First look: Are You As Nervous As I Am? premiere at Greenwich Theatre

A first look at brand new British musical Are You As Nervous As I Am? has been revealed.

The new work is currently running at Greenwich Theatre with the premiere production playing to 23 October 2022.

Written by Simon Spencer, with music by Leighton James House and lyrics by Shaun McKenna, the new show tells the story of two strong and unique sisters, Peggy and Janet.

Emma Thornett (Janet) and Katie Elin-Salt (Peggy) - Are You As Nervous As I Am - Pamela Raith Photography - 004
Emma Thornett (Janet) and Katie Elin-Salt (Peggy) – Are You As Nervous As I Am – Pamela Raith Photography
Katie Elin-Salt (Peggy) - Are You As Nervous As I Am - Pamela Raith Photography - 003
Katie Elin-Salt (Peggy) – Are You As Nervous As I Am – Pamela Raith Photography
Emma Thornett (Janet), Simon Furness (Peter), Bill Ward (Bob) and Daniel Abbott (Larry) - Are You As Nervous As I Am - Pamela Raith Photography - 009
Emma Thornett (Janet), Simon Furness (Peter), Bill Ward (Bob) and Daniel Abbott (Larry) – Are You As Nervous As I Am – Pamela Raith Photography
Katie Elin-Salt (Peggy) and Bill Ward (Bob) - Are You As Nervous As I Am - Pamela Raith Photography - 002
Katie Elin-Salt (Peggy) and Bill Ward (Bob) – Are You As Nervous As I Am – Pamela Raith Photography –

Our story follows the journey of two sisters – Peggy and Janet – in their search for happiness. Fighting against their mother’s dysfunctional behaviour, they are forced apart to pursue lives away from their home in Wales.

Peggy sings. However, she is never propelled by a drive to become famous but instead to break unhealthy childhood patterns, find independence and build the loving family she always wanted. Janet struggles with her own demons, striving for the courage and support to live a truer and more honest life.

Set against the background of a century in flux, when the sisters reconnect, they are gradually empowered to positively transform their lives.

Katie Elin-Salt plays Peggy and Emma Thornett stars as Janet with Bill Ward as Bob, a charismatic band leader who hides a darker side.

Katie Elin-Salt (Peggy), Daniel Abbott (Larry) and Emma Thornett (Janet) - Are You As Nervous As I Am - Pamela Raith Photography - 011
Katie Elin-Salt (Peggy), Daniel Abbott (Larry) and Emma Thornett (Janet) – Are You As Nervous As I Am – Pamela Raith Photography
The Cast of Are You As Nervous As I Am - Are You As Nervous As I Am - Pamela Raith Photography - 005
The Cast of Are You As Nervous As I Am – Are You As Nervous As I Am – Pamela Raith Photography
Katie Elin-Salt (Peggy) and Emma Thornett (Janet) - Are You As Nervous As I Am - Pamela Raith Photography - 006
Katie Elin-Salt (Peggy) and Emma Thornett (Janet) – Are You As Nervous As I Am – Pamela Raith Photography
Katie Elin-Salt (Peggy) - Are You As Nervous As I Am - Pamela Raith Photography - 008
Katie Elin-Salt (Peggy) – Are You As Nervous As I Am – Pamela Raith Photography

Also on the cast are Sarah Ingram as Catrin/Christine, Daniel Abbott as Larry, Simon Furness as Peter, Ian Houghton as The Welsh Soldier/Sam Berkowitz, Emily-Mae as Kiki Kavelle, Jenny Perry as A Cockney Girl/Peggy and Janet Cover and Christopher Cameron.

The production is directed by Phoebe Barran, with musical arrangements by Dr Matthew Malone, set & costume design by Kevin Jenkins lighting by Mike Robertson, movement by Denni Sayers.

For more information and tickets, visit areyouasnervous.com

About the author: Josh Darvill

Josh is Stageberry's editor with over five years of experience writing about theatre in the West End and across the UK. Prior to following his passion for musicals, he worked for more than a decade as a TV journalist.

 

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