New musical British Invasion to have workshop presentation directed by Jerry Mitchell, with cast confirmed

A workshop presentation of British Invasion, a new musical directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell, will take place in London on 18 and 19 September.

Set during the rise of the 1960s, the show follows a story of young love and music, featuring more than two dozen songs by artists including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, Cilla Black and Dusty Springfield. The idea for the musical was originally conceived by Herman’s Hermits frontman Peter Noone, and has a book by Rick Elice and musical supervision by Tom Deering. Producers are Hal Luftig, Craig Haffner, Sherry Wright and Kevin Connor.

Speaking about the project, Mitchell explained: “Before they were big. Before Ed Sullivan introduced The Beatles. Before British bands took over the world — they were making music for each other at The Bag O’ Nails. I love these songs, and I love that moment when no one yet knew the impact they would have.

“With British Invasion, we get to re-live that explosion of possibility — the sound, the style, the spirit of a generation discovering itself through music. Developing this show in London, the birthplace of so much of that energy, feels exactly right. This city was the epicentre of a cultural revolution, and it’s thrilling to explore that legacy in the rehearsal room with this company. The Bag of Nails, Carnaby and Kingly Street is the heart of this story and much of that energy feels exactly right.”

The workshop cast has also been revealed, featuring Kyle Taylor Parker as Geno, Jonny Amies as Peter Noone, Stevie Doc as Marianne, Jordan Luke Gage as Mick, Jenna Bonner as Suki, Daniel Bravo as Andrew, Melissa Jacques as Peter’s Mum, George Maguire as Paul McCartney, Ashley Samuels as the Dealer, Taila Halford as Mary Quaint, with Ying Ue Li, Tom Oliver and Rachel Rawlinson. Further casting is to be confirmed.

Casting is by Jill Green with Tom Shiels as casting associate. General management is by Thomas Hopkins Productions.

Future plans for the musical will be revealed in due course.