Jamie Muscato joins Bend It Like Beckham

Dom O'Hanlon
Dom O'Hanlon

It has been announced that Jamie Muscato will join the cast of new musical Bend It Like Beckham which is currently running at the Phoenix Theatre in London's West End, where it is booking to 20 February 2016.

Muscato will replace Jamie Campbell Bower in the role of coach 'Joe', beginning performances on 14 December 2016.

Bend It Like Beckham opened for previews at the Phoenix Theatre on 15 May 2015, with an official opening on 24 June 2015. The show received positive reviews, with critics praising the score and adaptation to the stage.

He will join the current cast of the show which is led by Natalie Dew who plays football crazy 'Jess' with Lauren Samuels as 'Jules', a player with the Harriers, a local women's football team, Sophie-Louise Dann as 'Paula', Jamal Andréas 'Tony', Preeya Kalidas as 'Pinky', Tony Jayawardena and Natasha Jayetileke as 'Mr and Mrs Bhamra'.

"Jess needs extra time. She is facing the most important decision of her life; live up to family expectations of university, career and marriage, or follow in the footsteps of her hero David Beckham. When the talented teenage footballer is spotted playing football in Southall, a world of opportunities opens up before her. But as the day of her sister's traditional Indian wedding approaches, Jess needs to pick sides."

Jamie Muscato's theatre credits include 'Sweeney Todd' for Welsh National Opera, 'House of Mirrors and Hearts' for the Arcola Theatre, 'Dogfight' for Southwark Playhouse, 'The Light Princess' for the National Theatre, and 'Rock of Ages' at the Shaftesbury Theatre.

The production is directed by Gurinder Chadha, with original music by Howard Goodall and lyrics by Charles Hart. It features a new book by Paul Mayeda Berges & Gurinder Chadha; choreography and musical staging by Aletta Collins; set design by Miriam Buether; costume design by Katrina Lindsay; lighting design by Neil Austin; sound design by Richard Brooker and musical direction by Nigel Lilley.


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