Cast set for Pinocchio musical at Shakespeare’s Globe

Shakespeare’s Globe has revealed casting for a new musical on its main stage over the Christmas period.

From 29 November, the Globe Theatre will host Pinocchio, directed by Sean Holmes, with book and lyrics by Charlie Josephine (Cowbois) and music and lyrics by Jim Fortune (Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear). 

Associate artistic director and director of Pinocchio, Holmes, said: “It’s a privilege to be part of the team bringing this magical new musical to the Globe this Christmas. Like the story itself we hope the production makes the impossible possible.”

The cast comprises Lee Braithwaite as Pinocchio, Jennifer Caldwell as Ensemble / Swing, Michael Elcock as Carpenter / Rabbit Prince Charming, Kerry Frampton as Fox, Jamal Franklin as Ensemble / Swing, Ed Gaughan as Stromboli, Nick Holder as Geppetto, Lizzy Ives as Ensemble / Swing, Lucy McCormick as Blue Fairy / Cat, Kody Mortimer as Ensemble / Swing, and Steven Webb as Jiminy Cricket / Coachman. Stan Middleton, Aya Nakamura and Andrea Sadler join the company as puppeteers. Pinocchio was cast by Becky Paris, head of casting at Shakespeare’s Globe.

The production continues the Globe’s tradition of winter shows in its open-air theatre. It is designed by Grace Smart, with Peter O’Rourke as puppetry director and designer, Tony Gayle as sound designer, Zac Gvi as orchestrator, Roberta Zuric as associate director, Vicki Igbokwe-Ozoagu as choreographer, and Benjamin Holder as musical director.