Cast Set for Premiere of Grinning Man Musical, Based on Victor Hugo Novel | Playbill

News Cast Set for Premiere of Grinning Man Musical, Based on Victor Hugo Novel Louis Maskell will star in the title role with Julian Bleach, co-creator of Shockheaded Peter, also in the company.
Gloria Onitiri, Louis Maskell, Julian Bleach and Audrey Brisson

The Grinning Man, a new musical based on Victor Hugo's novel The Man Who Laughs and the silent-film classic of the same name, is to premiere at Bristol Old Vic, beginning performances October 13 prior to an official opening October 20, for a run through November 13.

Featuring a book by Carl Grose and music by Tim Phillips and Marc Teitler, it has lyrics by Grose, Phillips, Teitler and director Tom Morris.

Morris, the Tony-winning co-director of War Horse, is artistic director of Bristol Old Vic. The cast is led by Louis Maskell in the title role of Grinpayne, The Grinning Man. He recently appeared in Flowers for Mrs. Harris at Sheffield Crucible.

Julian Bleach, who plays the corrupt court clown Barkilphedro, is best known as co-creator of the Olivier Award-winning Shockheaded Peter.

Sean Kingsley, who plays Ursus, the father figure with a dark secret, has appeared in Cats, Les Miserables, Billy Elliot and We Will Rock You. He is currently appearing in Jesus Christ Superstar at Regents Park Open Air Theatre.

Gloria Onitiri, who plays the amoral Princess Josiane, has appeared as Rachel Marron in The Bodyguard as well as Nala in The Lion King and Lucy the Slut in Avenue Q.

Also in the cast are Stuart Neal, Audrey Brisson, Ewan Black, Alice Barclay, Stuart Angell and Patrycja Kujawska.

Puppetry will be created by Gyre and Gimble, founded in 2014 by Finn Caldwell and Toby Olié. The creative team is completed by designer Jon Bausor, costume designer Jean Chan, music supervisor Tom Deering, lighting designer Richard Howell and sound designer Simon Baker.

To book tickets, contact the box office on 0117 987 7877 or visit bristololdvic.org.uk/grinningman.html.

 
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