The Young Vic Theatre has announced that Ramin Karimloo (The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables) and Anoushka Lucas (Oklahoma!, Elephant) will star in the world premiere of A Face in the Crowd from 10 September-9 November, directed by Kwame Kwei-Armah in his final production as Young Vic Artistic Director.

This brand new adaptation of the Hollywood classic, a cautionary tale about the dangers of celebrity, power, and politics, features original songs by Grammy Award-winner Elvis Costello and a book by Sarah Ruhl, based on an original story by Budd Schulberg and the Warner Bros film.

Tony and Olivier Award nominated actor Ramin Karimloo will play Lonesone Rhodes, with actor, singer, songwriter and playwright Anoushka Lucas returning to the Young Vic to play Marcia Jeffries. Further casting will be announced in due course.

You gotta keep him here, Miss Jeffries. He’s the goose who laid the golden egg.

When local radio producer Marcia Jeffries interviews drunk drifter ‘Lonesome Rhodes’ in his jail cell, she immediately sees his potential and gives him a slot on her show. But as Lonesome's fans grow more clamorous and the politicians start taking notice, Marcia realises she has unleashed a force she can no longer control.

A Face in the Crowd is a cautionary tale, highlighting the dangers of elevating celebrities to positions of unchecked power.

The creative team also brings together designer Anna Fleischle, lighting designer Jackie Shemesh, musical supervisor and musical director Phil Bateman, sound designer Emma Laxton, choreographer Lizzi Gee, and casting director Heather Basten CDG.

For more info, please click here.