Cast Revealed for Fringe Comic Romp through the World of Musical Theatre
The cast has been unveiled for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe production of Alexander S. Bermange’s comedic musical revue I Wish My Life Were Like A Musical.
The illustrious four, who will appear at Underbelly, Bristo Square (The Dairy Room, Venue 302) from 31 July to 26 August,were selected from around 1,300 applicants.
The line-up will comprise James Hume, Felix Mosse, Charlotte O’Rourke and Charlotte Anne Steen.
Many London and nationwide audiences will be familiar with them from their performances in leading roles such as Javert in Les Misérables, Alex in Aspects of Love, Sophie in Mamma Mia!, and Sherrie in Rock Of Ages, respectively.
James Hume is currently appearing in Les Misérables in the West End, before which he toured internationally in Mary Poppins.
Felix Mosse’s recent credits include Aspects of Love in Manchester and London,The Rocky Horror Show on its international tour, and the West End production of Les Misérables.
Charlotte O’Rourke has just completed a run in Mamma Mia!in the West End, having previously appeared in its UK tour.
Charlotte Anne Steen’s recent credits include Bat Out Of Helland 42nd Streetin the West End, and Rock Of Agesand We Will Rock You on tour.
The award-winning musical revue is the creation of Alexander S. Bermange,who has been described as a “genius in comic songwriting” (Cabaret Scenes) and is an iTunes comedy album chart-topper.
I Wish My Life Were Like A Musical explores the tumultuous world of musical theatre. After a lifetime in the industry, Alexander is perfectly placed to expose the trials and tribulations of everyone from wide-eyed drama school graduates to brattish divas.
He said: “We are over the moon to have such a superb cast to take the show to Edinburgh. What will make it so special is that they are all performers who have an intimate knowledge of the scenarios depicted in the show; it’s very much about their world and their lives. And it’s a world that fascinates people – perhaps because what’s offstage and onstage can be equally dramatic!
“We’re really looking forward to revealing some of the secrets of musical theatre in a way that’s funny, irreverent, brutally truthful – but very affectionate.”
I Wish My Life Were Like A Musical chronologically capers through the ups and downs of a performing career, taking in the awful auditions, debilitating dance routines, mid-performance mishaps, and backstage backstabbing. And it celebrates the magical moments that make it all worthwhile.
It is being directed and choreographed by Chris Whittaker, whose recent credits include Judy!in London’s West End, and Top Hat, for which he won the 2018 Off-West End Award for Best Choreographer.
The show has previously won a West End Wilma Award for Best Cabaret, and a Broadway World UK Award nomination for Theatrical Event Of The Year, for its 2018 London run.
It also earned a raft of five-star reviews – critics hailed it as “witty, funny, hard-hitting but above all engaging” (London Theatre 1), “hysterical and heartwarming” (Broadway World), “wonderfully written and excitingly conceived” (British Theatre), “exhilarant and smartly written” (Pocket Size Theatre), and “hilarious and insightful” (Love London Love Culture).
Bermange is a composer and lyricist whose credits encompass numerous musicals produced in the UK and internationally, and a multitude of comic songs for BBC Radio 4 and the BBC World Service. He was inspired to write the show in response to the public fascination with the secrets of musical theatre.
