Star cast for Flashdance

Nov 21 2008 by Michael Green, Chester Chronicle

A top notch cast has been put together to bring the classic 80s film Flashdance to the stage.

The lead role of Alex Owens will be played by Victoria Hamilton-Barritt, whose West End theatre credits include Mamma Mia!, Fame and Desperately Seeking Susan. Other theatre credits include Stephanie in Saturday Night Fever and Anita in West Side Story on tour.

Joining her as Jimmy will be former Coronation Street star Bruno Langley who has appeared in Doctor Who and The League of Gentlemen’s Apocalypse.

And veteran entertainer Bernie Nolan, will be bringing her immense experience as both a singer and actor to the production as Hannah Owens.

The show will be unveiled at the Regent Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent from November 24-29.

The show’s legendary choreographer Arlene Phillips, currently best known as one of the Strictly Come Dancing judges, said: “After searching the country high and low and seeing hundreds of girls for the part of Alex, I suddenly remembered the stunning Victoria Hamilton-Barritt who had played a leading role in Saturday Night Fever in the West End and invited her to audition.

“She is the only girl who we believe can sing, act and dance this role to the standard we need.”

Rounding out the cast as Nick is Noel Sullivan, best known as one of the five members of the original Pop Stars band Hear’Say.

Set in Pittsburgh, Flashdance tells the story of 18-year-old Alex, a welder by day and ‘Flashdancer’ by night, whose dream is to obtain a place at the prestigious Shipley Dance Academy.

The score includes Maniac, Manhunt, Gloria, I Love Rock and Roll and the Academy Award-winning title track Flashdance – What a Feeling.

For booking details, ring the Regent box office on 0870 060 6649 or visit www.regenttheatre.co.uk.