Full cast set for Fanny at the King’s Head Theatre

Full casting has been confirmed for Calum Finlay’s comedy Fanny.

First seen at the Watermill Theatre in 2024, where it received a glowing review from WhatsOnStage, the piece tells the overlooked story of Fanny Mendelssohn – a composer who intercepts a letter meant for her brother Felix, leading her to impersonate him and embark on a whirlwind adventure across Europe.

Charlie Russell will reprise her performance in the title role, once more directed by Katie-Ann McDonough.

The actor said: “I am really looking forward to returning to Fanny. It’s a beautiful, funny, irreverent play that I can’t wait to share with London. The cast is intimidatingly excellent, and we’re so lucky to have the whole incredible team, on and off stage. We get to tell Fanny’s story, the ‘what if’ she had the agency to do something different, and that’s a privilege.”

For this new run at the King’s Head Theatre, she’ll be joined by Daniel Abbott as Felix, Kim Ismay as Lea, and Jeremy Lloyd as Paul. Danielle Phillips plays Rebecka, and Riad Richie plays Wilhelm.

Finlay added: “I couldn’t be more thrilled to have this extraordinary group of artists bringing Fanny to London. They’re funny and talented and are already elevating the story far beyond what I imagined on the page. I can’t wait for London audiences to enjoy this new version of the play!”

The show will have music by Yshani Perinpanayagam, set and costumes by Sophia Pardon, lighting design by David Howe, and casting is by Harry Blumenau. Phao Wheatley is movement director, while Emily Nelson is associate set and costume designer and Russell is creative associate.

The production team is led by Charlie Rayner as production manager, Alice Cavanagh as company stage manager, with Jasmine Dittman and Molly Tackaberry as assistant stage managers. Fanny is produced by RJG Productions in association with the Watermill Theatre.

Director McDonough concluded: “Fanny captures the extraordinary ambition and music of Fanny Mendelssohn, a woman whose genius was too often overshadowed. I’m honoured to bring her story of creativity, determination, and the fight to be heard to the King’s Head with this wonderful cast, and to celebrate both her spirit and her legacy.”

Performances will take place at the King’s Head Theatre from 10 October to 15 November, with an opening set for 16 October.

Each performance will conclude with a Noble Call, inspired by the Irish tradition of inviting guests at a party to share a song, a poem, or to respond to the moment. Female-identifying musicians of all levels, backgrounds, and styles are invited to sign up to play a piece of music at the end of the show each night to continue the work of all the women musicians before them.