Express & Star

The search has begun for a lead star in the new musical about the life of Cilla Black

Auditions will begin next month in Cilla’s home town of Liverpool.

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Producers have kicked off their search to cast the leading role of Cilla Black in an upcoming musical based on the late singer’s life.

Open auditions will begin next month in Black’s home town of Liverpool before moving to Edinburgh, Birmingham and London.

Cilla – The Musical is produced by the Anyone Who Had A Heart singer’s son, Robert Willis, who said he is looking forward to meeting an actress who can follow in her footsteps as a “natural born performer”.

The young star.
A young Cilla Black (Time Inc. UK/TV/PA)

“My mum loved singing and performing ever since she was a young girl and she was determined to do what she loved,” he said.

“Having performed at the clubs around Liverpool, including the famous Cavern Club, she got her big break when Brian Epstein spotted her and signed her … It was the start of everything that was to follow.

“She was a natural born performer who lived to entertain her audience. We are hoping to find that person who also dreams big and has the talent to match but just needs the chance to show it.

“We can’t wait to meet you!”

The young star.
Cilla Black’s statue in Liverpool (Peter Byrne/PA)

Black became known in her later years as the host of dating show Blind Date.

Her career in the limelight spanned six decades before her sudden death, aged 72, after a fall at her villa in Spain in August 2015.

The show, which will debut at the Liverpool Empire in September before moving around the country, is based on Jeff Pope’s ITV mini-series retelling her early life and the story of her rocky rise to stardom.

Auditions will take place on the following dates:

May 2 – Liverpool Empire

May 8 – Edinburgh Playhouse

May 9 – Birmingham New Alexandra Theatre

May 12 – London Dominion Theatre

Interested actresses can sign up for a spot here.

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