One of the West End’s best-loved leading ladies is set to join the cast of La Cage Aux Folles when it comes to Norwich Theatre Royal early in 2017.
Marti Webb will play Jacqueline, the owner of restaurant Chez Jacqueline and best friend of lead characters Albin and Georges, when the production takes to the stage on January 17-21.
She is no stranger to London’s theatre-land and touring stage having appeared in the likes of Evita, Godspell, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Blood Brothers, 42nd Street, and Half A Sixpence. Marti is also well-known for her unforgettable performance in Tell Me On A Sunday which was written specifically for her by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Don Black.
No stranger to the charts, Marti has also recorded nine solo albums and had many hit singles including Always There, the theme from the hit BBC series Howard’s Way, and Take That Look Off Your Face.
She will join the already-announced John Partridge and Adrian Zmed who play the roles of Albin and Georges. John recently wowed Norwich audiences in the role of Billy Flynn in Chicago this autumn. He has a string of theatrical credits to his name including A Chorus Line at the London Palladium, Cats, Starlight Express and Chicago. John is also no stranger to peak-time TV playing the lovable Christian Clarke in EastEnders, and judging would-be West End stars in Over The Rainbow.
His co-star Adrian Zmed may be best known in this country for playing Vince Romano in the Eighties US cop drama TJ Hooker opposite William Shatner but is also an acclaimed stage star. He has appeared in a number of Broadway musicals leading the cast of Grease three times as well as appearing in Falsettos and Blood Brothers.
The show follows the story of Georges, who manages a St Tropez nightclub, and his partner Albin, a drag artiste who is the club’s star attraction. Their sparkling and glamourous life faces a setback when Georges’ son Jean-Michel announces his engagement to the daughter of a notorious right-wing politician who wants to close down the area’s colourful nightlife. When the parents all meet up, can Albin and Georges disguise their flamboyant and glittering lifestyle to ensure true love can run smoothly?
The show will also feature two performers known to Norwich audiences as members of Les Cagelles, the drag performers at La Cage Aux Folles. They are Richard Leavey, who was a member of the Theatre Royal panto ensemble for several years, and Liam Paul Jennings who was an ensemble member in the 2015-16 panto Snow White and also starred in West Side Story.
The production boasts a strong creative team as it is produced by top theatrical impresario Bill Kenwright and features choreography by the Olivier Award-winning Bill Deamer.
John Bultitude, of Norwich Theatre Royal, said this brand new production should be a real treat. He said: “Marti Webb is true West End royalty and it will be fantastic to welcome her back in such a sparkling, glamorous show. The awards on its mantelpiece almost matches the number of sequins on its glamorous costumes with Olivier and Tony gongs to its name. Don’t miss the chance to see this hotly-anticipated revival of a classic show which includes the iconic track I Am What I Am.”
[box type=”info” align=”” class=”” width=””]La Cage Aux Folles heads to Norwich Theatre Royal between Tuesday 17th – Saturday 21st January. Shows at 7.30pm, with Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm.Audio-described and signed performance on Saturday 21 January at 2.30pm.
Tickets: £8-£39.50. (Discounts for Friends, Corporate Club, Over-60s, Under-18s, and Groups).
To book, call 01603 630000 or log onto www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk[/box]
