Full cast for Something Rotten!’s UK premiere revealed

Full casting has been revealed for Something Rotten!, which will have its fully staged UK premiere this summer.

Set in 1595, it follows the Bottom brothers, Nick and Nigel, playwrights in the shadow of one William Shakespeare, who attempt to stage the world’s first-ever musical. It was first seen in concert last year at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, with that show winning the WhatsOnStage Award for Best Concert Event.

Something Rotten! features a book by John O’Farrell and Karey Kirkpatrick and a score by Karey and Wayne Kirkpatrick. It is directed and choreographed by Tim Jackson (Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York) and presented by Kevin McCollum of Alchemation and Joshua Andrews of JAS Theatricals.

Set to star will be Jason Manford, returning after the show’s concert run, playing Nick Bottom. Joining him will be Richard Fleeshman as William Shakespeare, having played the role in the award-winning concert, alongside Marisha Wallace, who also appeared in the award-winning concert, playing Bea. Interestingly, Wallace had originally been part of the Broadway production in 2015, where she served as an understudy for Bea and played Eggie White.

Joining them will be Cory English as Nostradamus, Cassius Hackforth as Nigel Bottom, Carla Dixon-Hernandez as Portia, Gareth Davies as Shylock, Chad Saint Louis as Troubadour, Paul Ryan as Brother Jeremiah and Elliotte Williams-N’Dure as Lady C with Andrew Davison, Dylan Collymore, Jordan Cambridge-Taylor, Richard James-Neale and Paul Kemble as Troupe.

The cast is completed by Stephanie Costi, Robert Donnelly, Zac Frieze, Samuel How, Bailey Johnson, Jessica Keable, Rhys Lambert, Sara Morley, Indiya Payne, Hannah Petley, and Rina Punwani.

Directed and choreographed by Tim Jackson (Merrily We Roll Along, Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York), the creative team is completed by set designer Colin Richmond, costume designer Rebecca Brower, lighting designer Howard Hudson, audio production and sound designer Paul Gatehouse, co-choreographer Claira Vaughan, musical supervisor Nick Finlow, hair, wigs and make up designer Carole Hancock, casting by Jill Green Casting, and production management by Patrick Molony and Chris Easton.

The show will open in Manchester, playing at the Opera House from 16 June to 19 July 2026.