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Romantics Anonymous musical: first look at Emma Rice's show as it returns at Bristol Old Vic

Carly Bawden and Marc Antolin star in the musical version of the French film

The cast of Romantics Anonymous
The cast of Romantics Anonymous
© Steve Tanner

WhatsOnStage has an exclusive first look at Emma Rice's hit musical Romantics Anonymous as it returns at Bristol Old Vic.

Appearing in the show will be Marc Antolin (Jean-René), Carly Bawden (Angélique), Brett Brown (Salesman/Fred), Me'sha Bryan (Suzanne/Mimi), Harry Hepple (Ludo/Remi), Laura Jane Matthewson (Young Woman), Sandra Marvin (Magda/Brigitte/Dr Maxim), Craig Pinder (Father/Pierre/Receptionist) and Gareth Snook (Mercier/Mumbler/Marini).

Gareth Snook, Carly Bawden and Me'sha Bryan
Gareth Snook, Carly Bawden and Me'sha Bryan
© Steve Tanner

Playing from 18 January to 1 February, the show has design based on Lez Brotherston's original, musical supervision by Nigel Lilley, choreography by Etta Murfitt, orchestrations by Simon Hale, lighting by Malcolm Rippeth and sound by Simon Baker.

Carly Bawden
Carly Bawden
© Steve Tanner
Carly Bawden and Marc Antolin in Romantics Anonymous
Carly Bawden and Marc Antolin in Romantics Anonymous
© Steve Tanner 2018

Based on the French film Les Émotifs Anonymes, it follows Angélique, a shy chocolate maker and the awkward boss of a chocolate factory in a love story. The show first ran at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse in 2017.

Carly Bawden
Carly Bawden
© Steve Tanner

Following its run in Bristol, the show will embark on a major north American tour.

Carly Bawden and the cast of Romantics Anonymous
Carly Bawden and the cast of Romantics Anonymous
© Steve Tanner
Carly Bawden and Marc Antolin in Romantics Anonymous
Carly Bawden and Marc Antolin in Romantics Anonymous
© Romantics Anonymous licence
Carly Bawden
Carly Bawden
© Steve Tanner