A new production of Soho Cinders to star Millie O’Connell and Luke Bayer

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The reimagining of your classic Cinderella took the theatre world by storm when it premiered at the Soho Theatre in 2012. From the Olivier Award-winning writing duo of the National Theatre’s Honk! Drewe and Stiles, the success of this smash-hit musical came as no surprise. The excitement of the announcements of both a new production and the casting of Millie O’Connell and Luke Bayer have got theatre fans buzzing and tickets for Soho Cinders rocketing in demand!



What’s the Soho Cinders twist?

Cinderella has been done countless times, the story well known to many, but what’s the twist here that makes it interesting you ask? Well, first of all, it’s set in modern London; a musical that really captures the heart of the city. Secondly, it follows Robbie who becomes romantically involved with James Prince; a London mayoral candidate. This is a love story that embraces the complications of forbidden love, the grey areas of relationships, politics and real life! Soho Cinders is about what people from different backgrounds can teach each other, as well as the fight they have to overcome to break through the barriers between them. Some happily ever afters have to be earned!

The cast of Soho Cinders

Just announced today is the Soho Cinders cast that will star in the new production at Charing Cross Theatre. Leading the cast is Millie O’Connell who is currently in her final weeks as Anne Boleyn in the West End production of Six the Musical (Arts Theatre). Millie originated the role in the initial West End run and received an Olivier Award nomination for her portrayal. Her previous credits include 42nd Street (Theatre Royal Drury Lane). Joining O’Connell in leading the cast is Luke Bayer whose most recent credits are the sell-out Fiver (Southwark Playhouse) and Alternate Jamie in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (Apollo Theatre).

Also joining the cast are Lewis Asquith, Christopher Coleman, Ewan Gillies, Tori Hargreaves, Natalie Harman and Michaela Stern. Completing the cast are ensemble members Jade Bailey, Thomas Ball, Luke Byrne, Ben Darcy, Laura Fulgenzi, Danny Lane, Savannah Reed and Melissa Road.

The creatives behind Soho Cinders

Featuring a book by Anthony Drewe and Elliot Davis and with music written by George Stiles, this musical was always set up to be a hit. After this team won an Olivier Award for Honk! they began their next project; Soho Cinders. The multi-award-winning duo Stiles and Drewe have collaborated on various successful musicals. They wrote the score for Cameron Mackintosh’s Disney musical Mary Poppins which returns to the Prince Edward Theatre later this month. Elliot Davis is most well-known for the smash-hit musical he co-wrote with James Bourne; Loserville. The musical premiered at the Garrick Theatre in 2012 and was nominated for Best New Musical at the 2013 Olivier Awards.

Completing the Soho Cinders creative team is Adam Haigh with choreography, Sarah Morrison with musical direction, Joe Louis Robinson with associate musical direction, Justin Williams with set design, Andrew Johnson with sound, Jack Weir with lighting, Nicole Garbett with costume design and with casting by Harry Blemenau. The production will be directed by Will Keith.

Soho Cinders tickets on sale now!

This new production will come to London’s Charing Cross Theatre beginning 24 October for an 8-week run. Tickets for Soho Cinders are going to go quickly following this cast announcement so be sure to secure yours whilst availability lasts!

🎫 Book your Soho Cinders tickets here.


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By Jade Ali

A love for theatre stemmed from my love of literature and music, but the West End on my doorstep opened up a whole new appreciation and passion for all things stage-y