Resident dame and “Lichfield legend” Sam Rabone will be back for his eighth year at the Garrick when he plays Madame Fillop in Beauty and the Beast.
Rabone said, “I'm thrilled to be back at the Garrick and, after a short gap, back with my old partner in crime Ben Thornton. Bringing Ben back means one thing and one thing only—it’s time to bring on the slosh!
“We've got a super cast of West End stars... and Ben. We've got some amazing singers this year... and Ben. I can't wait to be in the room with all the talent that Lichfield Garrick has found for you this year... and Ben, of course.”
Despite having to work with Rabone again, Thornton said he was delighted to be back in Lichfield after appearing there from 2016 to 2018. He will play Madame Fillop’s son Phillipe.
The cast also comprises Kat Chatterton as Belle, Natalie Pilkington as the Fairy, Melad Hamidi as the Prince and the Beast, Sarah Annakin as the Enchantress and Jacob Kohli as Danton.
The Garrick’s artistic director Daniel Buckroyd, who will also direct, said, “the show we’ve got lined up for Lichfield audiences this year promises to be our best yet. I can’t wait to get into the rehearsal room with Sam, Ben and the rest of our amazing cast.”
Beauty and the Beast will run at the Garrick from Friday 24 November until Sunday 7 January 2024.