West End leading man Oliver Tompsett is set to swap one hard rocking West End musical for another when he leaves Rock Of Ages to join We Will Rock You in October.
The musical theatre star, who originated the role of Drew in the London production of the big-haired party musical Rock Of Ages, will replace former Hear’Say star Noel Sullivan as We Will Rock You lead Galileo from 8 October. Before his guitar-thrashing days, Tompsett’s musical credits included Madness musical Our House, ABBA musical Mamma Mia! and bewitching musical Wicked, in which he played Fiyero.
Tompsett will be joined in the long-running musical, which is based on the songs of hit British rock group Queen, by Rachael Wooding, who will play Scaramouche, replacing current star and Over The Rainbow contestant Lauren Samuels. The casting marks a return for the actress who previously played Meat in the show that celebrated its 10th London anniversary earlier this year.
Speaking about the casting, Queen guitarist and We Will Rock You co-creator Brian May said: “We had had our eye on Olly Tompsett for a while… always thinking he would make a great Galileo. It turns out he had had his eye on us too! So that will be something momentous. He will bring something special to the part, and I know his many fans will love seeing him interpret this role.
“Rachael Wooding is, of course, an old and respected friend and was great in the role of Meat. We had always hoped that she would return one day and take on Scara. When we saw her this time we immediately realised this was the moment.”
The pair, who will join long-running cast members Kevin Kennedy, Brenda Edwards, Rachel John, Wayne Robinson and Alasdair Harvey in the production at the Dominion theatre, previously worked together on seasonal London celebration Christmas In New York.
We Will Rock You uses the iconic music of Queen to tell the story of life in a world where rock music and individuality is banned. But in the shadows and underground a small group of Bohemians keep hope alive with myths and legends about one who will come to save them.