Three sets of identical twins have been chosen after a five-year casting search to appear in Identical, a new musical which is to have its première in summer 2022.
Kyla and Nicole Fox from County Armagh, Northern Ireland, Emme and Eden Patrick from Waltham Abbey and Sienna and Savannah Robinson from Bromley, who are all aged 12, will play Lottie and Lisa in the production, based on the novel The Parent Trap by Erich Kästner which inspired Disney films featuring Hayley Mills in 1961 and Lindsay Lohan in 1998.
Identical tells the story of twin girls separated at birth who are reunited by chance at a summer camp 10 years later. In an attempt to bring together their divorced parents, they decide to swap identities.
Music and lyrics are by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, with a book by Stuart Paterson. Trevor Nunn will direct.
Producer Kenny Wax said, “the narrative offers a powerful message for the world right now and, under the directorial genius of Sir Trevor Nunn, I have no doubt that Identical will be regarded as one of the great musicals of its generation—providing that we can consistently cast incredibly talented identical twins.”
Identical will open at Nottingham Playhouse. Executive director Stephanie Sirr commented, “we can’t wait to create this show. It’s particularly exciting to give kids from our community the chance to work alongside world-class professionals and to take part in the première of a newly commissioned musical.”
Choreographer will be Matt Cole and set designer is Rob Jones. Jonathan Lipman is costume designer and video design is by Douglas O’Connell. Lighting designer is Johanna Town and sound design is by Paul Gatehouse.
Musical supervisor is Caroline Humphris, musical director is Tamara Saringer and orchestrator is Tom Curran.
Identical will open at Nottingham Playhouse from Tuesday 26 July until Sunday 14 August. It will transfer to Salford’s The Lowry from 19 August until 3 September. Further dates are to be announced.