‘The Secret Life of Bees’ musical sets full cast

Lynn Nottage adapts Sue Monk Kidd’s 2008 novel of the same name into a musical, with performances at the Almeida Theatre in spring 2023.

There’s definitely a buzz around the London premiere of The Secret Life of Bees. The Secret Life of Bees begins previews at the Almeida Theatre on 8 April, with an opening night on 12 April, and performances to 27 May.

Set in 1960s America, 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.

The 15-strong cast includes Ava Brennan, Tarinn Callender, Madeline Charlemagne, Danielle Fiamanya, Eleanor House, Richard James-Neale, Rachel John, Daniel Krikler, Shekinah McFarlane, Mark Meadows, Abiona Omonua, Chrystine Symone, Noah Thomas, Marcellus Whyte, and Eleanor Worthington-Cox.

Lynn Nottage adapts the story, with original music and lyrics by Duncan Sheik and Susan Birkenhead. The musical 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 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.”

The Secret Life of Bees is at the Almeida Theatre.

Photo credit: Almeida Theatre (Photo courtesy of Almeida Theatre)