The Mystery of Edwin Drood – Arts Theatre (2012)

Landor Theatre 11 April – 5 May 2012
Arts Theatre, West End 18 May – 17 June 2012

Aria Entertainment produced the revival of the famous Rupert Holme’s musical in the bi-centenary year of Charles Dickens. The production starred former Coronation Street star Wendi Peters and ran at the Landor Theatre, Clapham for 4 weeks before transferring to the Arts Theatre, West End for 35 performances from April – June 2012.

The story follows the exploits of the Theatre Royale Music Hall Company. Set against the backdrop of the Great British traditions of Music Hall and Pantomime, the Theatre Royale actors set about completing the story of Edwin Drood – with just a little help from the audience along the way.

CAST

Edwin Drood – Natalie Day

Rosa Budd – Victoria Farley

Princess Puffer – Wendi Peters

Helena Landlass – Loula Geater

Neville Landlass – David Francis

Chairman – Denis Delahunt

John Jasper – Daniel Robinson

Reverand Crisparkle – Richard Stirling

Horace – Oliver Mawdsley

Bazzard – Chris Coleman

Durdles – Paul Hutton

Deputy – Tom Pepper

Character – Ben Gambrill

Swing – Chloe Akam

Swing – Ralph Boggard

Director – Matthew Gould
Musical Director – James Cleeve
Costume Designer – Jean Grey
Lighting Designer – Ben M. Rogers
Set Designer – Natasha Piper (Landor)/Ben M Rogers and James Henshaw (Arts)
Photographer – Claire Bilyard
Casting Director – Benjamin Newsome

“Director Matthew Gould steers his cast with a steady hand to recreate the charm, wit and sheer fun of the working class music hall. Rupert Holmes’ vision of Victorian England may not be too accurate but for entertainment value it’s fairly hard to beat.”
THE STAGE ★★★★

“The cast of 14 is superb – particularly ‘Coronation Street’ star Wendi Peters as the opium-touting, bosom-heaving Princess Puffer – and so is the nimble-fingered band. A literary mystery solved – by a musical guaranteed to put a smile on your face.”
TIME OUT ★★★★★

“Director Matthew Gould and musical director James Cleeve have fashioned an endearing production with a perfectly casted team of actors who take on their parts with incredible composure and joi de vivre.”
ONE STOP ARTS ★★★★★

“There’s masses of madcap energy fizzing about the theatre, in no small part thanks to director Matthew Gould’s knowing eye for comedy and spirited musical direction from James Cleeve.”
WHATS ON STAGE ★★★★