Cat Simmons takes over from Samantha Barks as tour Nancy

The production opens at Birmingham Hippodrome on 13 March where it continues there until 21 April with Simmons joining the show on Tuesday 3 April 2012. She appears alongside the previously announced Brian Conley who takes over the role of Fagin from Neil Morrissey on the same date.

Recently seen playing Mary Magdalene in the national tour of Jesus Christ Superstar, Simmons’ West End credits include Whistle Down the Wind and Fame. She also appeared in the Young Vic’s production of Simply Heavenly and the Old Vic’s Aladdin opposite Ian McKellen.

The touring cast also features: Jack Edwards as Mr Bumble; Suzie Chard as Widow Corney; Stephen Moore as Mr Brownlow; David Langham as Mr Sowerberry; CJ Johnson as Mrs Sowerberry; Stevie Hutchinson as Noah Claypole; Emma Dukes as Bet; and Victoria Hay as Charlotte.

Lionel Bart’s 1960 musical, which played a two-year run at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane before closing in January 2011, started its UK tour in Cardiff on 20 December (previews from 10 December 2011).

The production is currently playing a three-month run at Manchester’s Palace Theatre until 10 March 2012 and will also tour to Southampton, Edinburgh, Plymouth, Newcastle, Leeds, Dublin and Bristol with venues confirmed through to March 2013.