.
The role of Mavis was due to be played by Tamzin Outhwaite; however in an unfortunate twist of fate, Ms Outhwaite has been forced to temporarily withdraw from the production with a stress fracture of her foot.
Stepping into Ms Outhwaite’s tap shoes until she has been given the medical all clear to rejoin her friends in the production will be Anna-Jane Casey (West Side Story, Chicago and Billy Elliot), who will temporarily join the cast from next week, prior to which the role will be played by Katie Verner.
Anna-Jane Casey joins sister Natalie Casey (as bubbly Sylvia) and the previously announced Amanda Holden (as perfectionist Vera), Tracy-Ann Oberman (as the mouthy Maxine), and Nicola Stephenson (as shy Dorothy). Directed by Maria Friedman, this brand new staging of Richard Harris’s award-winning play Stepping Out which toured UK venues last year, opens in London with preview performances from tonight, 1 March 2017 and opening night for press on 14 March 2017.
Further cast in the West End production of Stepping Out include Judith Barker, Jessica-Alice McCluskey, Sandra Marvin and Dominic Rowan with Janet Behan, Suzy Bloom, Emma Hook, Marcia Mantack and Nick Warnford.
Amanda Holden said: “It is sad to lose Tamzin. It is ironic and, of course, in keeping with the theme of the show in many ways. However we can assure everyone who comes a fun and entertaining evening and we can’t wait to get started with the previews. We look forward to Tamzin returning very soon.”
This uplifting comedy originally premiered in the West End in 1984 starring Barbara Ferris and Marcia Warren, enjoying extended runs both in the West End and on Broadway. Stepping Out has also been made into a musical, which became a film in 1991, starring Julie Walters, Liza Minnelli and Shelley Winters.
Presented by Theatre Royal Bath Productions and the James Grant Group, Stepping Out is directed by Maria Friedman, designed by Robert Jones and choreographed by Tim Jackson with lighting design by Peter Mumford, sound design by Gregory Clarke and orchestrations by Christopher Walker.
Tap your way over to the Vaudeville Theatre to see Stepping Out – get tickets here.