Sir Tom gets behind hit-packed musical
SIR Tom Jones is in talks to help produce a musical featuring his greatest hits.
What’s New Pussycat? – named after the Welsh legend’s 1965 rendition of Burt Bacharach’s tune – is to premiere this autumn.
It is based on Henry Fielding’s novel The History of Tom Jones, A Foundling, which sees the protagonist leave the West Country and end up philandering, allowing himself to be seduced by an older woman as he makes his way through London society.
In the stage adaptation, the action is instead set in the swinging 60s, and sees Tom Jones become a famous pop star.
The production will include many of Sir Tom’s most famous songs including Green, Green Grass of Home and It’s Not Unusual.
The show is helmed by producers Chris Harper and Flody Suarez.
“In this version, Tom Jones becomes a famous popstar and is seduced by an older woman – who in the Fielding tale would have been the Lady Bellaston character,” Harper told the Daily Mail.
Co-producer Suarez revealed Pontypridd legend Sir Tom had attended workshops for the show, and was pleased with the direction it was taking.
“He came to one of the workshops with his son and daughterin-law, and he told us that what he’s happiest about is that it didn’t try to take his life story.
“It’s about the book and the songs,” said Suarez, who revealed the 79-year-old continues to be involved with the project.
The musical is due to premiere at Leeds Playhouse on September 23.