Exclusive: Freaky Friday musical announces UK casting

Exclusive: Casting has been revealed for the UK premiere of Freaky Friday, which will open at HOME Manchester later this year.

Directed by Andy Fickman, the production features a book by Bridget Carpenter, music by Tom Kitt and lyrics by Brian Yorkey. The show is based on the 1972 novel by Mary Rodgers and the subsequent Disney film adaptations, including the recent sequel Freakier Friday.

Leading the show will be Rebecca Lock, who plays Katherine, while her daughter Ellie will be played by Jena Pandya.

They are joined by Ian Virgo as Mike, Samantha Ho as Gretchen, Beth Savill as Hannah, Jessica Butterworth as Savannah, Ellie Gilbert-Grey as Laurel, Max Mirza as Adam, Morgan Gregory as Parker, Dylan Gordon-Jones as Wells, Waylon Jacobs as Dr Ehrin, Tori Scott as Torrey, Katharine Pearson as Danielle, James Stirling as Grampa Jo, and Catherine Millsom as Grandma Helene. Child casting is to be revealed.

The musical follows an overworked mother and her teenage daughter who magically swap bodies and must find a way to reverse the change within a day. Through the experience, they come to understand each other’s perspectives and the bond that unites them.

Freaky Friday will be presented by Paul Taylor-Mills (The Lightning Thief, Heathers The Musical). The creative team includes choreographer Alexzandra Sarmiento (42 Balloons), associate choreographer Sam Wilson-Freeman (& Juliet), set and costume designer David Shields (Heathers The Musical), associate costume designer Reuben Speed (Doctor Faustus), lighting designer Nick Richings (La Cage Aux Folles), music supervisor and arranger Will Parker (Self Esteem presents A Complicated Woman), musical director George Strickland (The Book Thief), and associate director Ben Johnson (Nerds the Musical). Casting is by Will Burton with children’s casting by Keston and Keston.

The show runs from 27 November 2025 to 10 January 2026, with tickets on sale now.