Samantha Barks to star in Pretty Woman musical

West End leading lady Samantha Barks has been cast in a new musical adaptation of 1990 film Pretty Woman.

Barks – who rose to fame in 2008 on Andrew Lloyd Webber's TV talent show I'd Do Anything, and has since had credits including Les Miserables (West End and film), City of Angels (Donmar) and Amelie (US) – will play Vivian, originally played in the film by Julia Roberts.

Joining her as Edward (Richard Gere in the film) will be Tony Award-winner Steve Kazee – best known for originating the role of Guy in Once.

The romantic comedy is about a prostitute who falls in love with a Wall Street trader who pays her to be his escort for a week.

Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde) will direct and choreograph the world premiere production which opens at Chicago's Oriental Theatre in March 2018 before transferring to Broadway in the autumn.

The musical will have an original score by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance, with a book by Garry Marshall and the film's screenwriter JF Lawton.

Additional casting to be announced.