Russell Grant to play Mrs Meers in Thoroughly Modern Millie

Russell Grant, celebrity astrologer and star of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, will star as Mrs Meers in a fringe production of the musical Thoroughly Modern Millie.

The production will play at Theatro Technis in Camden from 1 to 29 October 2014.

The Tony Award-winning musical is based on the 1967 musical film, which tells the story of a small-town girl, Millie Dillmount, who comes to New York City to marry for money instead of love.

Mrs Meers is Millie's mysterious landlady, and was created on screen by Beatrice Lillie.

"Once in a while a role comes along that you have secretly coveted," said Grant. "I started performing in theatre around 50 years ago and this is one of those roles. Amongst other recent offers on both stage and screen it was this role I had to get my hands on."

Thoroughly Modern Millie features music by Jeanine Tesori, lyrics by Dick Scanlan, and a book by Scanlan and Richard Morris.

It's directed at Theatro Tehcnis by Drew Baker. Further casting is still to be announced.