The West End production of Stepping Out opens for preview performances tonight, Wednesday 1 March at the Vaudeville Theatre. The heart-warming comedy charts the lives of seven women and one man attempting to tap their troubles away at a weekly dancing class led by their ever patient teacher, Mavis.
Photo by Simon Turtle
The role of Mavis was due to be played by Tamzin Outhwaite; however in an unfortunate twist of fate, Ms Outhwaite has been forced to temporarily withdraw from the production with a stress fracture of her foot. Stepping into Ms Outhwaite’s tap shoes until she has been given the medical all clear to rejoin her friends in the production will be Anna-Jane Casey (West Side Story, Chicago and Billy Elliot), who will temporarily join the cast from next week, prior to which the role will be played by Katie Verner.
Anna-Jane Casey joins sister Natalie Casey (as bubbly Sylvia) and the previously announced Amanda Holden (as perfectionist Vera), Tracy-Ann Oberman (as the mouthy Maxine), and Nicola Stephenson (as shy Dorothy). Directed by Maria Friedman, this brand new staging of Richard Harris’s award-winning play Stepping Out which toured UK venues last year, opens in London with preview performances from tonight, 1 March 2017 and an opening night of 14 March 2017.
Further cast in the West End production of Stepping Out include Judith Barker, Jessica-Alice McCluskey, Sandra Marvin and Dominic Rowan with Janet Behan, Suzy Bloom, Emma Hook, Marcia Mantack and Nick Warnford.
Amanda Holden said:
“It is sad to lose Tamzin. It is ironic and, of course, in keeping with the theme of the show in many ways. However we can assure everyone who comes a fun and entertaining evening and we can’t wait to get started with the previews. We look forward to Tamzin returning very soon.”
This uplifting comedy originally premiered in the West End in 1984 starring Barbara Ferris and Marcia Warren, winning the prestigious Evening Standard Award for Best Comedy and enjoying extended runs both in the West End and on Broadway. Stepping Out has also been made into a musical, which became a film in 1991, starring Julie Walters, Liza Minnelli and Shelley Winters.
Presented by Theatre Royal Bath Productions and the James Grant Group, Stepping Out is directed by Maria Friedman, designed by Robert Jones and choreographed by Tim Jackson with lighting design by Peter Mumford, sound design by Gregory Clarke and orchestrations by Christopher Walker.
Sarah Thomas and Ben SantaMaria are proud to present the cast of their provocative upcoming play Sublime. Joining the previously announced Adele Oni are Suzy Gill, Michael Fatogun and Declan Cooke.
The heistess is back in town. One week, three jobs; she’s good, but can she pull it off?
Adele Oni has been a professional actress for two years whilst continuing to train at the Actors Class (London) and privately with renowned vocal coach, Leontine Hass. Her credits include ‘Housefull 3 (feature film)’, ‘Charly’s Aunt’ The London Theatre, ‘Girl-Dem’ the Criterion Theatre and ‘No Sex Please, We’re British’ International tour.
Suzy Gill trained at Drama Studio London and the University of East Anglia. Her acting credits include the New Diorama, ATT and Siberian Lights. She is a playwright and spoken word poet, performing regularly at Creative Nights in London Bridge and the Poetry Brothel. Suzy also runs the BlueAsh Theatre Company.
Following the completion of his law degree, Michael Fatogun trained at the Young Persons Theatre Company. His credits include Rizen 2 and Season 3 of Obsessions: Dark Desires (US.) Michael recently finished filming a guest role on ITV’s Fearless and theatre credits include Safe at The London Theatre Workshop.
Declan Cooke trained at City Lit in London in 2012-13 and with Scott Williams’ Impulse Company from 2015-16. He has worked in TV and feature film and has played lead and supporting roles across several fringe theatre venues in London, Edinburgh and Brighton. Sublime is his first play at Tristan Bates.
