West End leading lady Joanna Riding will star as Rose in this summer’s Buxton Opera House production of musical Gypsy (July7-24).
The winner of two Laurence Olivier Awards, Joanna is best known for her work in musical theatre, including Follies; Billy Elliot; My Fair Lady; Carousel; Guys and Dolls; The Girls and A Little Night Music. She is also a familiar face on TV and has appeared in Holby City; Midsommer Murders; Casualty; The Royal and Heartbeat.
The highly coveted role of Rose is considered one of the best and most challenging in musical theatre; the story of a woman who foregoes her own desires to make her daughters famous at any cost.
Gypsy is set in a world of glamour and backstage intrigue, with a score by Jule Styne and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and includes Everything's Coming Up Roses and Together (Wherever We Go).
Chief executive at Buxton, Paul Kerryson, said: “We are thrilled to be able to cast such an accomplished performer in one of the most iconic roles in musical theatre. I'm looking forward to bringing this new production to Buxton Opera House to open the 2022 Buxton International Festival.“