Royal Exchange to present SPEND SPEND SPEND as festive musical
Photo credit: Feast Creative
A legendary Northern story, Spend Spend Spend, relaunches the Royal Exchange‘s big musical for the festive season, playing from 23 November 2024 - 11 January 2025.
Inspired by the unique life of Viv Nicholson who, on winning the Football Pools in 1961, went on lavish spending-sprees, splashing out on furs, cars, champagne and parties – until it all came crashing down around her.
Addicted to excess and seduced by materialism, Viv takes us through the kaleidoscopic and messy journey of her life. From the council flats of Castleford to the grandeur of Garforth, to new handbags and husbands, Viv faces the ultimate question: after the champagne stops flowing, can money really buy happiness? This carnivalesque musical comedy is the big-hearted experience everyone needs this festive season.
Directed by Josh Seymour and with Rachel Leskovac (nominated for an Olivier Award for her portrayal of the young Viv Nicholson in the original London production) in the leading role, this wildly funny and profoundly moving award-winning musical is an extraordinary rags-to-riches and back again story.
Director Josh Seymour said: "Spend Spend Spend is the perfect festive treat of a show and I can’t wait to share it with audiences. It’s packed with hilarious and heartbreaking songs which will explode with energy when delivered by our brilliant cast and band. I'm honoured that this production will be a tribute to the legacy of our composer Steve Brown, who sadly passed away this year and I know audiences will fall in love with his thrilling music.
“Audiences can expect a bittersweet rollercoaster of a story as we follow Viv through the highs and lows of life. She’s a great character to spend an evening with - wild, witty and warm. It will be magical for audiences to see the sensational Rachel Leskovac, who will be familiar from her incredible array of screen work.
“In the materialistic, image-centred culture of today, Viv’s story feels more relatable than ever - we're all at the mercy of the myth that money or fame will solve our problems. Spend Spend Spend beautifully explores how it's not expensive holidays or fancy cars that give our lives meaning, but the deep-rooted connections with family and community that will truly endure the test of time."
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