New Musical The Braille Legacy to premiere at the Charing Cross Theatre

New musical announced for The Charing Cross Theatre

The Charing Cross Theatre have announced that they will stage the world première of a major new musical inspired by the story of Louis Braille, The Braille Legacy which will run at their central London venue from 10 April to 24 June 2017 with an official opening on 24 April 2017.

Directed by Thom Southerland, it will star Olivier Award nominee Jérôme Pradon. With an original French Book and Lyrics by Sébastien Lancrenon, Music by Jean-Baptiste Saudray, it has an English translation by Ranjit Bolt and Music Supervision and Orchestrations by Simon Lee.

Described as "the story of a revolution and an heroic fight for independence" The Braille Legacy deals with the themes of difference, freedom, hope and love and the triumph of human values over adversity. The show has been announced on January 4, World Braille Day, which is celebrated annually on the birthday of Braille inventor, Louis Braille.

"In Paris in the 19th century, blind people were victims of profound discrimination. Louis Braille, a bright young mind with a mad dream, arrives at the Royal Institute of Blind Youth, searching for the same chance as everyone else: to be free and independent. But he soon discovers that people and things aren't always what they first seem. By sheer determination and courage he stumbles upon something revolutionary: a simple idea, a genius invention, a legacy. Two hundred years ago, Louis Braille changed the world by inventing the tactile system of communication, the Braille alphabet, liberating the "People of the Night" and introducing literacy, knowledge and culture to a people who were otherwise trapped. It was their journey into the light."

Produced by The Braille Legacy Ltd by arrangement with Colbert Entertainment Ltd, the musical is directed by the Artistic Director of the Charing Cross Theatre Thom Southerland and features set design by Tim Shortall, costumes by Jonathan Lipman and sound design by Andrew Johnson.

Sébastien Lancrenon is a veteran in the world of classical music. Until recently he was Director of Radio Classique in France. Jean-Baptiste Saudray has composed for and worked with various international artists, including Ray Charles, Jean-Michel Jarre, The Gypsy Kings and David Guetta.

Jérôme Pradon's West End credits include the UK premiere of the musical Women On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown, Martin Guerre, Whistle Down the Wind, The Lord of the Rings musical, Miss Saigon and Les Misérables.