Latest cast member of The Colour Purple revealed

T’Shan Williams will now star in Birmingham Hippodrome's co-production of The Colour Purple, replacing Seyi Omooba, who was dropped after historic homophobic social media posts came to light.

She will take on the role of heroine Celie in the Oprah Winfrey and Tony Award-winning hit musical.

It comes as the first images of the production with Leicester Curve have been released.

The new production is set to come to Birmingham Hippodrome, which is this year celebrating its 120th anniversary, from July 16 to July 20 after an appearance in Leicester.

Speaking previously, artistic director and Birmingham Hippodrome chief executive Fiona Allan said: “We’re very proud to be working on this co-production with our friends at Curve Leicester, and hope it’s the start of many more collaborations.

“I know that our audiences here in the West Midlands will find the powerful story and characters both socially and culturally relevant; and what an incredible cast and creative team has been assembled to tell it.

“I can’t think of a better way to mark the Hippodrome’s 120th birthday than with our first main stage co-production.”

The Color Purple follows courageous heroine Celie, as she journeys through joy, despair, anguish and hope in her own personal awakening to discover her unique voice in the world.

It will be directed by Tinuke Craig, winner of the 2014 Genesis Future Directors Award.

Williams will be joined by previously-announced cast members Joanna Francis as Shug Avert, Ako Mitchell starring as Mister, Simon-Anthony Rhoden playing Harpo and Karen Mavundukure as Sofia.

Celie’s sister, Nettie, is played by recent graduate Danielle Fiamanya, and her father, Pa, is played by Delroy Brown.

The cast is completed by Geoff Aymer, Owen Chaponda, Perola Congo, KM Drew Boateng, Danielle Kassaraté, Anelisa Lamola, Rosemary Annabella Nkrumah, Jochebel Ohene MacCarthy, Landi Oshinowo and Jo Servi.