Funny Girl, Evita and Mamma Mia! Hit shows head for Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre
It may have only just opened its doors after a £1 million refurbishment but Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre has already announced its brand new 2017 season – with smash hits Funny Girl and Evita taking to the stage.
And theatre bosses have also revealed international musical hit Mamma Mia! will headline at the Lichfield Street theatre the following year.
Sheridan Smith had the leading role in Funny Girl in the West End, although she had to have a two month absence due to stress and exhaustion.
The actress is touring with the production at selected venues nationwide, however she will not be be performing in the Black Country.
Instead, her understudy Natasha J Barnes will tread the boards as Fanny Brice at the Grand from July 24 till 29.
Also part of the glittering programme at the Grand is the Play That Goes Wrong which returns to the theatre from April 3 to 8, after its West End success.
Following his appearance in this year's pantomime Aladdin, Ben Faulks also returns with Mr Bloom – Live! on March 20 and 21 next year.
The theatre will hold its very own 'Gatsby Night' on April 1, transporting visitors from the Charleston and Black Bottom of the 1920s through the beautiful classic songs of the 1930s, to swing and jazz mayhem of the early 1940s.
Following its smash hit run at London's Dominion Theatre, Bill Kenwright's production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's Evita is then set to thrill audiences from May 9 to 13.
Telling the story of Eva Peron, wife of former Argentine dictator Juan Peron, Evita follows Eva's journey from humble beginnings through to extraordinary wealth, power and iconic status.
Northern Ballet then return for a third year with a brand new performance, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas on May 30 and 31.
Building on the phenomenal decade-long success of The Agatha Christie Theatre Company, which sold over two million tickets and continually played to packed houses around the UK, Bill Kenwright is to present a new production A Judgement in Stone from July 3 to 8.
The Elvis Years will then transport the audience on a musical and emotional journey they will never forget for one night only in Wolverhampton on July 20.
Then the multi Grammy, Tony and Drama Desk Award nominated Frank Wildhorn's Wonderland is to receive its UK and European première in a brand new British production at The Grand from July 31 to August 5. The show tells the story of Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass.
Tickets for the West End and worldwide smash hit musical Mamma Mia!, featuring the music of ABBA will be on sale in 2017 with dates to be confirmed soon.
