Casting has been announced for To The Streets! a new musical which will be staged in parks across the West Midlands this Summer.
Created by Roy Williams and Tim Sutton, To The Streets! is an uplifting new musical based on an original idea by Christopher Haydon and is inspired by the 1963 Bristol Bus Boycott, a pivotal moment in the UK’s civil rights history.
To The Streets! will be presented in concert performances that will take place between 19 – 28 August at Handsworth Park in Birmingham, Windmill Hill, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry, and West Park, Wolverhampton, as part of the Birmingham 2022 Festival.
The cast will feature Michael Ahomka-Lindsay (The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe – UK tour, Legally Blonde – Regent’s Park), Jonathan Andre (The Lion King – West End), McCallam Connell (Small Island – National Theatre), Paul Kemble (School of Rock – UK tour), Duane Lamonte (Motown the Musical – West End), Jessie May (Mamma Mia! – West End), Denise Pitter (Guys and Dolls – West End), Charlotte St Croix (Hairspray – UK tour) and Andy Watkins (Kinky Boots – UK tour).
Roy Williams said, “History is littered with forgotten stories, especially black stories which always enrages me. The more important they are the angrier I become. The Bristol Bus Boycott is such an important event in British history. The protestor’s actions brought widespread attention to the problem of racism in Britain at the time. Their success brought a profound and positive sense of hope for the possibility of progress.”
Tim Sutton said, “We are completely overwhelmed to have assembled such a brilliant cast – we know they’re going to knock it out of the park.”
Christopher Haydon said, “The Bristol Bus Boycott was a momentous event in the history of civil rights in the UK and was led by some truly extraordinary people. I am thrilled to have such a talented ensemble of performers to capture these remarkable characters at such a pivotal moment.”
Dannielle ‘Rhimes’ Lecointe said, “Excitement is just the beginning of what I feel about bringing the powerful story of the Bristol Bus Boycott to life. In such a time as this, with a thrilling cast and special creative team, it feels so important to say what we are about to! ”
To the Streets! is directed by Christopher Haydon, with book by Roy Williams, music and lyrics by Tim Sutton, design by Soutra Gilmour and with choreography from Dannielle ‘Rhimes’ Lecointe, and produced in association with Warwick Arts Centre, City of Wolverhampton Council and DRPG Creative.
