We are delighted to announce a great cast for our Empire show this Christmas.
The line-up will be led by Tony Prince playing Bob Wallace, the role made famous by Bing Crosby in the movie. Tony has played many parts for us, including royalty, as Prince Edward (The Slipper & The Rose,) professional gambler, Sky Masterson (Guys & Dolls) and the loveable rascal Fagin (Oliver!)
He will be ably partnered by Chris Simmons as Phil Davis, played by Danny Kaye in the said same film. BOST audiences will know Chris from his recent portrayal of both Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde in our spring production at the Floral Pavilion and from many other of our shows, such as The Full Monty’s mover Jerry Lukowski and the humanised candlestick Lumiere in Disney’s Beauty & The Beast.
Gina Phillips has won the part of Betty Haynes (sung and danced by Rosemary Clooney in the movie.) Gina too is no stranger to the BOST stage, having played numerous characters including the well-to-do debutante Hope Harcourt (Anything Goes,) a caring Nancy (Oliver!) and emotional mum Alice Parker in the wartime-set show, When The Lights Go On Again.
Younger sister, Judy Haynes, will be brought to life by Linzi Stefanov, another regular BOST principal player. Among past roles Linzi has played for us are the feisty Polly Baker (Crazy For You,) Mary Magdalene (Jesus Christ Superstar) and the unfortunate Lucy Harris in Jekyll & Hyde~The Musical, who fell for the doctor’s charms but was pursued and killed by his evil counterpart.
General Waverley will be played by Frank Nance, following previous BOST roles such as the understanding Arvide Abernathy (Guys & Dolls) and the aristocratic Sir Danvers Carew in Jekyll & Hyde.
Pat Davies will be his house-keeper, Martha Watson. Pat has been a BOST leading lady for some years, playing, to name but a few roles, lively Nellie Forbush (South Pacific,) the ditsy Fairy Godmother in The Slipper & The Rose and, twice, Miss Hannigan, the drunkard in charge of the orphanage in Annie .
The following experienced performers will be filling further roles:
Les Hampson Ralph Sheldrake, a TV executive
Jessica Walters Rita, a leading chorus girl
Elizabeth Beattie Rhoda, the other leading chorus girl
Carl Loughlin Mike, stage manager
