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Graham Norton and Steven Pacey to Join London Cast of La Cage Revival
By Mark Shenton
27 Nov 2008
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Graham Norton
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The West End revival of La Cage aux Folles, which was originally produced at the Menier Chocolate Factory before transferring to the Playhouse Theatre in October, is extending its run there through April 25, 2009.
Current stars Douglas Hodge (Albin/Zaza) and Denis Lawson (Georges) will depart Jan. 17, 2009 and will be replaced beginning Jan. 19 by Graham Norton and Steven Pacey, respectively.
Norton, who trained at Central School of Speech and Drama and began his career as an actor, comedian and broadcaster, has previously appeared in "Father Ted," "Another Gay Movie" and "I Could Never Be Your Woman." He is best known as a TV presenter, currently hosting the latest series of his BBC2 chat show "The Graham Norton Show," and recently fronting the reality TV talent show "I'd Do Anything," to find a Nancy for the forthcoming West End revival of Oliver!. He also hosted the two previous star searches for The Sound of Music and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. In 2009 he will join forces with Andrew Lloyd Webber once again to host "Your Country Needs You," a TV search to find new talent to perform the Lloyd Webber-composed entry for next year's Eurovision Song Contest. Other TV work includes the Channel 4 chat shows "So Graham Norton" and "V Graham Norton," and "Strictly Dance Fever" and "The Bigger Picture" on the BBC. He has toured the U.K. and U.S. with his live stand-up shows. (Owing to prior TV commitments, he will not appear in La Cage on Jan. 24, 31, March 4, 11, 18, 25 and April 1, 8, 15 and 22).
Spacey was last seen on the London stage in Moonlight and Magnolias at the Tricycle Theatre. Other credits include The Old Masters (Comedy Theatre), The Constant Wife (Apollo Theatre), Harold Pinter's The Room/Celebration (Almeida), The Birthday Party (Piccadilly) and Someone Else's Shoes (Soho Theatre). He was Olivier-nominated for his role of Bertie Wooster in the revised 1996 version of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Alan Ayckbourn's musical By Jeeves. On TV, he has been seen in "Wallander," "Boy A," "Spooks" and "Distant Shores."
In La Cage, Norton will play the flamboyant and loveable Albin, whose idyllic existence with partner Georges (Spacey) is threatened when Georges' son announces his engagement to the daughter of a right-wing politician who wants to close down the local nightlife – and their Saint Tropez drag nightclub.
Also in the company are Tracie Bennett as Jacqueline, Paula Wilcox as Mme. Renaud and Mme. Dindon, Zoe Ann Bown, Ben Bunce, Darren Carnall, Nicholas Cunningham, Alicia Davies, Ben Deery, Adrian Der Gregorian, Nolan Frederick, Leanne Harwood, Matt Krzan, Robert Maskell, Iain Mitchell, Gary Murphy, Stuart Neal, Jason Pennycooke, Dane Quixall, Duncan Smith and Scott Speadbury.
The revival is directed by Terry Johnson, with choreography by Lynne Page, sets by Tim Shortall, costumes by Matthew Wright, wigs and make-up by Richard Mawbey, musical supervision and orchestrations by Jason Carr and musical direction by Nigel Lilley. It is produced by Chocolate Factory Productions, Sonia Friedman Productions, David Ian Productions, Tulchin/Bartner, The Ambassador Theatre Group, Jamie Hendry, Matthew Mitchell and David Mirvish.
The production has been reconceived for the Playhouse, with audience members aged 18 and over able to purchase cabaret seating at the front of the stalls and, according to press materials, "experience La Cage aux Folles from within."
On Dec. 17 the production will be featured on BBC1's Royal Variety Performance. Appearing alongside the Cagelles will be both the show's present and future Zazas, Hodge and Norton.
To book tickets contact the box office at 0870 060 6631 or visit www.lacagelondon.com.
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