Julie Atherton, Paul Keating, Leon Lopez, Paul Spicer Set for West End Last 5 Years and tick, tick…BOOM!

Casting has been announced for two musical productions to be presented at the West End’s Duchess Theatre in May as part of the theater’s “Notes from New York” season.

Julie Atherton and Paul Spicer will star in Jason Robert Brown’s The Last 5 Years (May 6-10), with both actors reprising their parts from the musical’s gala staging at the Theatre Royal Haymarket last year. Amelia Sears directs this two-hander about newly published novelist Jamie and aspiring actress Cathy, who tell the tale of their raw and impassioned relationship in opposite directions and from differing standpoints.

Atherton will be joined by two-time Olivier Award nominee Paul Keating and TV actor Leon Lopez for Jonathan Larson’s tick, tick…BOOM! (May 13-17). Hannah Chissick directs this autobiographical look into the Rent composer’s struggle to be heard and accepted as the musical voice of a new generation.

Both productions feature design by Morgan Large, lighting by David Howe, and sound by Gareth Owen & Ed Borgnis.

Atherton originated the roles of Kate Monster and Lucy the Slut in the West End’s Avenue Q, and will return to the show when it transfers to the Gielgud. Additional credits include Mamma Mia!, Fame and Just So. Spicer’s credits include lead roles in Taboo, The Witches of Eastwick, and Fame. Keating received Olivier nominations for his performances in Tommy and Closer to Heaven. Lopez’s TV credits include Hollyoaks in the City, Brookside, Mersey Beat and Holby City, while stage credits include RENT Re-mixed and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

For more information, visit www.whatsonstage.com.