Olivier Award winner and musical theatre icon Ruthie Henshall (Les Miserables; Chicago; Billy Elliot; I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!) leads the cast of Stephen Sondheim's musical Passion for its run at Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester in May (May 5-June 5).
The three-way story of love, sex and obsession is based on a 19th Century Italian novel, and opened on Broadway in 1994 where it managed a six-month run. A UK production, with Michael Ball and Maria Friedman, premiered at the Manchester Palace in 1996, prior to a West End run of 232 performances.
Dean John-Wilson will play Giorgio, the man who finds himself at the heart of a passionate love affair with his wife Clara and Henshall’s invalid older woman, Fosca.
Henshall said: “I’m so thrilled to be part of this ensemble of unbelievable talent, as we bring to life one of my all-time favourite musicals – a real pinch-me moment!
“The legacy of Sondheim’s work is so important to us all, and I couldn’t think of a better group of people to be working with. It’s going to be a very special creative process”
Olivier-nominated Kelly Price (A Little Night Music, Menier Chocolate Factory and Garrick Theatre) plays Clara, and other cast members include Adam Robert Lewis, Charlie Waddell, Danny Whitehead, Dalton Harris, Ray Shell, Steve Watts and Tim Walton, all veterans of major West End and touring shows.
Passion will be directed by Sondheim specialist Michael Strassen.