Video: In rehearsals with the cast of Unexpected Joy
Telling the story of three generations of singers, Bill Russell and Janet Hood's new musical Unexpected Joy is set to get its European premiere at Southwark Playhouse this week.
Mounted by new musical mega-producer Katy Lipson, the musical follows Joy, a baby boomer, who is holding a memorial concert for her late husband. She is joined by her daughter and granddaughter, Rachel and Tamara, but Joy is reluctant to tell her family about her plan to remarry.
As Rachel, Tamara, Joy and her new muse Lou spend a tense week together, the story is told through a number of catchy, empowering songs, with music by Hood and lyrics by Russell.
Before the show began previews, we went into the rehearsal room to chat to the cast - Janet Fullerlove, Jodie Jacobs, Melanie Marshall, and Kelly Sweeney - about the musical and what we can expect.
Unexpected Joy is at Southwark Playhouse until 29th September.
Originally published on