Theatre News

Cast: Lauren Samuels Joins WWRY, Hanson is Lazy Elf

| London's West End |

29 September 2011

Long-running West End hit We Will Rock You has announced three new principal cast members, who will join the show from 10 October 2011.

The new cast members are: former Over the Rainbow contestant Lauren Samuels, who will play Scaramouche; Alasdair Harvey , who will play Killer Queen’s sidekick Khashoggi; and Wayne Robinson, who will play Britney (a role he has previously played on tour).

They join current principals Alex Gaumond (Galileo), Kevin Kennedy (Pop), Brenda Edwards (Killer Queen) and Rachel John (Meat), who will remain with the show into next year.

The musical has a book by Ben Elton and features 32 of Queen’s
greatest hits including “Bohemian Rhapsody”, “Crazy Little Thing Called
Love”, “Under Pressure”, “Radio Gaga” and, of course, “We Will Rock
You”. It’s directed by Elton, choreographed by Arlene Phillips and
designed by Mark Fisher and Willie Williams.

In other casting news, Ben Hanson, who played Bouncer in CBBC show Tracey Beaker, will join Santa and Mrs Claus in The Lazy Elf, which plays in the daytime slot at the Arts Theatre from 10 to 22 December 2011.

Hanson will play Larry, an extremely lazy elf, who would rather have a nap than make toys for all the boys and girls.

The Lazy Elf is an interactive 55-minute musical written by musician and vocal coach Jo Noel-Hartley. With a large cast of Santa’s Elves that includes Jelly Bean, Fizzy, Smarty, Sweet Pea, Cupcake, Tinker, Fudge, Bluebell and Percy, the audience must help Larry to realise the value of hard work and the true meaning of Christmas.

As well as Tracy Beaker, Ben Hanson was a regular presenter on the CBBC channel. Other television credits include Casualty, Blue Healers and The Echo of Thunder.