Based on an original idea by Phillip George and David Lowenstein, the show has been adapted for its London premiere by Julie Balloo, and is directed and choreographed by Bill Deamer, who previously staged the show for a U.K. regional tour in 2008. Su Pollard, who headlined that cast, will again star here. Further casting is to be announced.
The show is described in press materials as "a feel-good musical packed with more than 30 of the biggest pop hits of the 60s. Celebrating the fabulous, hazy days of swinging London, it's an affectionate reminder of the time when hippies were in the news, students took part in sit-ins, the Beatles conquered the world, the first man walked on the moon, the birth of Top of the Pops, Carnaby Street, England's World Cup triumph, the Twist, incredibly short skirts, beehive hair-dos, and laughable TV ads."
The story follows three young girls as they arrive to try their luck in the big smoke at the start of the sixties. The score contains such songs as the Isley Brothers' 1959 title song "Shout!," the Dusty Springfield hits "Son of a Preacher Man" and "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me," "Downtown," "I Only Wanna Be with You," "To Sir with Love," "Wishin' and Hopin'," "Alfie," "I Just Don't Know What to Do with Myself" and "These Boots are Made for Walkin'."
Su Pollard is still best known for her role as chalet maid Peggy Ollernshaw in TV's "Hi-de-Hi!," a long-running BBC1 comedy series set in a holiday camp that ran from 1980-1988. She has also starred in another two sitcoms, "You Rang, M'Lord?," from 1988-1993, and in "Oh, Doctor Beeching! (1995-1997), and provided the voice for the lead character in the children's series "Penny Crayon." She had a number two chart hit, "Starting Together," in 1986. She has also regularly appeared onstage, where her credits include the West End run of Me and My Girl as well as tours of Annie and The Priats of Penzance.
Director/choreographer Bill Deamer's recent credits include co-directing and choreographing The Boyfriend at the Open Air Theatre, Regent's Park in 2007 and 2008 (for which he was Olivier-nominated for Best Choreographer) and choreographing the 2008 touring revival of Evita. His credits also include the Chichester Festvival Theatre productions of Babes in Arms and Cabaret. To book tickets contact the box office at 0845 017 5584 or visit www.seetickets.com. For more information on the show, visit www.shoutthemusical.co.uk.
