Additional casting has been announced for the world premiere of the new British musical The Little Big Things, based on the best-selling memoir by Henry Fraser.
Following his Olivier-winning and Tony-nominated production of & Juliet, Luke Sheppard will direct the new musical, which begins previews September 2 prior to an official opening September 14 at @sohoplace. Performances are currently scheduled through November 25.
As previously reported, the company will be led by Ed Larkin as Man Henry Fraser and Jonny Amies as Boy Henry Fraser. Newly announced for the cast are Linzi Hateley (Carrie, Chicago, Joseph…) and Alasdair Harvey (Come From Away, We Will Rock You), who will play Henry’s parents, Fran Fraser and Andrew Fraser. Additional casting will be announced.
The Little Big Things has music by Nick Butcher (Loved Before), lyrics by Butcher and Tom Ling (Techies: The Musical), and a book by Joe White (Blackout Songs).
The new musical—based on the life of Fraser, a sportsman who suffered a severe diving accident in 2009—follows Henry, who finds himself split between a past he no longer recognizes and a future he can’t begin to imagine. As he learns to navigate this new world, can he find a way to take control of his life, and keep his family from falling apart?
Hateley says, “I am so excited to be working with the exceptional cast and company of The Little Big Things. As soon as I read the script, I wanted to play the role of Fran Fraser. Alongside Henry, hers is a truly captivating story, illustrating beautifully a mother's love for her child and the strength that holds families together. I can't wait to bring this to life on stage and to share this uplifting and deeply moving story.”
Harvey adds, “Henry Fraser is an extraordinary young man, and it’s a privilege be part of the team bringing his story to the stage in a brand-new British musical in London’s newest theatre. Placing disability at the center of a musical, without wallowing in sentiment is no mean feat, but our wonderful writers and brilliant creative team have developed a remarkable piece of theatre about an incredibly powerful true story."
The production will also have set design by Colin Richmond, choreography by Mark Smith, costume design by Fay Fullerton, video design by Luke Halls, lighting design by Howard Hudson, sound design by Paul Gatehouse, orchestrations, arrangements, and musical supervision by Matthew Brind, musical direction by Laura Bangay, dramaturgy and associate direction by Nickie Miles-Wildin, and casting by Jill Green.
Michael Harrison and Nica Burns produce.
