West End star Tosh Wanogho-Maud has sustained an injury and has had to leave hit show Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations at the Prince Edward Theatre.
The good news is that he is only having a temporary break from the show, and that Matt Manuel – star of the Broadway production of Ain’t Too Proud – has flown over to replace him in the part of David Ruffin and make his West End debut.
There’s no current news on when Tosh Wanogho-Maud is set to return to the show.
Ain’t Too Proud started its run at the Prince Edward Theatre on 31 March 2023, and is currently booking to 1 October 2023.
The hit Broadway musical tells the extraordinary story of legendary quintet The Temptations, and is brought to life by a powerhouse creative team including a book by three time Obie Award winner Dominique Morisseau, direction by two-time Tony Award winner Des McAnuff (Jersey Boys), and choreography by Tony nominee Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys, On Your Feet).
Joining Matt Manuel as David Ruffin in the cast as The Temptations are Cameron Bernard Jones (Tina – The Tina Turner Musical) as Melvin Franklin, Kyle Cox (Elf The Musical) as Paul Williams, Sifiso Mazibuko (Hamilton) as Otis Williams, and Mitchell Zhangazha as Eddie Kendricks.
Matt Manuel is from Detroit and played David Ruffin in the Broadway company of Ain’t Too Proud. His other credits include playing Marvin Gaye on the Motown US National Tour, Dustin in the world premiere of May We All, Harpo in The Color Purple, and a finalist on season 13 of American Idol.
Tosh Wanogho-Maud said in a statement on Instagram that:
During the show last week I sustained what my medical team have characterised as a ‘sports injury’. As a result, I will be taking a temporary break from Ain’t Too Proud. Over the last few days, the incredible company have been supporting me in order to get me back to a role, and show, that has been received so enthusiastically. I invite you to support them in return, including my amazing brother @mattmanuelmusic, who will be playing the role of David Ruffin in the meantime. I look forward to seeing you all back at The Prince Edward Theatre next month. All my love, Tosh.
The producers of the show also put our a message on their socials, saying that:
The producers of Ain’t Too Proud announce that due to the current indisposition of Tosh Wanogho-Maud, the role of David Ruffin will be played by star of the Broadway production, Matt Manuel, until further notice. The production is pleased to welcome Matt to the company and looks forward to Tosh returning to the show soon. Everyone at Ain’t Too Proud is thrilled to have Matt join the company – we can’t wait for our audiences to meet Matt, and soon to have tosh return to the show!
We wish Tosh a speedy recovery and can’t wait to see him back on stage. Also, welcome to London, Matt.
Book tickets to Ain’t Too Proud at the Prince Edward Theatre in London
Prince Edward Theatre, London
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It’s a shame an understudy wasn’t available on 4th May, our Wedding Anniversary , when the show was cancelled at short notice and we had paid for a hotel and expenses to travel to London, very disappointed with this as I’m sure the rest of the cancelled theatre felt the same. We booked this show before the Queen passed away and feel this was very poor behaviour by the management not to have an understudy and we will think twice booking again