FIRST CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR ‘TESS – THE ALBUM’

The first stage of casting has been announced for the album of new British musical TESS.

Performing in the chorus in a variety of roles will be GSA graduate and solo artist TRICIA ANDERSON, leading actor from numerous musicals such as Chess and La Cage aux Folles MICHAEL BARKER,  TV actress and performer at Northampton’s Royal and Derngate Theatre CATHY CRADDOCK, actress, director and producer at Heartbreak Productions MADDY KERR, graduate from the Birmingham School of Acting whose recent credits include The Russell Brand Effect: the morning after JANETTE SUMMERFIELD and actor and director of shows including Jesus Christ Superstar and Glorious! MARK TOLCHARD. The chorus is completed by two newcomers – SOPHIE CRADDOCK and LEXY KNIBBS, who will soon be performing as Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray at Stratford College.

“I’m thrilled to be involved in this exciting project”, says Janette Summerfield. “I was privileged to hear and sing a couple of songs early on in the creative process and was struck by how powerful both the lyrics and the music were. I was still singing the songs a week later!”
 
Casting for the album will be conducted in three stages. The second stage will be of named supporting roles with an announcement expected at the beginning of March. The final stage will be of the principal roles and involve London casting director Anne Vosser. Auditions will take place at the beginning of April with an announcement to follow soon after.

Pre-production of the album will begin in April and be produced by Sunim Koria.

​Having gained the critical praise of legendary lyricist Sir Tim Rice, the show is being recorded for the very first time to promote it to a bigger audience in its quest to receive a first theatrical performance. “I’m delighted to be recording this album”, adds actress Summerfield. “I know the story of Tess and can’t wait to help transfer it from page to stage.”