Memphis premieres at Shaftesbury Theatre in October, Beverley Knight stars

The long-rumoured West End premiere of Tony Award-winning musical Memphis has been confirmed. The production opens at the Shaftesbury Theatre on 23 October 2014 (previews from 9 October), and will star Beverley Knight, currently appearing in The Bodyguard.

Public booking opens on 13 March.

Winner of four Tony Awards including Best Musical, Memphis centres on a black singer whose career is on the rise, but who can't break out of segregated clubs of 1950's Memphis Tennessee.

Then she meets a white radio DJ whose love of music transcends race lines and airwaves. When the two collaborate, her soulful music reaches radio audiences everywhere, and the Golden Era of early rock 'n' roll takes flight. But as things start to heat up, whether the world is really ready for their music – or their love – is put to the test.

Memphis features a story by Joe DiPietro (I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change), and an original score by DiPietro and David Bryan.

Further details of the West End production will be announced shortly.

Beverley Knight took over the role of Rachel Marron from Heather Headley in WhatsOnStage Award-winning musical The Bodyguard last September. The show marks the chart-topping soul singer's West End theatre debut.

She tweeted today:

True! I will be doing the musical Memphis this autumn! I’m in @TheBodyguardUK until 31st May & my life now is ALL about THIS great show! Xx