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Writer's picturePaul Genty

Hope Mill axe-wielding musical LIZZIE


The poster for Lizzie at Manchester's Hope Mill Theatre

The eagerly-awaited new production of LIZZIE at Hope Mill Theatre in Manchester will have a punk-rock feel when it premieres in Manchester in September, before touring.

The show explores the life of American anti-heroine Lizzie Borden, who was accused (but acquitted) of murdering her father and stepmother with an axe in the late summer of 1892.

The musical, which originally opened in New York in 2009, delves into Lizzie’s complex psyche and speculates on the motivations she may have had: loss of inheritance, history of sexual abuse, oppression, and madness. Lizzie, her older sister Emma, maid Bridget and neighbour Alice, bring to life the infamous story, supported by an all-female band.

Playing the title character will be Lauren Drew - and you can watch her singing one of the show's main songs, This is Not Love here.

Lauren, from Port Talbot in Wales, was a huge hit with the judges on The Voice in 2021, and went on to play Catherine of Aragon in the smash-hit show SIX and in Legally Blonde. She will be joined by Maiya Quansah-Breed (also of SIX and Rent) as Alice, Shekinah McFarlane (SIX, Parade and The Voice) as Emma, and Mairi Barclay (Pippin, Mother Goose) as Bridget.

Watch Maiya singing another song from the show, If You Knew, here.

LIZZIE, which will be directed and choreographed by Hope Mill's co-founder William Whelton. The show will premiere in Manchester from September 1-30 before touring to Dukes Lancaster from October 5-8 and other venues, including a London run at Southwark Playhouse's Elephant building from October 26-December 2.

LIZZIE has so far swung her axe (maybe) in over 60 cities in six countries in five languages and has won many awards, including eight best musical awards.


More info and tickets here

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