Meet the cast of Now That’s What I Call A Musical’s UK tour

Full casting has been announced for the world premiere of Now That’s What I Call A Musical!

This brand-new British musical, written by award-winning comedian Pippa Evans and directed by the legendary Craig Revel Horwood, will kick off on 6 September 2024 at Aylesbury’s Waterside Theatre before embarking on a major UK and Ireland tour.

Leading the cast are Nina Wadia as Gemma, Melissa Jacques as April from September to December 2024, and Sam Bailey taking over the role from January to April 2025.

Also on the cast are Kieran Cooper as Younger Tim, Christopher Glover as Dad, Chris Grahamson as Tim, Maia Hawkins as Younger April, and Lauren Hendricks as Ms Dorian.

Shakil Hussain takes on the role of Frank, with Nikita Johal as Younger Gemma, Luke Latchman as Younger Frank, Matthew Mori as Younger Steve, and Phil Sealey as Steve. Callum Tempest will play Barney, and Poppy Tierney will star as Mum.

Rounding out the cast are Emily Barnett-Salter, Molly Cheesley, Lizzy Ives, Stefanos Petri, and Martha Pothen.

Joining the regular company will be special guest stars singing the hits that made them famous, with Sinitta, Sonia, Carol Decker, and Jay Osmond. Check your local theatre’s website for specific details.

Get ready to celebrate 40 years of the iconic Now That’s What I Call Music compilations. With hits from Whitney Houston, Wham!, Blondie, Tears For Fears, Spandau Ballet, and more, it’s going to be an unforgettable evening.

Set in Birmingham in 1989, the story follows school friends Gemma and April as they navigate life with the help of Number One Magazine quizzes and dreams of snogging Rick Astley. Fast forward to Birmingham 2009, and it’s time for their school reunion. Expect drama, old flames, and hilarious moments as everything falls into place.

The creative team includes set and costume design by Tom Rogers & Toots Butcher, musical supervision and arrangements by Mark Crossland, lighting design by Ben Cracknell, sound design by Adam Fisher, wigs and hair design by Sam Cox, associate direction by Guy Woolf, associate choreography by Aaron Renfree, associate sound design by Ollie Durrant, casting by Annelie Powell CDG, and production management by Setting Line.