Kneehigh Theatre presents a new adaptation of The Umbrellas Of Cherbourg. With music by Michel Legrand, the musical is based on the 1964 Oscar-nominated film starring Catherine Deneuve.

The Umbrellas Of Cherbourg centres on 17-year-old Geneviève Emery and her lover Guy Fouchier, a 20-year-old French auto mechanic. On the evening before Guy is to leave for a two-year tour of combat in Algeria, he and Geneviève vow to remain lovers. But when she discovers she is carrying Guy’s child, Geneviève must choose between waiting for his return or accepting an offer of marriage from a wealthy diamond merchant.

The Umbrellas Of Cherbourg contains songs including the much recorded I Will Wait For You and Watch What Happens and is directed by Kneehigh Theatre’s Artistic Director Emma Rice. Rice has previously worked on productions including the Brief Encounter in the West End and on Broadway, Red Shoes, The Wooden Frock and Don John.

Multi-Laurence Olivier Award-winning actress Joanna Riding leads the cast of The Umbrellas Of Cherbourg as Madame Emery, the mother of Geneviève and owner of a chic umbrella shop. Most recently seen in Billy Elliott The Musical, Riding’s credits include My Fair Lady, The Witches Of Eastwick, Guys And Dolls and A Little Night Music.

Joining Riding in The Umbrellas Of Cherbourg is cabaret artist Meow Meow who specialises in kamikaze cabaret and performance art exotica and won the 2010 Edinburgh International Festival Fringe Prize for her show Feline Intimate.

For more about The Umbrellas Of Cherbourg at the Gielgud theatre read the First Night Feature or the Q&A with star Meow Meow.

Looking to see some musical theatre? Find out more about London musicals.