Photo Flash: FINGS AIN'T WOT THEY USED T'BE To Open At Union Theatre

Fings Ain't Wot They Used T'Be by Lionel Bart and Frank Norman will receive a major new revival directed by Phil Willmott at the Union Theatre from Tuesday 10th May to Saturday 4th June. Press night is Friday?13th May at 7.30pm.

The 20-strong cast features the previously announced Hannah-Jane Fox, in the same role of Lil that catapulted Barbara Windsor to household fame in 1960.

Hannah-Jane created the role of Scaramouche in the original cast of "We Will Rock You", a role she played for four years at the Dominion Theatre, and appeared in the Boy George musical "Taboo" at The Venue.

Fings Ain't Wot They Used T'Be marks Hannah-Jane's return to performing after taking time out to have children and record an album with some of the members of Queen.

The rest of the cast announced today are: Ruth Alfie Adams, Patsy Blower, Ellie Rose Boswell, Suzie Chard, Hadrian Delacey, Robert Donald, Alison Dormer, Richard Foster-King, Natalie Harman, James Horne, Philip Marriott, Neil McCaul, Anna McNicholas, Keiley Hall, Jo Parsons, Ian Rixon, Philip Scutt, Amelia Whitwood, A?J?Brinkman and Barney Ashworth.

Fings Ain't Wot They Used T'Be is the East End play with music that launched the career of Barbara Windsor in 1960. That premiere was produced by Joan Littlewood, at her famous Theatre Workshop at the Theatre Royal Stratford East, then transferred to the West?End to the Garrick Theatre, where it ran for 886 performances.

Fings Ain't Wot They Used T'Be is the tale of Fred, a loveable rogue, who comes out of prison to find he is not quite the king of the manor he once was. Peopled with a selection of the low-life of London; a collection of gamblers, spivs, prostitutes, Teddy boys & girls and some not-too-honest police, it is full of wonderful tunes and lyrics penned by "Oliver!" composer Lionel Bart, who also grew up in London's East End. The script by Frank?Norman - himself a Cockney - is witty and warm and full of East?London charm.

This major revival is produced by Elliot Davis and Ellie Collyer Bristow and choreographed by Nick Winston. Musical supervision and new arrangements are by Elliot Davis. Musical Director Barney Ashworth. Set and Costumes Oliver Townsend.
Lighting Design Jason Meininger Casting Ellie Collyer-Bristow. Phil Willmott directs.

Photographer: Scott Rylander