Jodie Prenger predicts the small screen-to-stage musical adaptation of Kay Mellors FAT FRIENDS will be 'a big fat hit' - and one that she gets to star in when it premieres in Leeds later this year...
Joshua Andrews and Adam Spiegel are delighted to announce the premiere of an original British musical Fat Friends. The much-loved TV drama has been adapted for the stage by prolific writer Kay Mellor and with original music by Nicholas Lloyd Webber (son of Andrew), Fat Friends will open at Leeds Grand Theatre where it runs 7 November to 2 December 2017.
Following this four week run in Mellor’s home city, Fat Friends is set to embark on an extensive UK tour in 2018, with full tour dates and venues to be announced in due course. Designed by Bretta Gerecke with musical supervision, orchestrations and arrangements from Simon Lee, Fat Friends The Musical sees the nation’s favourite group of dieters reunited as this new show bursts on to the stage. The award-winning Jodie Prenger will lead a star company in the beloved role of Kelly Stevenson with further casting to be announced.
Packed full of warmth, life and weight loss, this brand new stage show reunites our favourite foodie friends in an original musical bulging with hopes, humour and heart. Join the infamous group of loveable characters as they are put through their Zumba paces at their local branch of Super Slimmer’s by the lovelorn Lauren whilst Kelly fantastises about fitting into the wedding dress of her dreams. Fat Friends offers a generous serving of hilarious fun with a sprinkle of romance on top!
Fat Friends hit television screens in October 2000, following the lives of a group of overweight friends as they struggle with the absurdities of modern dieting. Running for five years on ITV, the show starred Alison Steadman, Sheridan Smith and Lisa Riley and launched the careers of James Corden and Ruth Jones. Written by Kay Mellor, the show was nominated for multiple awards including the BAFTA for Best Drama Series.
Jodie Prenger said:
“I am over the moon to be starring in Kay Mellor’s Fat Friends – The Musical! I have been a huge fan of Kay’s for so long – she is the most brilliant writer, director and just one hell of a lovely lady that you could ever wish to work with. I loved Fat Friends when it was such a successful TV series. So to see some of those characters come to life on stage is a joy, and I am honoured to be playing the wonderful Kelly. And what a thrill for us to premiere the show at the Leeds Grand. Knowing all the creatives involved, I am sure it’s going to be a big fat hit there and around the country! I can’t wait.”
