Fowler, Hammarlund Leads The Rose Theatre's THE THREE MUSKETEERS Nov 27

The Rose Theatre's first ever musical, co-produced by Broadway producer, Bud Martin, has now been fully cast for its Christmas run at the Rose from 27 November 2010 - 2 January 2011.

The Three Musketeers, A New Musical, with music by George Stiles, lyrics by Paul Leigh, book by Peter Raby with Francis Matthews, original concept by William Hobbs and based on the novel by Alexandre Dumas, is directed by Francis Matthews. The production will star Hal Fowler, Kaisa Hammarlund, CJ Johnson, Michael Pickering, Matt Rawle and Paul Thornley.

Hal Fowler will play Porthos. Hal recently played the Ugly Sister in Cinderella at the Old Vic. Other starring West End roles include Javert in Les Misérables, Arnaud Du Thil in Martin Guerre, Cousin Kevin in Tommy and Billy Bigelow in Carousel.

Kaisa Hammarlund will play Constance. Kaisa has starred in A Little Night Music (The Menier Chocolate Factory/Garrick Theatre), Desperately Seeking Susan (Novello Theatre), Cabaret (Lyric Theatre), Sunday in the Park with George (Menier Chocolate Factory/Wyndham's Theatre), and Mamma Mia! (Prince Edward Theatre).

CJ Johnson will play Milady. CJ appeared in Jamie Lloyd's production of Piaf at the Donmar Warehouse and Vaudeville Theatre and in the West End productions of Rent and Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Woman in White.

Michael Pickering will play D'Artagnan. Michael made his West End debut in Wicked at the Apollo Theatre followed by the leading role of Ryan Evans in High School Musical at the Apollo Hammersmith. Michael was part of the international touring company of Mamma Mia! and most recently co-starred with David Essex in All The Fun Of The Fair in the West End.

Matt Rawle will play Aramis. Matt played the title role in the West End production of Zorro and starred as Che Guevera in Michael Grandage's production of Evita. He has also been seen in Mother Clap's Molly House (National Theatre Studio), Into The Woods (Donmar Warehouse) and played the title role in Martin Guerre.

Paul Thornley will play Athos. Paul's work at the National Theatre and in the West End includes The Miracle, Noises Off, Spend Spend Spend and Scrooge, and two seasons at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre. Paul has most recently appeared in It's A Wonderful Life (The New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich) and In the Red and Brown Water (Young Vic).

Also in the cast will be Michael Camp, Iain Fletcher, Ben Heathcote, Kirsty Hoiles, Christopher D Hunt, James Lailey, Matthew McKenna, Mark Meadows, Amanda Minihan, Peter Moreton, Jake Samuels, Chris Thatcher, Marcello Walton and Sally Whitehead.

Music will be by the award-winning songwriter George Stiles, who co-wrote the music for Mary Poppins and Honk! with Anthony Drewe. Lyrics will be by Paul Leigh (Moll Flanders, Tom Jones). The book is by Peter Raby (The Government Inspector, Faust) with Francis Matthews. The original concept is by William Hobbs, whose career has included work as a director, choreographer of action scenes, actor, author and play director (recent theatre credits include Coriolanus at The Almeida Theatre and Cyrano De Bergerac, in Vienna). The musical is based on the novel by Alexandre Dumas. The musical will be directed by Francis Matthews. Francis was previously Artistic Director of Greenwich Theatre, which has a long history of developing and presenting classic and new musicals

Choreography will be by Georgina Lamb, with set design by Simon Higlett, costumes by Mark Bouman, lighting by Tim Mitchell and sound by Mike Walker. Malcolm Ranson will be arranging the fights.

Bud Martin has recently co-produced the West End's Legally Blonde and 9 to 5: The Musical on Broadway and is co-producer of the West End and Broadway production of La Bête. The Rose Theatre has produced nine productions since opening in January 2008, including The Winslow Boy, A Midsummer Night's Dream and, most recently, Hay Fever.

Suitable for ages 10+

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