It has been announced today that Jacob Fowler will play Prince Topher opposite the recently announced Grace Mouat as Ella in the UK theatrical premiere of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella at the Hope Mill Theatre from 1 November-11 December.

Fowler is most prominently known for winning the BBC One prime-time show Little Mix: The Search and subsequently going on to support Little Mix on their final UK arena tour, including three nights at the legendary O2 Arena. He also appeared in the role of J.D. in Heathers The Musical at The Other Palace.

Jacob Fowler said: “I’m honoured to be a part of the European premiere of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella! It has been a dream of mine to sing a Rodgers & Hammerstein score, so to do so, opposite Grace and at the Hope Mill, is a privilege.”

Further casting is to be announced.

Leading the creative team for this new production are venue founders Joseph Houston and William Whelton, with Houston directing and Whelton co-directing and choreographing.

Completing the creative team are musical supervisor Leo Munby, musical director Audra Cramer, featuring new musical arrangements by Jason Carr, set and costume designer Elly Wdowski, projection designer George Reeve, lighting designer Aaron J Dootson, sound designer Adam Fisher, and casting director Jane Deitch.

The smart and beautiful young Ella lives in the care of her wicked, self-absorbed stepmother Madame and her two stepsisters Charlotte and Gabrielle. In another part of the kingdom, Prince Topher is trying to find himself and learn his place in the world. When his scheming advisor Sebastian suggests throwing a ball so the Prince can meet potential brides, Ella and Topher’s different worlds come together. Expect the unexpected in this clever retelling of the beloved fairy tale.

Cinderella is the only musical written for the television by legendary duo Rodgers & Hammerstein (South Pacific, Carousel, The Sound of Music). Originally broadcast live in 1957 starring Julie Andrews, the broadcast was watched by more than 100 million people, before subsequently being remade for TV again in 1965 and 1997 (starring Whitney Houston and Brandy).

A new Broadway version with a Tony-nominated book by Douglas Carter Beane premiered in 2013 featuring several fresh characters and songs. This will be the first time a fully staged version of the show has been performed in the UK (following a 2019 one-night concert version in London).

For more information and to book tickets, please click here.