Theatre News

Exclusive: Closer to Heaven returns to Union Theatre

The musical by Jonathan Harvey and the Pet Shop Boys returns to the South London venue next month

The cast of Closer to Heaven at the Union
The cast of Closer to Heaven at the Union
© Darren Bell

Closer to Heaven, the musical by Jonathan Harvey and Pet Shop Boys, will return to the Union Theatre following its sell-out run in April 2015, playing from Wednesday 21 October to Saturday 28 November 2015.

The show, which is set against the backdrop of Soho's clubland, is directed by Gene David Kirk, featuring a book by playwright Jonathan Harvey (Beautiful Thing) and original music and lyrics by Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe of Pet Shop Boys.

It centres on a young dancer, Dave, who is offered a bar job at a London nightclub, where he quickly becomes part of an unconventional family including Billie Trix (originally played by Frances Barber), a fading 60s rocker and mother figure to the club's habitués.

The Union production features choreography by Philip Joel, musical direction by Patrick Stockbridge and design by David Shields. Casting is by Adam Braham.

Closer to Heaven originally premiered at the Arts Theatre in 2001, and features an original club score by the Pet Shop Boys. It received its first London revival at the Union Theatre in April 2015.

Casting is yet to be announced. Tickets are on sale from the Union Theatre box office now.