Sondheim's Old Friends Unveils Full Cast for West End Debut

Stephen Sondheim's Classic Works Take Center Stage with Full Cast Announcement in the West End

The complete lineup for Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends in the West End has been revealed. This highly anticipated celebration of Sondheim's iconic repertoire is set to grace the Gielgud Theatre starting from September 16. The production boasts a stellar cast led by the renowned Broadway stars Bernadette Peters, who will be making her West End debut, and Lea Salonga.

Newly announced additions to the show include Haydn Gwynne, Damian Humbley, Bradley Jaden, Gavin Lee, and Jason Pennycooke. The company will also feature Harry Apps, Bella Brown, and Monique Young. These talented individuals will join Christine Allado, Janie Dee, Bonnie Langford, Joanna Riding, Jeremy Secomb, Jac Yarrow, Marley Fenton, and Beatrice Penny-Touré.

The mastermind behind this endeavor is none other than Cameron Mackintosh, who expressed his delight at the reunion of familiar faces and the inclusion of exceptional new talents. Mackintosh shared, "To have gathered so many West End stars, as well as two legendary Broadway performers together for a new show such as this is rare outside a gala. Only the sublime talents of Sondheim could make this happen."

Mackintosh further revealed his enthusiasm for bringing this project to life, which he and Sondheim began working on during the challenging times of the pandemic. With 39 of the greatest songs ever written for musical theatre, a remarkable cast, and the creative brilliance of Matthew Bourne as director, alongside Julia McKenzie and choreographer Stephen Mear, audiences can expect an unforgettable musical evening reminiscent of a grand Broadway spectacle.

Under the direction of Matthew Bourne, in collaboration with Julia McKenzie, Stephen Sondheim's Old Friends features mesmerizing choreography by Stephen Mear. The production is helmed by Alfonso Casado Trigo as conductor, with Stephen Brooker as musical supervisor, Stephen Metcalfe handling musical arrangements, and a creative team including Matt Kinley for set design, George Reeve for projection design, Jill Parker for costume design, Warren Letton for lighting design, and Mick Potter for sound design.