Janie Dee, Danielle Hope, Ria Jones and Claire Sweeney to Star in DON'T TELL ME NOT TO FLY at Underbelly at The Edinburgh Fringe

Janie Dee, Danielle Hope, Ria Jones and Claire Sweeney are announced to star in Don't Tell Me Not To Fly, which will play at newly refurbished McEwan Hall, Bristo Square at Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Each day a celebrated West End star will take centre stage to perform songs from smash hit West End and Broadway musicals and iconic movies, as well as modern pop classics, sharing the highs and lows of her life on and off stage. Don't Tell Me Not to Fly is an exclusive and intimate chance to spend an evening listening to personal playlists, renditions of favorite musical numbers and hearing funny and touching anecdotes from our leading lady's life.

Accompanied by live piano and spellbinding projections, the shows will celebrate women in theatre, giving audiences a glimpse into the glamorous world of showbiz whilebeing delighted with entertaining music and stories from the ladies. Hear how they took the spotlight and let their voices soar!

Tara Wilkinson, Executive Producer for Underbelly Productions said:

"We are delighted to be collaborating with such a fantastic female-led creative team and company of phenomenal leading ladies to create this show. It felt very important to us to create a show that not only celebrated women in theatre but could also honour their individual voices and experiences which feels pertinent now more than ever. We believe it is not only important to be part of that conversation but to also try to have action behind it, 'Don't Tell Me Not To Fly' is a gesture toward that.

"We are really looking forward to seeing Janie, Danielle, Ria and Claire perform on stage at newly reopened McEwan Hall, our largest Edinburgh Fringe venue, and welcoming audiences to the show."

Kate Golledge, Director said:

"It's been inspiring to create this show with a line-up of such wonderful women in Janie, Danielle, Ria and Claire, as well as an all-female creative team. We set out to make something quite different from the usual one woman show you might find on offer, to put women's voices front and centre, challenge the performers with some new repertoire and encourage our audience to be part of the conversation. As we delve into our list of questions we have discovered some fundamental shared experiences alongside other defining moments for each performer that have been deeply personal."

Janie Dee said:

"It's a joy to be working alongside such talented and supportive women to bring 'Don't Tell Me Not To Fly' to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. I am simply thrilled to be a part of this special and empowering project; to share our stories and experiences on the stage and of course to sing our hearts out!"

Danielle Hope said:

"I'm so thrilled to be making my debut at this year's Fringe with 'Don't Tell Me Not To Fly' - especially with a team of incredible and inspiring women. At a time where it is crucial to stand together and be heard, I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate the strength and unity of women and people everywhere."

Ria Jones said:

"For many years it's been a dream of mine to work with an all-female team across the board on a project. Well that dream has come true! I'm so excited to be sharing this wonderful, intimate show with you... And to be making my Edinburgh Fringe debut in the company of some pretty special, unique and talented women!"

Claire Sweeney said:

"I feel honoured to be asked to do this show with such amazing leading ladies of the West End. I've been a fan of Ria Jones for 20 years when we worked on a cruise ship together, Janie Dee when I first saw her in 'Mack & Mabel' and of course Danielle Hope whose career I've watched since 'Over the Rainbow'. I love the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The last time I worked there was with Matthew Kelly performing in Educating Rita and I can't wait to work there again to see the festival through the eyes of my three-year-old son."

The schedule line-up is: Janie Dee: 4-6 August
Claire Sweeney: 7-13 August Danielle Hope: 14-20 August Ria Jones: 21-27 August