Cast announced for Watermill's Radio 4 musical But First This

Casting has been announced for a new "musical homage" to Radio 4, written by BBC newsreader Kathy Clugston and composer Desmond O'Connor, which premieres at the Watermill Theatre next month.

But First This will feature Michael Fenton Stevens as John Humphrys, Louise Plowright as Selina, Helena Blackman as Anna, Neil Ditt as Will and Jonathan Dryden Taylor as Jim, with James Beal on piano.

According to press material, "Along with the countryside, the monarchy and freedom of speech, Radio 4 is in the top seven Best Things About Britain Today, according to a recent poll. But a new Controller is out to destroy this cherished institution! Can the intrepid team of presenters foil her wicked plan?"

Clugston marks her musical theatre writing debut with the show, which was inspired by "nine years of firsthand experience behind the microphone" as a newsreader for Radio 4.

Composer Desmond O'Connor's credits include Scott Mills the Musical and And the Devil May Drag You Under at the Edinburgh Fringe.

But First This is directed by Michael Kingsbury and produced by The Watermill in association with Act Productions Ltd.