X Factor Duo Set to Star in Musical Comedy with Slight Political Edge

Stevi Ritchie is set to make his musical debut alongside Stacey Franks (McClean) in Musical Comedy The Sword And The Dope at Waterloo East Theatre this September.

The Sword and the dope is a musical comedy hailed as 'Monty Phyton meets Blackadder' Ham and high (a review the show has never lived up to!) with 'as many laughs from the stalls as any show I can recall' Broadway World, 'Old fashioned British humour at it's best' Greenwich Mercury and 'Some great big show numbers' Southwark news

Now back for a fourth run this time the show has gone political-ish. With referendums and snap elections it seemed like a good time to revive the show and give it a slight political theme. Being tongue in cheek and poking fun at itself the show would never want to make a political stance or try and change the world, the only aim is to make people laugh, smile and have 'a rollicking fun and entertaining night out' Remote Goat and be 'A great way to spend a couple of hours' Greenwich Mercury

With Brexit looming and all the austerity about it seems as good a reason as any to put on a show.

LAPA are also delighted to announce no fewer than 9 of the cast will be making their professional musical debuts in the show who have just graduated from established drama/performing arts schools, alongside some more experienced cast members including an Off West End nominated actor. LAPA are keen to try and create opportunities for talented youngsters and again thought this as another reason to give the show another airing.

THE SWORD AND THE DOPE
Written and directed by Michael Head.

Venue: Waterloo East Theatre
Press night: Thursday 7th September
Run: Tuesday 5th September - Sunday 1st October 2017

Stacey Franks (McClean) plays the Green Sir Lancelot and TOWIE wannabe Paige. Stacey was thrust into the publics eye aged just 12 when she joined S Club Jrns. During her time with the band she released 8 singles and starred in BBC series I Dreamed and Feature film Viva S Club. Then in 2009 Stacey wowed the X factor judges to get to the final 24 of the competition. Stacey has worked as a recording artist releasing a number of solo singles as well as performing in a number of stage/musical shows.

Stevi Ritchie plays the slightly camp hero Casey . Stevi burst onto our screens in 2014 winning the hearts of the nation and even Simon Cowell and gaining a 6th place finish in x-factor, although the public voted to keep Stevi into the quarter finals. In 2015 Stevi entered the Celebrity big brother house staying until the final day. Stevi has been entertaining the nation ever since and is a TV regular with appearances on Loose Women and This Morning to name a few

Jack Harding plays the 'strong and stable' King Arthur and 'geezer' Guttersnipe. Jack trained at the Miskin Theatre before graduating from Manchester Met and was nominated for an Off West End Award for best male performance for his role of Eddie in Sea Life (Hope Theatre). Other performances include Sebastian 'Twelfth Night' and Lysander/flute in Midsummer nights dream (both with permanently Bard) John Darlin 'Peter Pan' Kenton theatre as well as playing Darren in BBC's 'People do nothing' Jack is reviving his role as King Arthur in The Sword And The Dope

Dalton Wood plays the Corbyn-esque Black Knight and unlucky Servant Neil. Dalton graduated from Birds College this Summer. Credits while training include Eddie in Greek, Che in Evita, Tom in Parade and Joe Hardy in Dammed Yankees. Other performances also include Retro and West End Women both at the Orchard Theatre

Allan Scott- Douglas plays our faithful storyteller Bosstock. He trained at Queen Margret University. Theatre credits include John Williamson 'Glengarry Glen Ross' (Bedlam theatre), Bernard 'Sexual Perversity in Chicago' (Pend Theatre), Cheeky the Clown 'Jack And Jill' national tour to name a few.

Niall Thorpe Plays Bosstock's not so faithful sidekick Rumpkin, Niall Recently graduated from Rose Bruford and is making his professional debut in the sword and the dope

GeorGina Rose-Hanson plays the self centered but beautiful Carol and it girl Lacey. Georgina was the recipient of the Stage scholarship and trained at Reed dance and theatre college before graduating from Mountview recently. Since Graduating Georgina landed a role in Bright young things before landing a role in this production

Dan Cavendish plays the Liberally Democratic Sir Percival and inventor Chris. Dan trained at the poor school and is making his professional theatre debut in the show

Joshua Jewkes plays the evil Sir Backstabber and hard up master. Joshua trained at the Bridge Theatre company. Credits include Sir Toby Belch 'Twelfth Night' (Original Impact Theatre company), Puck 'A midsummer nights dream' (candle fire theatre), Henry 'Cold Snap' (Pass the buck) and Trevor 'Lipstick and Scones' (Venture Wolf) to name a few

Danielle Donnelly plays the Scottish Conservative Sir Borris, the 'chavvie' Pairs and 'Preppy' Kate. Danielle trained at Birds before recently graduated from Italia Conti's and this will be her first professional job, credits while training include Cass 'Made in Dagenham', Fabian 'Twelfth night' and Barmy 'Jack and The Beanstalk'

Michael Head plays the rough as old boots 'lady of the lake', and is representing UKIP as Sir Galahad. He trained at the Miskin Theatre and LSMT. Credits include Trim 'Bring the Jubilee'(National tour), Muddle day 'Ebenezer', Hercules (Cochrane Theatre) Matt 'Worth A flutter (Red Lion) Jumbo 'The Greater Game' Southwark Playhouse and most recently Widow Wanky 'A-Lad-In-me' Canal Café Theatre.

Affton Smith plays the short sighted prophet and drunk Wizard Merlot. Affton trained at the Miskin Theatre before graduating from East 15. Credits include the director 'El pubico' and Goneril 'King Lear'

Anastasia Quinton- Smith Anastasia recently graduated from MTA and is now an ambassador for the school. This is Anastasia's professional debut.

Tanya O'Sullivan Tanya recently Graduated from Guildford School of Acting. This is Tanya's professional debut.

Bethany Buckley Bethany trained at Laines before recently graduating from Birds College. This is Bethany's professional debut. Credits while training include Principle 'Hairspray', Ensemble 'Retro' and dancer in Cr8.

Bethany Whitehead Bethany was a student of Michael Head's youth classes where she appeared in many of Act-on's (now LAPA) youth musicals including Lap Of The Gods, Panto For All Seasons, High Skooled Muzikal and Not another variety show. This is Beth's professional debut.

The Sword And The Dope was the show written as a joke that went to far. Telling the story of King Arthur told sideways (not sure where that idea come from!) with a political twist. The Strong and Stable King Arthur is under threat after a snap invasion from the left wing Black Knight and evil Sir Backstabber who has the help of a drunk wizard Merlot and the only person who can save the day is a bloke who would rather sing than do anything brave...get the idea? No us either...

The Sword And The Dope opened in 2011 at the Kings Head and transferred straight to the Greenwich Playhouse before returning to the Courtyard in 2013 as a 'camp romp full of fun'. Now it is back but still as cheeky, camp and silly as ever.

The Sword And The Dope will never change the world (it couldn't change a light bulb) but hopefully will entertain and make people laugh, smile and even tap their toes.

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