THE CAST has been unveiled for a world premiere coming to a Newbury theatre next month.
The Watermill has started rehearsals for Fanny, a new comedy focusing on the elder sister of ‘the Cliff Richard of his day’.
The Victorian-set play is a kind of race across Europe, and sees composer Felix Mendelssohn chase his sister, Fanny, in a bid to be the first person to reach Buckingham Palace.
the reason? Fanny opened a letter addressed to F Mendelssohn: it is a royal invitation inviting the composer of Queen Victoria’s favourite song, Italien, to perform it for her in London.
While Felix was taking the credit for the composition, it was actually Fanny’s finest.
Calum Finlay’s play finds out what happens when Fanny discovers the royal request, which sees her hide the letter, dress up as her brother and head to the palace, with Felix hot on her tails.
The Watermill says the play will be a fun and irreverent new comedy celebrates classical music and – at last – recognises the work of a composer overlooked for her sex.
The cast sees Charlie Russell as Fanny, Corey Montague-Sholay as Felix, Harry Kershaw as Paul, Kim Ismay as Lea, George Howard as Willhelm and, making her professional debut, Jade May Lin as Clara.
The play will be directed by Katie-Ann McDonough, and is being produced by RJG Productiosn.
Ms McDonough said: “Fanny is a story that needs to be told and I’m excited to bring it to life with this incredible cast and creative team.
“Fanny Mendelssohn’s story has been waiting in the background for far too long and I can’t wait for audiences to experience it with us.”
The show’s producer will be Rebecca Gwythe.
She is looking forward to sharing this strange-but-true story with the world.
“We could not have hoped for a more symphonic team to bring Fanny to life at the Watermill Theatre. After years of development, we’re ready for audiences to experience Fanny’s story in this imaginative comedy that’s certain to strike a chord,” she said.
And The Watermill’s joint CEOs, artistic director Paul Hart and executive director Claire Murray, said: “We’re delighted to be collaborating with Rebecca and the team to stage the world premiere of FANNY at the Watermill Theatre.
“We think audiences will love this hilarious new play inspired by the remarkable truth of who actually composed Felix Mendelssohn’s greatest hits.”
The play runs from Thursday, May 23, through to Saturday, June 15.
For more details, or to book, log on to: watermill.org.uk, or call the box office on: 01635 46044.
