Cast announced for Vera Brittain musical, set to be led by Audrey Brisson
© Knox and Brisson provided by the production, Esuruoso by Samual Black and Arvidson by Euan Livingstone
The Buxton International Festival and Norwich Theatre have revealed the cast for their co-production, The Land of Might-Have-Been, which is set to open on 7 July 2023.
The musical is based on the songs of Ivor Novello and takes inspiration from the early life of feminist and pacifist Vera Brittain, a Buxton pioneer.
Audrey Brisson, who has previously appeared in Amélie the Musical, will play the role of Vera Brittain. Alexander Knox will play the role of Vera’s fiancée, Roland Leighton, while George Arvidson will play Edward Brittain, Vera’s brother. Kit Esuruoso will play Bobby, Vera’s friend and Edward’s secret lover.
The production is the first collaboration between the two venues, and is directed by Kimberley Sykes, conducted by Iwan Davies, with set and costume design by Nicky Shaw, lighting by Jake Wiltshire, sound by Declan Matwij, and choreography by Nathan M Wright.
Iain Farrington has arranged Ivor Novello’s songs, including “My Dearest Dear”, “Waltz of My Heart”, “My Life Belongs To You”, and “Why Is There Ever Goodbye”, for the Northern Chamber Orchestra.
The Land of Might-Have-Been follows the success of Michael Williams’ award-winning opera, Georgiana. The production is also expected to feature Stuart Pendred, Bernadine Pritchett, Elin Davies, Julie Teal, Boaz Chad, Richard Woodall, Helen Maree, Julia Mariko, Tobias Camposs Antinaque, and Charlie St John in supporting roles.
After premiering in Buxton, the show will transfer to the Norwich Theatre, where it runs from 25 July.
