Model Jodie Kidd Brings Story of Love and Slavery to the London Stage, Feb. 17-Mar. 14

Yarico, a powerful, epic musical about forbidden love, betrayal and redemption, based on a true story that fired the world's imagination and contributed to the social movement against the slave trade, will get its world premiere in London in February 2015.

Yarico, with Music by James McConnell, Lyrics by Paul Leigh and Book by Carl Miller, will run from Tuesday 17 February to Saturday 14 March at Chelsea's new bijou theatre, London Theatre Workshop.

Bringing the story of Yarico to the stage has been a 10-year labour of love for producers John Kidd and his daughter Jodie, the model and UK TV presenter, who both have strong connections to Barbados, where they have a family home. In a move to bring this forgotten story to a modern audience, John and Jodie have commissioned Yarico, which is based on the known facts of the original story.

Yarico, an Amerindian beauty, is a young woman with great dreams and a fierce, independent spirit... When Inkle, the third son of a British merchant is shipwrecked on her island, he faces certain death at the hands of the islanders. In a courageous act, Yarico intervenes and saves him from his fate, marking the beginning of an extraordinary love story, which ultimately takes them to the island of Barbados.

The story of Yarico was first recorded by Richard Ligon in his book: True and Exact History of the Island of Barbados published in 1657. On hearing her story, Ligon wrote: "And so poor Yarico for her love, lost her liberty.

This powerful and epic new musical of forbidden love, betrayal and redemption is based on a true story that fired the world's imagination and contributed to a social movement against the slave trade. A story of great historical significance that has languished in time, once revived will remind us of the value of freedom.

Bringing the story of Yarico to the stage has been a 10-year labour of love for producers John Kidd and his daughter Jodie, the model and UK TV presenter, who both have strong connections to Barbados, where they have a family home. In a move to bring this forgotten story to a modern audience, John and Jodie have commissioned Yarico, which is based on the known facts of the original story.

Cast and creatives to be announced.

London Theatre Workshop (65 New Kings Road, above the Eel Brook Public House)

For more information, call the box office: 01202 045659 or visit www.londontheatreworkshop.co.uk.

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