Personality: The Lloyd Price Musical in London – first look at rehearsals

Take a first look at the cast, led by Cedric Neal, of the London stage debut of Personality: The Lloyd Price Musical.

Following a run in Chicago and a showcase in London in 2024, the new musical will be presented in concert this month.

Known for such hits as “Personality,” “Lawdy Miss Clawdy,” and “Stagger Lee,” the piece celebrates the life and career of Lloyd Price. Price was a pioneering figure in rock ‘n’ roll, and became the first teenager to sell over a million records after founding his own label.

The piece has a book by B Jeffrey Madoff, who is also the lead producer, and will be directed by Sheldon Epps. Choreography is by Edgar Godineaux, musical supervision is by Shelton Becton and UK casting by Pearson Casting.

Neal is set to play the title role, joined by Craig Armstrong as Levy, Zoe Birkett as Rosetta Tharpe/Ma Nora/Erma Franklin, Marcus Collins as Art Rupe, Shem Omari James as Young Lloyd, Aaron Lee Lambert as Don Roby, Clive Rowe as Harold Logan, Lifford Shillingford as Dave and Vanessa Ela Young as Emma.

The ensemble cast is completed by Gibsa Bah, Alishia-Marie Blake, Darnell Mathew-James, Jamel Matthias, Kenedy Small as Na Naan/ensemble, Christopher Tendai, Grace Wylde and Pelé Yearwood.

The musical is executive-produced in the UK by Tegan Summer Theatricals, while general management is by New Road Theatricals.

Personality: The Lloyd Price Musical will play at the Southbank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall for two performances on Saturday, 11 October.