Louise Dearman and Laura Pitt-Pulford to star in Side Show

Initial casting has been announced for the cult Broadway musical Side Show, which will receive its London premiere at Southwark Playhouse this October.

Conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton will be played by Louise Dearman and Laura Pitt-Pulford.

Dearman (Daisy) is best known for being the first actress to star as both Glinda and Elphaba in the hit musical Wicked, whilst her recent theatre credits include Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls (UK Tour) and Kiss Me Kate (Royal Albert Hall).

Pitt-Pulford (Violet) was recently seen in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Regent's Park Open Air Theatre) for which she was received an Olivier Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical. Her other credits include Flowers for Mrs Harris (Sheffield Crucible) and Oliver! (Leicester Curve).

Featuring a score by Dreamgirls composer Henry Krieger and lyrics by Bill Russell, the 1997 musical is inspired by the true story of conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton who make ends meet playing a headline act at a seedy side show. When spotted by a talent agent, they find fame and soon become the highest paid vaudeville stars of their time.

The production will be directed by Hannah Chissick with choreography by Matthew Cole, design by takis and sound design by Dan Simpson.

Further casting is yet to be announced.

Side Show runs at Southwark Playhouse from 26 October to 3 December.