Photos: Rice Rehearses Cast for French Umbrellas

Kneehigh Theatre’s The Umbrellas of Cherbourg arrives at the Gielgud Theatre on 22 March (previews from 5 March) following a limited run at Leicester’s Curve. Directed by Emma Rice, the company’s adaptation of Jacques Demy and Michel Legrand’s 1964 film follows the success of their 2008 West End outing Brief Encounter which was performed in a Haymarket cinema.

The company for the West End and Leicester productions includes multi Olivier award-winning Joanna Riding (Madame Emery), cabaret artist Meow Meow (Lola), Carly Bawden (Genevieve), Gareth Charlton (Sailor), Andrew Durand (Guy), Cynthia Erivo (Madelaine), Dominic Marsh (Cassard), Aki Omoshaybi (Sailor) and ensemble members Laura Brydon and Matt Wilman.

The Umbrellas of Cherbourg has lyrics translated by Sheldon Harnick, is designed by Lez Brotherston, with lighting by Malcolm Rippeth and sound by Simon Baker. Musical supervision is by Nigel Lilley and the production is produced in the West End by Daniel Sparrow and Mike Walsh Productions, Curve Leicester and City Lights International in association with Be My Productions.

The cast of The Umbrellas of Cherbourg will be giving us a sneak peak of their show at the 2011 Whatsonstage.com Awards which take place at the Prince of Wales theatre on Sunday 20 February 2011. To book your tickets and find out more about the ceremony’s impressive line-up, which includes Ramin Karimloo and Alfie Boe.