‘The Secret Life of Bees’ musical sets UK premiere cast at Almeida Theatre

Sue Monk Kidd’s 2008 book is adapted for the stage.

The UK premiere of Sue Monk Kidd's The Secret Life of Bees has set its initial casting. The musical begins previews at the Almeida Theatre on 8 April, with an opening night on 19 April, and performances to 27 May.

Based on Sue Monk Kidd’s 2008 book of the same name, The Secret Life of Bees follows Rosaleen and Lily, two women who flee their small South Carolina town and end up on a bee farm. As they find solace with the Boatwright sisters, Rosaleen and Lily must escape the past.

Lynn Nottage adapts the story, with original music and lyrics by Duncan Sheik and Susan Birkenhead. The Secret Life of Bees musical premiered at Atlantic Theatre Company in 2019. In a New York Theatre Guide review, their critic said: If you are looking for an off-Broadway musical with killer songs and a stellar cast, look no further. This musical adaption of the best-selling novel, The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd is moving, thoughtful and musically exhilarating.”

Whitney White directs a cast including Ava Brennan, Tarinn Callender, Danielle Fiamanya, Rachel John, Mark Meadows and Abiona Omonua.

The show features choreography by Shelley Maxwell, set design by Soutra Gilmour, costume design by Qween Jean, lighting design by Neil Austin, and sound design by Simon Baker.

The Secret Life of Bees is at the Almeida Theatre.

Photo credit: Almeida Theatre