Casting announced for Unexpected Joy at Southwark Playhouse

Casting has been announced for the European premiere of Bill Russell and Janet Hood's new musical, Unexpected Joy, which opens at Southwark Playhouse in September.

Directed by Amy Anders Corcoran, the all-female cast will feature Jodie Jacobs (Rock of Ages) as Rachel, Janet Fullerlove (Fortune's Fool) as Joy, Melanie Marshall (Guys and Dolls) as Lou and Kelly Sweeney (professional debut) as Tamara.

The new musical, which premiered Off-Broadway at the York Theatre Company, tells of three generations of female singers.

Produced by Katy Lipson and Jim Kierstead, the production has casting by Jane Deitch, musical direction by Gareth Bretherton, design by Verity Johnson, lighting by Nic Farman, and sound by James Nicholson.