Leeds Grand Theatre has announced that former England cricket captain Freddie Flintoff will make his stage debut in the world premiere of Kay Mellor’s Fat Friends – The Musical.
Freddie will play Kevin Chadwick opposite Jodie Prenger as his fiancée, Kelly. X-Factor winner Sam Bailey will also feature with further casting to be announced.
Speaking about his debut, Freddie said: “I am really excited to be starring in Fat Friends – The Musical at Leeds Grand Theatre in November and at some other great venues around the UK in 2018. Having had the pleasure of recently working on an episode of Kay’s latest TV series, it’s great to have the opportunity to work with her again. I loved the TV series and think Fat Friends – The Musical, is going to give people a great night out. I’m really looking forward to it.”
“I was introduced to Freddie at one of our TV casting sessions,” said Kay Mellor. “It was clear to me that he could leave his cricket bat behind, embody a character and understand the drama. It was a no-brainer… he got the part. Then, as we were talking through Fat Friends – The Musical, I wondered if Freddie could sing. I was ecstatic when Nick met him and agreed his voice was perfect for the role.”
The award-winning TV drama has been adapted for the stage by Kay Mellor, with original music and songs composed by Nicholas Lloyd Webber. This brand-new stage show reunites our favourite foodie friends in an original musical bulging with hopes, humour and heart.
Fat Friends – The Musical is at Leeds Grand Theatre from Monday 7th Nov to Saturday 2nd December 2017. Tickets are priced from £20 (restricted viewing) to £50. Book online at leedsgrandtheatre.com or call Box Office on 0844 848 2700.
