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Dreamgirls West End: Our dream casting

Who would you cast in a West End production of the show?

Inspired by Cynthia Erivo's performance of "One Night Only" at the WhatsOnStage Awards Concert, we've been debating in the WOS HQ about who we would cast in a West End production of Dreamgirls.

Here's our final dream casting, what do you think? We'd love to know who you'd cast.

Curtis Taylor Jr. – Idris Elba

The Luther and Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom star recently told reporters that he would love to do a musical, we can't think of a better debut part for him.

Deena Jones – Beverley Knight

© Dan Wooller for WhatsOnStage

Knight has established herself as one of the best talents on the West End with her stint in The Bodyguard. With a move over to the cast of Memphis the Musical coming up in May, we'll have a while until she is available, but we think it would be worth the wait.

Effie White – Cynthia Erivo

© Peter Gibbons

Cynthia proved at the Awards Concert that she can smash "One Night Only" (short clip at the start of this video) and we'd love to hear her sing "And I Am Telling You" too. We'd need to get her a fat suit though…

Lorrell Robinson – Alexia Khadime

© Peter Gibbons

If we had our own way we'd cast two Effie's, with WhatsOnStage Award winner Alexia alongside Cynthia, but with her as Lorrell, she could be first cover for both Deena and Effie too, easily!

James 'Thunder' Early – Giles Terera

© Dan Wooller for WhatsOnStage

Joining his The Book of Mormon cast-mate Khadime, we think Giles has the right mix of comic timing and voice to take on this role made famous by Eddie Murphy.

C.C. White – Jason Pennycooke

© Dan Wooller for WhatsOnStage

Jason rounds up our cast nicely as Effie's brother C.C., we loved his performances in Kiss Me Kate and La Cage aux Folles


Who would be in your Dreamgirls Dream Cast? Let us know in the comments below…