Cast for Side Show at the Southwark Playhouse

The long awaited UK premiere of the 1997 flop Broadway musical Side Show, which will run at the Southwark Playhouse from 21 October to 3 December 2016, has announced its leading ladies.

Louise Dearman and Laura Pitt-Pulford will star as Daisy and Violet Hilton in the new production that is produced by Paul Taylor Mills. Further cast and creative team are to be announced.

The musical, which features music by Henry Krieger, book and lyrics by Bill Russell, and additional book material by Bill Condon, originally opened on Broadway in October 1997 and ran for just 91 performances. A revival was remounted by director Bill Condon and opened on Broadway in November 2014 following a try-out in Washington DC and closed after just 56 performances.

The show has long been a cult hit, and made stars of original performers Alice Ripley and Emily Skinner. The UK premiere will be based on the revised material which was added to the recent Broadway revival.

"The Hilton Sisters make ends meet playing a headline act at a seedy side show, languishing under the rule of an oppressive ringmaster. But when spotted by a talent agent, they are thrust into the spotlight of the famed 1920's Orpheum Circuit. They soon become the highest paid vaudeville stars of their time, but whilst Daisy relishes the spotlight, Violet wishes for a quiet life with a man she loves, and who loves her. Can they balance their individual dreams with their inescapable physical connection? Side Show is a heartwarming search for first love and acceptance, amidst the spectacle of fame and scrutiny under the spotlight."

The score is written by Dreamgirls composers, Krieger and Russell, and the production will coincide with the London premiere of that show at the Savoy Theatre, which opens in November 2016.

Louise Dearman is the first performer to have played both roles of Elphaba and Glinda in 'Wicked the Musical' at the Apollo Victoria Theatre in London's West End. She is currently starring in the UK tour of 'Guys and Dolls'.

Laura Pitt-Pulford was recently nominated for an Olivier Award for her performance in the Open Air Regent's Park production of 'Seven Brides for Seven Brothers'. She has starred in Southwark Playhouse productions of 'Mack and Mabel' and 'Parade', and is currently rehearsing for new musical 'Flowers For Mrs Harris' which opens at the Sheffield Crucible Theatre.

Tickets for the production are now on sale.