Lucie Jones to star in 13 Going on 30 The Musical

Producers of the new movie-to-stage adaptation of 13 Going on 30 The Musical have announced initial casting for the show, which premieres in Manchester next year.

The star of the show will be Lucie Jones (Les Miserables, The Baker’s Wife, Waitress, Wicked) as lead character Jenna Rink, with further casting to be announced.

13 Going on 30 will play Manchester Opera House from 21 September to 12 October 2025.

This new stage adaptation of the hit 2004 movie starring Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo will be directed by Hollywood, Broadway and West End producer and director Andy Fickman (Heathers The Musical).

Lucie Jones said in a statement: “As one of my favourite films, getting to know the musical has been one of the most exciting moments of my career. I can’t wait to share my version of our beloved thirty, flirty and thriving Jenna Rink!”

Also get a first-listen to Lucie Jones singing “That Moment in Time” from the show, recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London.

Video: Lucie Jones sings “That Moment in Time” from 13 Going on 30

13 Going on 30 The Musical already had a two-week workshop in October 2023 at Battersea Arts Centre in London, which starred Lucie Jones, alongside Jamie Muscato (Moulin Rouge! The Musical, West Side Story) as Matt Flamhaff, and Grace Mouat (SIX, & Juliet) as Lucy.

The stage show has a book by the original movie’s screenwriters, Josh Goldsmith and Cathy Yuspa, and music and lyrics by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner (First Date).

13 Going on 30 The Musical is a stage reimagining of the beloved 2004 hit romantic comedy film that starred Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo. The fantasy romantic comedy sees 13 year old Jenna wish that she was more popular at school, only to wake up the next day as a successful and glamorous 30 year old woman! But adulthood, with its own set of romantic challenges, isn’t as easy as it looks.

The show is produced by ROYO, who have just opened their latest musical Here & Now – The Steps Musical in Birmingham, and up next is a major new tour of Kinky Boots. Other producers are Revolution Studios, Wendy Federman and Phil Kenny.

13 Going on 30 The Musical is playing at Manchester Opera House from 21 September to 12 October 2025.

Lucie Jones’s next show is rejoining the London cast of Les Miserables at the Sondheim Theatre, returning to the role of Fantine, from 23 December 2024 to 15 February 2025.

Tickets on sale on Wednesday 13 November at 1.30pm

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Main photo: 13 Going on 30 - Lucie Jones to star in the show (Screengrab)