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PREVIEW: La Cage Aux Folles @ Sunderland Empire

Posted on July 24th 2017 by Whats on Northeast

It’s one of theatre’s most beloved musicals and yet, somehow, ‘La Cage Aux Folles’ has never headed out on a tour of the UK. Until now. Bill Kenwright is presenting a spectacularly lavish new version of the much-loved Tony and Olivier Award-winning drama, and fittingly it’s headed to the West End of the North East, the Sunderland Empire, from 1st-5th August!

The show transports you to the glitzy, glamorous St. Tropez, where Georges and dazzling drag artiste Albin are living a luxurious, carefree lifestyle. But that might all be about to change. Georges’ son Jean-Michel has announced his engagement to the daughter of a notorious right-wing politician who’s campaigned to shut down the colourful nightlife that provides Georges and Albin with their livelihoods.

Both drama and hilarity ensues as a meeting of parents determines the fate of both the clubs and the children. Will Albin be able to pull off the most show-stopping performance of his career to ensure that Jean-Michel can marry his true love and that La Cage can stay open?

This new production will star John Partridge, who’s also starred in the likes of ‘Cats,’ ‘Chicago,’ ‘Starlight Express’ and ‘A Chorus Line,’ as Albin, star of classic 80s TV show ‘TJ Hooker’ Adrian Zmed as Georges and Marti Webb, known for his roles in ‘Evita’ and ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’ as their friend Jacqueline. Of course, some of the real stars are the iconic songs, including ‘The Best Of Times,’ ‘Song on the Sand’ and ‘I Am What I Am,’ which has been recorded by legends Gloria Gaynor, Shirley Bassey and Tony Bennett.

Life’s not worth a damn until you can say ‘I Am What I Am’ – and it will be infinitely duller if you don’t catch this exquisite classic!

‘La Cage Aux Folles’ comes to the Sunderland Empire from 1st-5th August 2017. For more information, including how to buy tickets, visit their official website.

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