Casting has been announced for the Hope Mill Theatre’s new production of punk rock musical LIZZIE, which will premiere in Manchester from 1-30 September before touring.

Lauren Drew (SIX, Legally Blonde) will play Lizzie, alongside Maiya Quansah-Breed (SIX, Rent) as Alice, Shekinah McFarlane (SIX, Parade) as Emma, and Mairi Barclay (Pippin, Mother Goose) as Bridget. 

LIZZIE explores the life of Lizzie Borden, who was accused of murdering her father and stepmother with an axe in the late summer of 1892.  

The punk rock musical, which premiered in New York in 2009, delves into Lizzie’s complex psyche and speculates on the motivations she may have had: loss of inheritance, history of sexual abuse, oppression, and madness. Lizzie, along with her older sister Emma, maid Bridget, and neighbour Alice, bring to life the infamous story supported on stage by an all-female band.   

LIZZIE will be directed and choreographed by Hope Mill Theatre co-founder William Whelton, and has music by Steven Cheslik-DeMeyer and Alan Stevens Hewitt, lyrics by Steven Cheslik-DeMeyer and Tim Maner, and a book by Tim Maner. The production has set and lighting design by Andrew Exeter, musical supervision by Katy Richardson, and casting by Pearson Casting CDG CDA CSA.

Director and Choreographer William Whelton said : “I am thrilled to share our exceptional cast for Lizzie. As a huge fan of both true crime and musicals, I am extremely excited to bring together these worlds in this audacious and heartfelt rock musical. To then have these amazingly talented women and powerhouse vocalists on board to bring this show to life, is truly a dream come true and I can’t wait to blow the roof off the Hope Mill Theatre!” 

Tour dates will be announced in due course.

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