Joe McElderry to star as Tommy in UK Premiere
6 February 2015
by Visit Blackpool
Following in the footsteps of Roger Daltrey in the 1975 film adaption, JOE MCELDERRY is set to bring The Who’s TOMMY to life opening the UK tour in Blackpool this September.
JOE MCELDERRY shot to fame on the X-factor in 2009 winning the show, since then Joe has sold over two million albums and gained a nationwide following. In 2012 Joe embarked on a new challenge becoming the winner of Pop star to Opera Star where it was revealed that he secured more votes than every other contestant combined throughout the series, cementing his place in the hearts of the nation as a musical virtuoso. No stranger to Tommy the Musical, Joe took to the stage as the title character in 2012 for a one off performance.
Joe quote “I am thrilled to bits to be asked to play Tommy as it’s a rock musical that is legendary and, I absolutely love the Who’s music”
This smash hit Broadway and West End show will be directed by stage and screen star PAUL NICHOLAS who starred alongside Elton John, Roger Daltrey and Tina Turner in the 1975 film release of the show. The new show coincides with the forty year anniversary of the film.
This colourful, exciting, imaginative and thought provoking new production will be enhanced by exhilarating choreography and will feature first class rock musicians. TOMMY was first performed by The Who in 1968 and was conceived by Pete Townsend and Kit Lambert with contributions to its development by John Enstwhistle, Keith Moon and Roger Daltrey.
Paul Nicholas who starred alongside Roger Daltrey in the 1975 film has this time become producer of the new tour along with Peter Frosdick and explains his delight at being able to announce Joe McElderry as the lead, “Joe is a fantastic addition to the cast & were delighted to have him on board” Paul continues “He’s supremely talented and familiar with the role, I look forward to working with him in the near future and bringing the iconic rock opera to life on the stage in Blackpool”
This multi award winning adaptation of the original chart topping album tells a powerful tale of a deaf, mute and blind pinball player who becomes an international messiah.
Not for the first time will audiences be thrilled by The Who classics, the legendary rockers played the world famous Opera House twice including August 1964 and October 22nd 1961 to critical acclaim. The Rock Opera promises it will inspire and thrill audiences including a whole new generation as it bursts onto the Opera House stage this autumn. Hit songs include Pinball Wizard and See Me Touch Me……..so don’t miss it!
The show which opens on September 11th will premiere at the Opera House Blackpool, Michael Williams, Managing director at the Winter Gardens Blackpool comments “we’re thrilled to have been chosen as the opening venue for this iconic show” Michael continues “we’re pleased that someone of Joe’s pedigree will lead the cast of what’s set to be an incredible show”
To celebrate the announcement the Winter Gardens will be giving 10 lucky people a goody bag plus tickets to see the show plus one lucky winner a chance to meet Joe on the opening night. For more details about the show, to book and to enter the competition visit www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk.