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42nd Street, starring Samantha Womack and Faye Tozer, is coming to the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury

05:00, 06 July 2023

Step into the world of showbiz with a star-studded cast and an all-singing, all-dancing production.

The much-loved Broadway musical 42nd Street has been revived for a nationwide tour, including 10 nights in Canterbury.

Toe-tapping Hollywood musical 42nd Street is coming to the Marlowe Theatre. Picture: Johan Persson
Toe-tapping Hollywood musical 42nd Street is coming to the Marlowe Theatre. Picture: Johan Persson

The new production stars former EastEnders actor Samantha Womack, best known for playing Ronnie Mitchell in the long-running soap, and Steps singer Faye Tozer.

Samantha first appeared in Walford in 2007 and was involved in several high-profile storylines before leaving the show with her on-screen sister Roxy, played by Rita Simons, in 2017.

The actress and former Eurovision contestant has also starred in shows such as Game On and Mount Pleasant, as well as on stage in the Addams Family and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

The new production has been revived by an Olivier Award-winning choreographer. Picture: Johan Persson
The new production has been revived by an Olivier Award-winning choreographer. Picture: Johan Persson

Faye Tozer began her career singing in pop band Steps, who achieved two No. 1 albums and 14 consecutive singles in the UK Top 5 with hits including 5, 6, 7, 8 and Tragedy.

She has since showed off her moves on the dance floor by appearing on Strictly Come Dancing in 2018. Faye reached the final with her partner Giovanni Pernice but lost out on the glitterball trophy to Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton.

The musical adaptation is based on the 1933 film starring Warner Baxter and Ginger Rogers. Picture: Johan Persson
The musical adaptation is based on the 1933 film starring Warner Baxter and Ginger Rogers. Picture: Johan Persson

Michael Praed, who has appeared in TV shows such as Dynasty and Robin of Sherwood, and West End star Nicole-Lily Baisden will also take to the stage for this spectacular new production.

The show, which began its run on Broadway in 1980 to critical acclaim and Tony Awards, follows a young girl named Peggy Sawyer who arrives in New York City fresh off the bus from small-town America.

When Peggy joins the chorus line of a new musical, her dreams of becoming a star are suddenly within touching distance and she finally has a shot at being a real leading lady.

The show follows a young girl who arrives in New York City with dreams of being a star. Picture: Johan Persson
The show follows a young girl who arrives in New York City with dreams of being a star. Picture: Johan Persson

Based on the 1933 Hollywood film of the same name, 42nd Street features numbers that have since become staples of musical theatre such as We’re In the Money, I Only Have Eyes for You and Lullaby of Broadway.

The revived production has been directed by Jonathan Church, known for his work on similar showbiz-themed musicals such as Singin’ In the Rain, and choreographed and designed by Olivier Award winners Bill Deamer and Rob Jones.

42nd Street is at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury from Thursday, July 13 to Saturday, July 22. You can book tickets online here.

You can also book tickets by calling 01227 787787.

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