Original cast of Loserville to reunite for Lil Chris West End memorial concert

The original West End cast of Loserville will reunite for a one-off concert performance at the Garrick Theatre in January.

The evening is being produced in memory of original cast member Chris Hardman (aka Lil' Chris), and proceeds will go to the Maytree Respite Centre and the Youth Music Theatre UK Student Bursary Fund.

Returning cast members include EastEnders star Aaron Sidwell (Wicked, American Idiot) as Michael Dork, Eliza Hope Bennett as Holly, Stewart Clarke as Eddie, Charlotte Harwood as Leia, Richard Lowe as Lucas and Daniel Buckley as Marvin.

They are joined by Jade Albertsen, Sophie Ayers, Laura Bennett, Robbie Boyle, Matthew Bradley, Olly Buxton, Andrew Carthy, Freya Field, Daniel Hall, Lauren Hall, Ollie Hannifan, Dan Krikler, Duncan Leighton, Ashley Luke Lloyd, Megan Louch, Andy Shaw, Sarah Watson and Witney White.

Originally commissioned by Youth Music Theatre UK in 2009, Elliot Davis and James Bourne's musical charts the rise of a typical American high school nerd from 1971 as he and his sci-fi-obsessed misfit friends try to change the world from their position of insignificance. It was inspired by Bourne's 2005 album "Welcome to Loserville".

It premiered at the West Yorkshire Playhouse in 2012 before transferring to the West End and being nominated for an Olivier Award for Best New Musical.

Hardman originally played the role of Francis, but took his own life in 2015 after a long period of depression.

Davis said: "Lil Chris' passing affected the whole of the Loserville family. Music played a central role in Chris' life… His enthusiasm for the show at its early stages was infectious."

Bourne added: "Having the original West End Loserville cast come back together in memory of Chris Hardman is as unique as it is special. It’s going to be a great night and the energy will be extreme!"

Loserville runs at the Garrick Theatre on Sunday 28 January 2018. You can buy tickets for the concert here.