Josie Lawrence, Gay Soper to Join Pippin in London
(© John Walker)
The Menier Chocolate Factory has announced casting for the role of Berthe in Pippin, which continues its run through February 25. Gay Soper will take over the role from Caroline Quentin on January 24 and continue with the show through January 29. Josie Lawrence will play the part from February 7 through February 12. Louise Gold, who originated the role in the production, will return to play it the week of January 30 and also during the show’s final weeks, February 14-25.
Soper’s many stage credits include Star Quality, Lend Me a Tenor, Sunday in the Park with George , Les Miserables, Side By Side By Sondheim, and the original London cast of Godspell.
Lawrence may be best known for her portrayal of Manda Best on television’s EastEnders. Her work in theater includes performances in Hapgood, Much Ado, Acorn Antiques, Frozen, and The King & I.
The show, by Stephen Schwartz and Roger O. Hirson, centers on how Pippin, heir to Charlamagne’s throne, goes on a journey to find true happiness in his life, and in the process, comes to grips with lust, sex, war, politics, and religion.
Directed and choreographed by Mitch Sebastian, the production also features Carly Bawden, Harry Hepple, Ian Kelsey, Matt Rawle and Frances Ruffelle with David Page, Ben Bunce, Bob Harms, Holly James, Anabel Kutay, Stuart Neal, David McMullan and Kate Tydman.
The creative team includes Timothy Bird (scenic and projection design), Ken Billington (lighting design), Jean-Marc Puissant (costume design), Simon Lee (orchestrations and music supervision), and Gareth Owen (sound design).
