The Menier Chocolate Factory has revealed initial casting for its forthcoming world premiere of Close Up – The Twiggy Musical.
Elena Skye is set to star as Twiggy in the new show, which is written and directed by Ben Elton (We Will Rock You).
Elena is currently starring in We Will Rock You at the London Coliseum, playing Scaramouche. Her other theatre credits include Lauren in Kinky Boots at the Adelphi Theatre and Eponine in Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theatre.
Close Up – The Twiggy Musical will run from 27 September at the Menier Chocolate Factory, and is booking to 18 November 2023.
Supermodel and actor Twiggy said today in a statement: “It’s very unexpected, but truly an honour, to see my own life translated onto stage – and I can’t imagine a better, more generous, collaborator than Ben. I’ve been approached before about sharing my story, but never has the alchemy felt so right.”
Writer and directed Ben Elton said: “I’m thrilled to be bringing Twiggy’s incredible story to the stage, with an amazing creative team at the Menier – the perfect home to begin our journey. Very London, very authentic, and such wonderful intimacy in which to stage this musical. In Elena, we’ve found a glorious talent – not just a unique voice, but someone who’s funny, honest and utterly authentic, very much like Twiggy herself.”
The show’s creative team is rounded out by: Choreography by Jacob Fearey; Set and Video Design by Tim Bird; Costume Design by Jonathan Lipman; Sound Design by Gregory Clarke; and Musical Supervision, Direction and Orchestrations by Stuart Morley.
Currently playing at the Menier is the musical adaptation of The Third Man starring Sam Underwood, which playing to 9 September 2023.
Following Close Up will be the Menier and Umeda Arts Theater’s co-production of Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman’s Pacific Overtures, directed by Matthew White.
Book tickets to Close Up – The Twiggy Musical at the Menier Chocolate Factory in London
Close Up – The Twiggy Musical: Synopsis
The story of a skinny kid from Neasden who became the most famous teenager on the planet and the ‘face of the 1960s’ may seem like the stuff of fairy tales, but there is tragedy as well as triumph in this intimate portrayal of a true 20th century icon. It’s the story of a young working class woman who faced snobbery and sexism in a pre-Me Too world and yet achieved her dreams without ever compromising who she was. Author and director Ben Elton charts Twiggy’s journey through laughter and tears from the suburbs of London to the world’s fashion capitals to Hollywood and Broadway and ultimately to becoming a national treasure and Dame of the Realm. All accompanied by a fabulous score featuring the hits that have been the soundtrack to Twiggy’s life. Grab your miniskirt and re-live the swinging ‘60s and soulful ‘70s in this joyful, uplifting and empowering world première musical!
