The cast has been announced for Tonight’s The Night, the smash hit musical comedy inspired by the songs of Rod that launches a major new tour in January 2014.
Jade Ewen will play the role of Dee Dee up until 26 April 2014. Jade is best known as a member of Brit girl-band Sugababes, attaining two UK top 10 singles with the group. Jade also represented the UK at the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest performing the Andrew Lloyd Webber penned ‘It’s My Time’, achieving fifth place, making her the most successful British Eurovision act since 2002. On stage Jade has appeared as Young Nala in The Lion King and Curly in Whistle Down the Wind, and television credits include Casualty, The Bill, Steffi and Splash!
The show will also star Michael McKell, best known for playing Dr Nick West in Doctors, reprising his role as Stoner until 26 April 2014. Also appearing is Ben Heathcote (Mamma Mia!, Three Musketeers) as Stuart, Jenna Lee-James (We Will Rock You, Joseph) as Mary,Tiffany Graves (We Will Rock You, Sweet Charity) reprising her role as Satan/Baby Jane, Andy Rees (Legally Blonde, A Chorus Line) as Rocky, and Craig Mather (Les Miserables) as the alternate Stuart.
The rest of the company comprises Michelle Antrobus, Joshua Dever, Amy Diamond, Rosie Fletcher, Rosie Heath, Sinead Long, Tom Millen, Darryl Paul, Ricky Rojas, Spin and Lindsey Tierney.
Written by Ben Elton Tonight’s The Night features spectacular staging, a world class band, dazzling choreography and includes over 20 classic Rod hits like Tonight’s the Night, Hot Legs, Baby Jane, Do Ya Think I’m Sexy, Maggie May, This Old Heart of Mine, I Don’t Wanna Talk About It, Ooh La La, Some Guys Have All the Luck, Forever Young, Sailing and many more!
The tour will open at Manchester’s Palace Theatre on 20 January 2014, followed by dates in cities including Liverpool, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Milton Keynes, Sheffield, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Bristol and many more.
Rod “In the past, any ideas for musicals revolving around my songs just didn’t work for me. It was only when we were approached to do ‘Tonight’s The Night’ that the idea really took off. I’m absolutely thrilled that this great show is touring the UK again.”
Tonight’s The Night is presented by Phil Mcintyre Entertainments, Arnold Stiefel and Ambassador Theatre Group. Directed by Caroline Jay Ranger.
Photographs of Ben Elton and Tiffany Graves by Mike Walton