2nd degree for White Xmas
Casting announced for White Christmas at Edinburgh Playhouse
Shiela Ferguson, the second longest-serving member of the Three Degrees, is to star as Martha Watson in the production of White Christmas playing the Playhouse over the festive period.
Held over from its planned 2020 slot the show will run Tuesday 14 December 2021 to Sunday 2 January 2022, with tickets already on sale (click here for full details).
Sheila Ferguson ‘Martha Watson’. Photo Darren Bell
Based on the 1954 move, this revival was originated in 2018 at the Curve in Leicester under the direction of the theatre’s AD Nikolai Foster with new choreography from double Olivier award winner Stephen Mear. The tour is directed by Ian Talbot.
Dan Burton reprises the role of Phil Davis for the tour, with Matthew Jeans joining him as Bob Wallace – they are the inseparable US army buddies turned Broadway stars who were originally played by Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye in the movie.
Emily Langham (Betty Haynes) and Dan Burton (Phil David). Photo Darren Bell
The backstage musical follows their attempt to help out their old commanding officer General Waverly who will be played by Duncan Smith, last seen at the Playhouse in a tour of the The Sound of Music.
As they attempt to stage a show Waverly’s failing Vermont winter lodge – were Martha is the receptionist – they are beset by romantic misunderstandings involving the singing Haynes sisters, Betty and Judy, who will be played by Jessica Daley – last seen in An Officer and a Gentleman – and Emily Langham.
Matthew Jeans (Bob Wallace) and Jessica Daley (Judy Haynes). Photo Darren Bell
The cast is completed by – deep breath – Phillip Bertioli, Imogen Bowtell, Isabel Canning, Freddie Clements, Meg Darcy, Adam Denman, Beth Devine, Kirsty Fuller, Ashton Harkness, Sam Holden, Matt Holland, Samuel John-Humphreys, Aoife Kenny, Ella Kemp, Joshua Lovell, Martin McCarthy, Ben Munday, Oliver Ramsdale, Kayleigh Thadani and Kraig Thornber.
Besides Mear’s new choreography, the Curve production has set design by Michael Taylor and costumes by Diego Pitarch. Musical Supervision is by Stephen Brooker, lighting design by Mark Henderson and sound design by Tom Marshall. Orchestrations are by Larry Blank with new musical arrangements by Jason Carr.
Listings
White Christmas
Edinburgh Playhouse, 18 – 22 Greenside Place, EH1 3AA
Tuesday 14 December 2021 to Sunday 2 January 2022
Evenings: 7.30pm: Tue 14 – Sat 18, Wed 22/Thurs 23, Mon 27, Wed 29/Thurs 30.
Matinees 2.30pm: all Sats, Thurs 16, Weds 22, Mon 27/Tue 28, Thurs 30.
All Suns & Fri 24: 1pm & 5pm.
Tickets and details: Book here.
The Company. Photo Darren Bell
ENDS
