Richard E Grant will play Kraken: Lord of the Oceans in the world première of the musical Water Babies at Leicester’s Curve—but only as a 3D hologram.
Grant has many theatre credits to his name as well as more than 80 films and television programmes. These include Withnail And I, Gosford Park and the new series of Downton Abbey.
The Water Babies is inspired by Charles Kingsley’s 1863 novel of the same name. The production uses “some of the most sophisticated special effects ever seen on stage”.
As previously announced, Louise Dearman will play Mrs D and Lauren Samuels takes the role of Ellie.
The rest of the cast comprises Tom Lister (eel / Grimes), Thomas Milner (Tom), Tom Davey (Claude), Caroline Deverill (Lady Amelia), Matthew Gent (Masterman), Andy Gray (Jock), Jeffrey Harmer (Sir John), Samuel Holmes (Terrence), Rebecca Jayne-Davies (Ariadne), Sienna Kelly (Miller) and Marcquelle Ward (Rafferty) while Robbie Boyle, Matthew Caputo, Georgia Carling, Jorell Coiffic-Kamall, Cristina Hoey Marianna Neofitou and Morgan Scott will all play water babies.
Directed by Ed Curtis, with music by Chris Egan and book and lyrics by Ed Curtis and Guy Jones, The Water Babies runs at Curve from Thursday (24 April) until Saturday 17 May. Press night is Tuesday 6 May.