Casting announced for From Page to Stage festival at Southwark Playhouse

Casting has been announced for the upcoming festival of new musical theatre From Page to Stage at Southwark Playhouse.

The cast of 37 will perform over the seven shows, which include staged readings and showcases.

Performing in the staged reading of The Astonishing Times of Timothy Crachit will be Felix Mosse who will be joined by Barry James; Beverley Klein; Jessie May; Rebecca Bolton; Gavin James; Nicholas Mclean; Cornelius Clarke and Jake Small.

The cast of Cult!, also a staged reading, will be Genevieve Nicole; Ashley Samuels; Michael Storrs; Janet Kumah; Laura Mansell; Josie Kemp; Robbie Shepherd-White and Miles Western. To Paint the Earth's cast includes Fred Haig; Natalie Dunne; Rose Shalloo; Michele Moran; Gary Tushaw; Lauren Lebowitz; Sam Peggs; Dale Rapley; Simon Oskarsson; Kai Spellman; Lottie Johnson and Ashley Knight.

The musicals Villages, Benjamin Button, Smoke and Never Change will be performed by a rep cast as part of an evening showcase. The cast includes: Simbi Akande; Rosemary Ashe; David Bardsley; Will Carey; Adam Linstead; Emma Salvo; Lawrence Smith and Benjamin Stratton.

Jonathan O'Boyle is to direct The Astonishing Time of Timothy Cratchit, while Amy Corcoran will direct Cult!. To Paint the Earth will be directed by Michael Howcroft and Bronagh Lagan will direct the showcase evening.

The musicals were chosen from over 150 entries from across the country. The festival runs from 11 September.