Sidwell Replaces Owen In CARNABY STREET UK Tour

Producer Carl Leighton-Pope announces that Aaron Sidwell and Matthew Wycliffe will join the cast of Carnaby Street The Musical. Rehearsals begin today at The Hackney Empire, with Bob Tomson directing. The show will run from 6 April - 14 April at The Hackney Empire before embarking on a full UK tour.

Aaron Sidwell takes on the role of 'Jack', replacing the previously announced Sid Own who has decided to withdraw from the production. A former EastEnder like Owen, Sidwell's theatre credits include "Loserville - The Musical" (West End) and "The Prodigals" (Gilded Balloon, Edinburgh). He has also appeared in the films "Blood Army" and "The Nephilim".

Matthew Wycliffe will play 'Jude', the idealistic musician who travels down to London to follow his dream of stardom. Wycliffe's previous credits include 'Bob Gaudio' in the hit West End show "Jersey Boys" and touring the world as 'Buddy Holly' in "The Buddy Holly Story".

Producer Carl Leighton-Pope states: "I'm incredibly excited and looking forward to see this strong cast in rehearsals next week. Although we're disappointed that Sid has decided to remain in California, we're extremely happy to welcome Aaron and Matthew to Carnaby Street."

Sidwell and Wycliffe will join previously announced cast, which includes Verity Rushworth ("Emmerdale", "Hairspray", "The Sound of Music") as 'Penny Lane', Tricia Adele-Turner ("Legally Blonde", "Blood Brothers", "We Will Rock You") as 'Jane', Mark Pearce ("Ghost - The Musical", "The Blues Brothers", and "Bugle Boy") as 'Wild Thing', Paul Hazel ("Avenue Q", "Desperately Seeking Susan", "The Lion King") as 'Lily the Pink' and Hugo Harold-Harrison ("Priscilla Queen of the Desert", "Fame", "Grease") as 'Arnold Layne'.

"Carnaby Street" is a new musical set against the backdrop of London's West End in the Sixties. The show explores the 60's as a time of hope and freedom and will feature hits from the era including "Keep On Running", "Go Now", "Shout", "Born To Be Wild" and many more. Universal Music will be releasing a companion compilation album which will also include recordings of original music used in the show on 25 March.

"Carnaby Street" is directed by Bob Tomson, whose West End credits include "Blood Brothers" and "Dreamcoats and Petticoats", and designed by Matthew Wright ("La Cage aux Folles", "Evita").