Anthony Lau is to direct The Jingleclaw, a new musical for young audiences which will take to the Birmingham Hippodrome stage at Christmas 2024.
Lau was associate artistic director at Sheffield Theatres from 2020 until 2024. He directed Arthur Miller’s The Crucible earlier in 2024, Miss Saigon in 2023 and Chris Bush’s Rock/Paper/Scissors in 2022, which won him best director at the UK Theatre awards.
Lau said, “nurturing the next generation of theatre-makers and -goers is so important, and it’s brilliant that Birmingham Hippodrome recognise this and see the value in investing in great work made especially for them. I’m incredibly excited to be directing The Jingleclaw and to be a part of the Hippodrome’s innovative My First Musical programme.
“Robyn Grant and Tim Gilvin are supremely gifted writers with a knack for the mischievous and, with The Jingleclaw, we’re setting out to make a new musical for the whole family. We can’t wait to share the magic of a musical with them.”
The Jingleclaw tells the story of Astrid, a young girl with a big heart and even bigger ideas. In a cosy village nestled in the snowy mountains, the Shnootnoot Winter Festival is approaching. Astrid is busy practising to play with her school band. Meanwhile, deep in the Winterwood, the Jingleclaw awakes—a mischievous monster who can’t stand festive cheer and music.
Alexia McIntosh will portray Jingleclaw and will be back at Birmingham Hippodrome representing her West Midlands roots after a four-year West End run playing and originating the role of Cleves in SIX the Musical.
Isabella Gervais from North Carolina will take the role of Astrid. Mpilo May will play Dad, Miiya Alexandra will join the cast as Astrid’s friend Jacob, Alex Cardall will portray Hans and Sue Appleby will bring Mrs Whimsy to life.
The Jingleclaw will run in the Hippodrome’s Patrick Studio from Thursday 12 December until Saturday 4 January 2025.