Amanda Abbington and Danny Mac to star in A Little Princess

Initial casting has been announced for the UK premiere of Andrew Lippa's A Little Princess.

Directed by Arlene Phillips, Amanda Abbington (Sherlock) will star alongside Danny Mac (Sunset Boulevard).

Based on Frances Hodgson Burnett's childhood novel about Sara Crewe, who is sent from her home in Africa to a boarding school in London, A Little Princess has music by Lippa and book and lyrics from Brian Crawley.

Lippa, whose other musicals include The Addams Family, Big Fish and The Wild Party, will conduct the semi-staged version of the show at the Royal Festival Hall in May.

Further casting is to be announced.

A Little Princess runs at the Royal Festival Hall on 28 May.