Ain’t Too Proud extends West End run 

Ain’t Too Proud has announced an extension of its West End premiere at the Prince Edward Theatre.

The musical tells the story of The Temptations, a legendary Motown group, tracing their extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Numbers include “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone,” “Get Ready,” and “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” among many others.

The West End production is led by Cameron Bernard Jones as Melvin Franklin, Kyle Cox as Paul Williams, Sifiso Mazibuko as Otis Williams, Mitchell Zhangazha as Eddie Kendricks, and Matt Manuel, star of the Broadway production, reprising his role as David Ruffin. Tosh Wanogho-Maud is set to return to the role of David Ruffin in the near future.

Joining the ensemble are Evonnee Bentley-Holder, Natalia Brown, Ryan Carter, Hannah Fairclough, Christopher Gopaul, Daniel Haswell, Naomi Katiyo, Akmed Junior Khemalai, Holly Liburd, Darnell Mathew-James, Simeon Montague, Posi Morakinyo, Sadie-Jean Shirley, Michael James Stewart, Toyan Thomas-Browne, Dylan Turner, and Kevin Yates, completing the talented company.

The book is written by Dominique Morisseau, a recipient of the prestigious Kennedy Prize. The musical reunites director Des McAnuff, a two-time Tony Award winner, with Sergio Trujilio, the Tony and Olivier Award-winning choreographer, known for their work on the hit show Jersey Boys.

The production features scenic design by Tony Award nominee Robert Brill, costume design by Tony Award winner Paul Tazewell, lighting design by Tony Award winner Howell Binkley, sound design by Tony Award winner Steve Canyon Kennedy, and projection design by Drama Desk Award winner Peter Nigrini. Charles G LaPointe handles hair and wig design, while music supervision and arrangements are by Kenny Seymour, orchestrations by Drama Desk Award winner Harold Wheeler, and music direction by Matt Smith. Pippa Ailion CDG and Natalie Gallacher CDG are responsible for casting.

The show will now run until January 7, 2024, with tickets for the Christmas performances already available for purchase.