China Plate and Birmingham Hippodrome have revealed the cast for To the Streets! an “uplifting” new musical by Roy Williams and Tim Sutton, based on an original idea by Christopher Haydon and inspired by the 1963 Bristol bus boycott.
Michael Ahomka-Lindsay will play Paul, Jonathan Andre takes the role of Roy, McCallam Connell will play Des and Paul Kemble will be Bert. The cast will also feature Duane Lamonte (Guy), Jessie May (secretary), Denise Pitter (Pearl), Charlotte St Croix (Lorraine) and Andy Watkins (Harry).
The cast will perform alongside a community ensemble of singers and dancers who are being cast via an open audition process.
To the Streets! will be directed by Christopher Haydon, with book by Roy Williams, music and lyrics by Tim Sutton, design by Soutra Gilmour and choreography by Dannielle “Rhimes” Lecointe. Associate director is Nyasha Gudo, Melody Sinclair is associate choreographer and Aron Sood is associate music director.
The musical is set in 1963. Tensions are running high in Bristol where the Omnibus Company refuses to employ black or Asian drivers or conductors. An idealistic youth worker takes to the streets to stand up for equality. A teenager newly arrived from Jamaica joins the fight and becomes part of a movement that changes history.
To the Streets! will be performed in Handsworth Park, Birmingham on Friday 19 and Saturday 20 August, Windmill Hill, Warwick Arts Centre, Coventry on Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 August and West Park, Wolverhampton on Sunday 28 August.