Marti Pellow to Star in Dance-Driven Musical Sacred Flame at London's 02 Arena

By Mark Shenton
September 24, 2009

Sacred Flame, which is described as a brand-new dance-driven musical, will premiere at London's 02 Arena, with a single performance Dec. 28.

The arena production will star Marti Pellow (the lead singer of 90's pop group Wet Wet Wet, who has starred in the West End as Billy Flynn in Chicago and on tour as Daryl van Horne in The Witches of Eastwick) and will feature direction by Arlene Phillips, whose current West End credits include Grease and the choreography of We Will Rock You, and is best known as a former judge on the TV show "Strictly Come Dancing." She has been represented on Broadway by her choreography for the original productions of Starlight Express in 1987 and Saturday Night Fever in 1999.

The show is masterminded by Phillips with Ronan Hardiman (composer of Michael Flatley's dance shows Lord of the Dance, Feet of Flames and Celtic Tiger live), and Frank Musker (Ivor Novello-winning songwriter who has written hits for Queen, Il Divo, Russell Watson and Hayley Westenra).

According to press materials, the musical "is set in modern day South America and is laden with infectious Latin rhythms including the salsa, mamba and tango. The story focuses on the coming of age tale of Anton, a teenage boy journeying to Peru to understand why he came to be given away as a baby by his real mother. He quickly becomes involved in a far greater adventure to discover the legendary riches hidden away centuries before by his true ancestors."

In a press statement, David Campbell, Chief Executive of AEG Europe, owners and operators of The O2, commented, "Sacred Flame will be an event not to be missed by any musical theatre fan. I am thrilled that The O2 will host the premier of the production and I know the world-class team behind the show will make it an event to remember."

To book tickets, contact the box office at 0844 856 0202, or visit www.the02.co.uk.