The new musical Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World has announced its UK tour cast.
The show is an adaptation of Kate Pankhurst’s—who is a descendant of Emmeline Pankhurst—hit picture book of the same name. It follows Jade (portrayed by Fayth Ifil, Kayleen Nguema, Éva-Marie Saffrey, and Nielle Springer in rotation), as she breaks away from her school trip to explore the unopened Gallery of Greatness at her local museum. On her journey through the gallery, she meets inspirational women from throughout history.
Playing these fantastically great women are original queens from Six the Musical Renée Lamb (Amelia Earhart/Rosa Parks/Mary Seacole) and Christina Modestou (Gertrude Ederle/Jane Austen/Mary Anning/Anne Frank). They are joined by Jade Kennedy (Sacagawea/Frida Kahlo/Marie Curie) and Olivier award-nominated Frances Mayli McCann (Emmeline Pankhurst/Agent Fifi/Miss Johnson. Completing the cast is Shakira Simpson as a swing.
An all-female creative team will bring Fantastically Great Women Who Changed The World to life. It will be directed by Amy Hodge, whose recent production of Mr. Gum and The Dancing Bear – The Musical! was nominated for an Olivier award. Music and lyrics are by Miranda Cooper, with music and orchestrations by Jennifer Decilveo. Joining them are Joanna Scotcher as set and costume designer, Dannielle Lecointe as choreographer, Zoe Spurr as lighting designer, and Carolyn Downing as sound designer.
Producer Kenny Wax said: “What a thrill to have assembled our own team of Fantastically Great Women to retell these empowering stories of success in the face of adversity.”
The tour will begin at MAST Mayflower Studios, Southampton from 6 November to 20th November. To find out more about the tour visit their website.
Words by Orla McAndrew
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