The Tailor-Made Man at Arts - Faye Tozer & Dylan Turner

A new musical The Tailor-Made Man, opens at the Arts Theatre 21 Feb 2013, following previews from 13 Feb - running to 6 April 2013, starring Faye Tozer & Dylan Turner

It is the true story of William Haines, the silent screen star who was fired by Louis B Mayer of MGM Studios because he was gay and refused to marry and give up his lifelong partner Jimmy Shields.

Originally written as a play by Claudio Macor, the musical has book by Claudio Macor, with musical adaptation by Amy Rosenthal, music by Duncan Walsh Atkins and Adam Meggido and lyrics by Adam Meggido.

Faye Tozer, who plays 'Marion Davies', is a member of pop group Steps, who have recently reformed with a number 1 album, a tour and a television show. Dylan Turner plays 'William Haines'. His West End theatre includes Chariots of Fire, Rock of Ages, Life is a Dream, Mamma Mia! and Grease.

It is directed by Claudio Macor, designed by Sophia Simensky, choreography by Nathan M Wright, lighting by Humphrey McDermott, sound by Tom Marshall, musical direction by Duncan Walsh Atkins.

In 1930, William 'Billy' Haines was one of MGM's most idolised male stars, second only to John Gilbert. On screen he was tailor-made to get the girl in the last reel. On the back lot he cruised every bit player and stagehand in sight. Billy lived openly with his lover and former stand-in Jimmy Shields. This was tolerated by the studio until rumours started to seep out into the wider world. Louis B Mayer ordered him to marry the sultry silent screen vamp Pola Negri. Billy refused and so Louis B Mayer fired him. Billy's defiance of the studio led to his second and even more successful career as an interior designer to the stars. THE TAILOR-MADE MAN is a story about Hollywood and its system and hypocrisy, but above all it is the story of Billy and Jimmy's turbulent, passionate love affair that survived and lasted over 50 years.