Elton John and Jake Shears’ Tammy Faye musical to debut in the UK in October
The Prom's Andrew Rannells is among the cast.
Words: Alastair James; pictures: Twitter/@eltonofficial and Attitude
A new musical about the American religious televangelist Tammy Faye, penned by Sir Elton John, Jake Shears, and James Graham has got its cast and is set to debut in the UK this October.
Starring Katie Brayben as Tammy, the cast also includes The Book of Mormon and The Prom star, Andrew Rannells.
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They will be joined by: Kelly Agbowu, Amy Booth-Steel, Ashley Campbell, Peter Caulfield, Danny Collins, Richard Dempsey, Fred Haig, Georgia Louise, Andrew Rannells, Robyn Rose, Nicholas Rowe, Martin Sarreal, Steve John Shepherd, Gemma Sutton, and Zubin Varla.
A synopsis for Tammy Faye reads: “From a studio in South Carolina, Tammy Faye and Jim Bakker revolutionised religion. Preaching to millions 24 hours a day, Tammy just wants to put the fun back into faith.
“But a new wave of ministers wants you not to just feel God in your heart, but in your homes, in your schools and in the law too.”
It also says: “This true story, directed by Almeida Artistic Director Rupert Goold (Spring Awakening), is a testament of faith, resilience and the temptations of success.”
Tammy Faye was an American evangelist and TV personality that notably, unlike many peers from religious backgrounds embraced LGBT people and also compassionately interviewed people with HIV during the 1980s
The musical will get its world premiere at the Almedia theatre in north London and will run from 13 October to 3 December.
Oscar winner Jessica Chastain recently played the religious revolutionary in the film, The Eyes of Tammy Faye, for which she won the Best Actress gong at this year’s Oscars. She starred alongside Andrew Garfield as Jim Bakker.
The Attitude September/October issue is out now.
