Luke Friend to star in ‘Lift’ at Southwark Playhouse

The musical is set in a London underground lift.

The London Underground is now inspiration for musical theatre as Lift opens at Southwark Playhouse. Lift begins previews at Southwark Playhouse on 13 May, with an opening night on 18 May and performances to 18 June.

Lift is set in a London underground elevator and explores what could happen inside the lift’s four walls in 54 seconds. However, everything that takes place is inside one man’s imagination.

Luke Friend will play Busker in Lift. Previously, Friend competed in the 2013 series of The X Factor and has since starred in American Idiot and Footloose.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be a part of the wonderful cast of LIFT! This show is going to be so intimate and unique” said Friend. “Being a songwriter and Busker myself for many years, I feel as though I completely and utterly relate to my character’s story and the message he is trying to bring across.”

He’s joined by Hiba Elchikhe as Secretary, Kayleigh McKnight as the French teacher, Jordan Broatch as Avatar, Marco Titus as BYT, Cameron Collins as the Ballet Dancer, Tamara Morgan as the Lap Dancer and Chrissie Bhima.

Lift features an original story by Ian Watson and original music and lyrics by Craig Adams. The creative team includes direction by Dean Johnson, choreography by Annie Southall and design by Andrew Exeter.

Lift is at Southwark Playhouse.

Photo credit: Lift cast (Photo by Michael Wharley)