Theatre News

Michael Crawford and Freddie Flintoff front new musical theatre TV show

The talent show, featuring well-known celebrities, will be overseen by Michael Crawford and presented by Freddie Flintoff

© Dan Wooller for WhatsOnStage

ITV has unveiled a new musical theatre-themed TV show, All Star Musical to air at Christmas, headed by Michael Crawford and presented by Freddie Flintoff.

Seven celebrities – Sir Tony Robinson, Denise Lewis, Nicky Campbell, Sally Phillips, Lucy Fallon, Michael Parr and Rebecca Front – will train with well-known West End stars to perfect a solo performance of a musical number ahead of a debut at London's Palladium Theatre.

Olivier and Tony Award-winner Crawford will be on hand to offer guidance, advice and encouragement throughout the process, which will test the theatrical mettle of the uninitiated celebs.

Flintoff is no stranger to musical theatre, making his stage debut in Fat Friends later this year.

The show will feature numbers from a range of famous musicals, including Chicago, Evita and Guys and Dolls, with the theatre audience deciding at the end of the night which celebrity was the most impressive.

Dates for the show are yet to be announced.