Lizzie musical revival to run at Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre ahead of UK tour
A revival of punk rock musical Lizzie will run at Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre this autumn.
The piece – with music by Steven Cheslik-DeMeyer and Alan Stevens Hewitt, lyrics by Cheslik-DeMeyer and Tim Maner, and a book by Tim Maner – will run from 1 – 30 September 2023.
Following its run in Manchester the production will head on a UK tour.
The musical is based on the true story of Lizzie Borden, who was tried and acquitted of the murders of her father and stepmother in 1890s America.
The cast will feature Lauren Drew (Six, Legally Blonde) in the title role alongside Maiya Quansah-Breed (Six, Rent) as Alice, Shekinah McFarlane (Six, Parade) as Emma and Mairi Barclay (Pippin, Mother Goose) as Bridget.
Joining them are covers Ayesha Patel (Broken Wings) and Emma Louise Hoey (Club Mex).
Lizzie The Musical explores the life of Lizzie Borden, who was accused of murdering her father and stepmother with an axe in the late summer of 1892. The musical delves into her complex psyche and speculates on the motivations she may have had: loss of inheritance, history of sexual abuse, oppression, and madness.
Lizzie, along with her older sister Emma, maid Bridget, and neighbour Alice, bring to life the infamous story supported on stage by an all-female band.
The revival will be directed and choreographed by Hope Mill’s co-founder William Whelton with set and lighting design by Andrew Exeter, musical supervision by Katy Richardson, associate choreographer Yandass Ndlovu and casting by Pearson Casting.
William Whelton said: “We are thrilled to share the news of our autumn production of Lizzie, which will premiere at Hope Mill Theatre followed by a short UK tour. Lizzie is based on the true story of Lizzie Borden who in the height of summer 1892 killed her father and stepmother with an axe.
“The retelling of this story is with an incredibly talented all-female cast and on stage all-female rock band, but the real heart of this show is how it explores the power, resilience and strength of women and their relationships.”
For more information and tickets, visit hopemilltheatre.co.uk
