MUSICALS

We’ve all needed a song in our hearts in recent times, so it’s no surprise to see an explosion of musicals filling the theatre schedules over the coming months.

From classics of the genre to newer productions, there is a wealth of choice on stages throughout the country.

Louise Redknapp returns to the role she was playing before the pandemic, starring in the stage version of the ’80s film,

9 To 5 (Edinburgh Playhouse, Sep 14-18). With a Tonynominated score written by one of the film’s stars, Dolly Parton, and a book written by the original screenwriter Patricia Resnick, it’s easy to see why this show has been so popular.

It tells the story of three women, pushed to boiling point by their sexist and egotistical boss, who decide to take matters into their own hands to reform their office. The production will also visit the Empire Theatre in Inverness from Nov 23-27, without Louise Redknapp.

Another more recent hit is The Addams Family (King’s Theatre, Glasgow, Sep 21-25) a comedy from the writers of Jersey Boys and starring Samantha Womack as Morticia and West End star Cameron Blakely as Gomez. With a live orchestra and an original score by Tony Award nominated Andrew Lippa, the story zips along as Wednesday Addams, now an adult, has a shocking secret – she’s fallen in love with a sweet young man from a respectable family!

Few musicals have as many memorable songs as Grease (Festival Theatre, Edinburgh, Sep 27-Oct 2) and this new version featuring a fresh young cast brings energy and passion to the summer romance of Danny and Sandy. Providing some star power is Peter Andre, who plays Vince Fontaine and Teen Angel (except for Saturday).