Marissa Jaret Winokur to direct world premiere musical The Radium Girls in London

A new musical, The Radium Girls, will receive its world premiere.

Inspired by the real-life experiences of women on the factory frontlines in the 1920s, it follows ambitious teenager Olive and her friends as they land jobs painting glowing watch dials at New Jersey’s United States Radium Corporation.

The show has music and book by Amanda D’Archangelis, and lyrics and book by Sami Horneff and Lisa Mongillo. It is described as a “horror-laced” musical comedy.

Marissa Jaret Winokur, best known perhaps as Broadway’s original Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray, will direct.

Chadd McMillan serves as associate director and Jonathan Bauerfeld is the orchestrator, whilst Rebecca Reaney choreographs the show. The team is completed by casting director Harry Blumenau, executive producer RJG Productions and general manager HFH Productions. The show is produced by High Octave Productions and supported by co-producers Stubbs and Saul Productions.

Wendy Morgan-Hunter, founder and CEO of High Octave Productions, said: “The true history of the Radium Girls is now taught in schools across the US and the UK. As dark as this history is, our writers have found a way to retell it with heart and humor – honoring the memories of these young women and their loved ones, while allowing us to connect with their stories. While these characters’ experiences are heartbreaking, they ultimately find resolution in the end.”

The world premiere will take place at Southwark Playhouse Borough from 20 March to 8 May 2027, with a press night on 30 March.