John Owen-Jones to join cast of MIMMA at Cadogan Hall

John Owen-Jones will join the previously announced Sir David Suchet, Louise Dearman and Celinde Schoenmaker in Mimma, a new musical of war and friendship, at Cadogan Hall on 28 February.

Owen-Jones will take on the role of Lorenzo. Also joining are Ashley Riches (Carmen, The Pirates of Penzance) who will play Aldo Marini, and the award-winning soprano Elena Xanthoudakis (Don Giovanni, Dido and Aeneas) playing Ada Marini.

Mimma will be performed with the BBC Concert Orchestra for one special, semi-staged gala concert performance only, with 100% of ticket proceeds going to The Prince’s Trust.

Mimma’s creative team includes composer Ron Siemiginowski, librettist Giles Watson, director Luke Fredericks and musical director and orchestrator Richard Balcombe.

The shadow of Fascism drives Mimma, a young Italian journalist, to take refuge at her Uncle Lorenzo’s nightclub in London.  Mimma forges an unassailable friendship with Sarah, an aspiring jazz singer, while her family are increasingly embroiled in resistance against Mussolini.

The coming conflict brings out the best and worst in people as Mimma’s brother is captured, Londoners prepare for Hitler’s Blitz, and fears of betrayal reach fever pitch.  Mimma and Sarah are caught in the turmoil as Soho is torn apart by arrests and internments. 

As England and Italy face their darkest hours, Mimma is in danger of losing everything.  Everything – that is, except the one friend she can trust.

Mimma is a musical that bridges continents and cultures by blending soulful jazz, opera and musical theatre. 

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