28 Sep CASTING: Nicole Scherzinger to Star in West End Production of Cats
One of the worst-kept secrets in West End casting was finally confirmed today, as the Really Useful Company announced that Nicole Scherzinger will be making her West End stage debut as Grizabella in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats, which is returning to the West End for a strictly limited run at the London Palladium from 6th December 2014. Based on T. S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, the original creative team – Director Trevor Nunn, Associate Director and Choreographer Gillian Lynne, Designer John Napier and Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber – are reunited to bring Cats back to the West End this Christmas.
On joining the West End production of Cats, Nicole Scherzinger said: “I am really thrilled to be making my West End debut in such an iconic show and I couldn’t be more excited. To have the opportunity to work with Andrew, Trevor and Gillian is a dream come true. I grew up listening to Andrew’s extraordinary music and was lucky enough, a couple of years ago, to record Cats’ beautiful song Memory. Andrew’s score is breathtaking and I am truly honoured to have been asked to take part in what I know will be a very special time in my career. I can’t wait to begin rehearsals.”
American recording artist, Nicole Scherzinger studied theatre and dance at the Wright State University in Ohio. In 2003 she joined the Pussycat Dolls who have sold 50 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling girl groups of all time. She has subsequently gone on to enjoy success as a solo artist, selling 16 million records and having number one singles in the UK. In 2011 she joined the UK X Factor as a judge, and has an album to be released by Sony Music in the autumn.
The West End cast for Cats includes Cameron Ball (Macavity/Admetus), Kathryn Barnes (Tantomile), Cassie Clare (Cassandra), Ross Finnie (Skimbleshanks), Charlene Ford (Bombalurina), Adam Lake (Alonzo), Paul F Monaghan (Bustopher Jones/Asparagus/Growl Tiger), Joel Morris (Carbucketty), Natasha Mould (Jemima), Benjamin Mundy (Coricopat), Joseph Poulton (Quaxo/Mistoffelees), Nicholas Pound (Old Deuteronomy), Sophie Ragavelas (alternate Grizabella), Clare Rickard (Jellylorum/ Griddlebone), Adam Salter (Bill Bailey), Laurie Scarth (Jennyanydots), Nicole Scherzinger (Grizabella), Hannah Kenna Thomas (Victoria/White Cat), Callum Train (Munkustrap), Zizi Strallen (Demeter) and Dawn Williams (Rumpleteazer) who are joined by swings Ryan Gover, Barry Haywood, Alice Jane, Grace McKee, Dane Quixall and Libby Watts.
For those of you sceptical about a celebrity casting, it’s worth taking a look at her performing Phantom of the Opera at the 2011 Royal Variety Show…
During the run at the London Palladium the Val Parnell Bar will be open for children to enjoy the full Cats Experience. This will include the opportunity to be transformed by professional make-up artists into one of the show’s infamous cats.
Nicole Scherzinger will perform the role of Grizabella from 6 December 2014 – 7 February 2015 except at performances on 8, 30, 31 December 2014 and 1 January 2015, subject to illness and holidays. The appearance of any particular artist cannot be guaranteed.
For tickets and information: catsthemusical.com