Theatre News

Casting announced for The Toxic Avenger

The production will have a month-long run in Edinburgh before transferring to the Arts Theatre

The Toxic Avenger
The Toxic Avenger
© Claire Bilyard

Full casting has been announced for The Toxic Avenger, which transfers to the Arts Theatre in October following a sold-out UK premiere at Southwark Playhouse last year.

Mark Anderson returns to play Melvin/Toxie, he will be joined by new cast members Natalie Hope (Mayor), Emma Salvo (Sarah), Oscar Conlon-Morrey (White Dude), and Ché Francis (Black Dude). Peter Bindloss and Sophia Lewis join the company as swings.

Based on Lloyd Kaufman's 1984 film of the same name, The Toxic Avenger is a cult rock musical from the team behind West End hit Memphis, Joe DiPietro and David Bryan – also known as a founding member of Bon Jovi.

It tells the story of a nerdy earth scientist determined to clean up the toxic waste problem in his home town. But when he is tossed into a vat of toxic waste, he's transformed into superhero The Toxic Avenger or 'Toxie'.

In her four star review of the production at Southwark Playhouse, Daisy Bowie-Sell praised Benji Sperring's 'excellent production', paying particular homage to DiPietro's 'hilarious' book and lyrics.

The original creative team will reunite for the show's transfer, with direction by Sperring, musical direction by Alex Beetschen, lighting design by Nic Farman and choreography by Lucie Pankhurst.

Prior to the show's London dates, it will also have a month-long run at this year's Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

The Toxic Avenger will open at the Arts Theatre on 2 October with previews from 28 September.

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