The musical, written by Lisa Lambert, Don McKellar, Bob Martin and Greg Morrison, won Tony Awards for both Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score. Although it ran for 674 performances during its original Broadway run at the Marquis Theatre between April 2006 and December 2007, and also took Tony's for actress Beth Leavel, scenic designer David Gallo and costume designer Gregg Barnes, its transfer to the West End's Novello in June 2007 ran for less than two months.

According to press materials, The Drowsy Chaperone begins when a die-hard musical fan plays his favourite cast album, a 1928 smash hit called The Drowsy Chaperone, and the show magically bursts to life.

The production is directed by Racky Plews, choreographed by Fabian Aloise, with musical supervision by Michael England, musical direction by Tim Whiting, design by Martin Thomas, lighting by Howard Hudson, sound by Aaron Buck and casting by Ellie Collyer-Bristow. It is produced by Ovation in association with Alex Segal.

Casting is still to be announced.

Plews, who is director and choreographer in residence at the Upstairs at the Gatehouse, has previously worked on productions of Buddy, Into the Woods, The Hot Mikado and Talent there. To book tickets, contact the box office on 020 8340 3488, or visit www.upstairsatthegatehouse.com.