Hit Broadway musical Something Rotten! is getting a full production next year, marking its UK premiere.
The full staging follows a sold-out concert version of the show last year at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane starring Jason Manford (The Wizard of Oz) as Nick Bottom.
The 10-time Tony Award-nominated musical comedy will be produced by Broadway and West End producers Kevin McCollum of Alchemation and Joshua Andrews of JAS Theatricals.
In January, Jason Manford hosted the National Lottery’s Big Night of Musicals, and sang “It’s A Musical” from the show.
Big Night of Musicals is airing on BBC One and BBC iPlayer this Saturday 22 March at 6.50pm.
The cast of the concert version also included Gary Wilmot (Anything Goes, Wicked) as Nostradamus, Richard Fleeshman (Company, Coronation Street) as Shakespeare, Marisha Wallace (Guys & Dolls, Oklahoma!) as Bea, Evelyn Hoskins (Waitress, Spring Awakening) as Portia, Cassius Hackforth (For Tonight, From Here to Eternity) as Nigel Bottom, Steve Furst (Oliver!, Matilda, Little Britain) as Shylock, Ashley Samuels (Hairspray, The Book of Mormon) as Troubadour, Cameron Blakely (Disney’s Newsies, Mrs Doubtfire) as Brother Jeremiah and Jenna Boyd (Come From Away, The Wind in the Willows) as Lady Croydon.
The concert won a 2025 WhatsOnStage Award for Best Concert Event.
Something Rotten! is written by John O’Farrell and Karey Kirkpatrick with music and lyrics by Karey and Wayne Kirkpatrick.
Set in 16th century England, the story follows brothers, Nick and Nigel Bottom, as they struggle to find success in the theatrical world, whilst working in the shadow of rock star playwright William Shakespeare. That is, until they come upon the idea of writing the world’s first musical!
On Broadway, Something Rotten! ran for over 700 performances and was nominated for 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
The UK premiere was originally planned for Birmingham Rep, but was derailed due to Covid.
Producers Kevin McCollum and Joshua Andrews said in a statement: “After the success of the Broadway run and American tour and the incredible response to the Drury Lane concerts we are excited to bring the show to the land of Shakespeare!”
Information on venues, dates and cast for Something Rotten! is to be announced.
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