‘Amelie’ transfers to West End for a run at Criterion Theatre

The three-time Olivier Award-nominated musical ran at The Other Palace in 2019, and the West End engagement will include socially distant performances.

After a regional tour and a London engagement at The Other Palace, Amelie will make its West End debut. Amélie will open at the Criterion Theatre for the summer, with performances from 21 May - 26 September.´

Based on the 2001 film starring Audrey Tautou, Amélie tells of the title character who influences the lives of those around her. Amélie was first presented as a musical on Broadway in 2017, starring Phillipa Soo in the title role, and later made its UK premiere at the Watermill Theatre in Berkshire.

Amelie features a book by Craig Lucas, whose writing credits include An American in Paris and The Light in the Piazza. Music is by Daniel Messé, with lyrics by Messé and Nathan Tysen.

Audrey Brisson will reprise the role of Amélie, and she was nominated for Best Actress in a Musical at the 2020 Olivier Awards. Before Amélie, she will star in The Lorax at The Old Vic in April. Casting is completed by Miiya Alexandra, Rachel Dawson, Oliver Grant, Matthew James Hinchcliffe, Chris Jared, Caolan McCarthy, Samuel Morgan-Grahame, Nuwan Hugh Perera, Jack Quarton, Robyn Sinclair, Kate Robson-Stuart, Sioned Saunders, Flora Spencer-Longhurst and Jez Unwin.

In a review for LondonTheatre.co.uk, Mark Shenton said: "Here in Michael Fentiman's perfectly judged production, there's wit in abundance and also some necessary grit, too... Audrey Brisson is a charming delight in the title role amidst a hard-working ensemble of actor-musician."

Amélie is at the Criterion Theatre from 21 May - 26 September.

^{Photo: Audrey Brisson as Amelie (Photo by Pamela Raith)}