Rehearsals begin for Dreamgirls at the Savoy Theatre starring Amber Riley

Rehearsals begin for the London premiere.

Yesterday rehearsals began for the West End premiere of Dreamgirls which begins performances at the Savoy Theatre on 19 November 2016, with an official opening night on 13 December 2016.

Amber Riley leads the cast of this new production in the role of Effie White, alongside Tyrone Huntley (C.C White), Adam J Bernard (Jimmy), Nicholas Bailey (Marty), Joe Aaron Reid (Curtis Taylor Jnr), Liisi LaFontaine (Deena), Ibinabo Jack (Lorrell) and Lily Frazer (Michelle Morris).

In a recent interview with director Casey Nicholaw, he told LondonTheatre.co.uk that "Dreamgirls always has and always will be my favorite show of all time". He was approached to direct the show by producer Sonia Friedman when he was in London directing the transfer of The Book of Mormon. "Between winning an Olivier and getting the rights to Dreamgirls it was one of the best days of my life", he explained.

The original Michael Bennett production of Dreamgirls was a revelation on Broadway in 1981, and Casey explained how he is "really excited to honor the original" but also hopes to "make it fresh at the same time" by making a lot of little changes along with an incredible set. "We're honouring that cinematic quality but the technology available nowadays means we can have lights everywhere and all around you. It's going to be really exciting and very beautiful to watch." Read our full interview with Casey Nichoaw.

Speaking to Glee star Amber Riley she spoke about her excitement to begin rehearsals for the show; "I love this musical, and singing the songs from it, but I didn't think I would get the opportunity to perform in it myself. That it is going to be here in London, for the first time, is pretty epic and I can't wait!" Read our full interview with Amber Riley.

Dreamgirls is set in 1960's America and tells the semi-autobiographical tale of a girl group from Chicago called "The Dreams". As they attempt to make it in the music industry, they meet former used car salesman Curtis Taylor who becomes their manager and helps create initial success. As the group continue to build on their success within the highly competitive industry, tensions build as Curtis attempts to replace lead singer Effie with her best friend.

Dreamgirls Tickets are now on sale.