Jessica Hynes to star in Big Time! at Stratford East

BAFTA Award-winning actress Jessica Hynes has been confirmed to star in the new show Big Time!, a musical celebration of the life and work of Lionel Bart.

Hynes, who is most well known for her roles in W1A and Spaced, will also be joined by EastEnders star Neil McDermott and Blue singer Lee Ryan.

The cast will be completed by Sonny Jay, Tony Howes, David Charkham and Grazina Frame.

Lionel Bart is famously known for writing Oliver! and has written hits for artists including Cliff Richard, Tommy Steele, Shirley Bassey and Anthony Newley. He was also the original manager of The Rolling Stones.

Accompanied by a 14 piece orchestra, Big Time! features 27 songs and charts Lionel Bart’s life from childhood to his first forays into song writing, his time with Joan Littlewood’s Theatre Workshop Company and subsequent West End successes and failures.

The show will feature classic songs such as "I’d do Anything", "Do you Mind", "Livin’ Doll", "Fings Ain’t Wot They Used T’Be" and "Consider Yourself".

Big Time! will run at Theatre Royal Stratford East for 3 performances from 16 to 17 October 2015.