Mark Read & Nicki French to Star in SANTA CLAUS - THE MUSICAL at New Theatre Royal

Initial casting has been announced for the hit West End show Santa Claus - The Musical, which is coming to New Theatre Royal this Christmas.

Mark Read, former member of Brit award-winning boyband A1, will be taking the role of Joe the Chief Elf in the spectacular show, which runs from the 9th - 31st December and will see the theatre transformed into a fairytale winter wonderland.

With two decades in showbiz among his many credits, the talented singer songwriter is no stranger to the theatre, having enjoyed successful stints in hit shows Guys and Dolls, new West End musical Seasons of Love and a starring role in Cinderella.

Mark Read commented: "I am thrilled about coming to the New Theatre Royal. Portsmouth has some of the most brilliant audiences in the country so I can't wait to get on the stage and perform some of best known and loved Christmas songs in this magical festive show. I can't think of any better way to spend the Christmas season! See you there!"

Joining Mark in this festive feast will be chart-topping singer and former Eurovision Song Contest star Nicki French, who represented the UK in 2000 with Don't Play that Song Again.

Following her Eurovision appearance, Nicki went on to win the Weakest Link Euro Special raising £13,000 for Cancer Research, and had international chart-topping success with the hit dance track Total Eclipse of the Heart reaching number one in the UK and spending six months in the American Billboard charts.

The acclaimed singer is now set to deliver a diva-style performance as the muddled, scheming Ice Queen.

Jason Sutton, best known as his famous alter-ego Miss Jason, will also be joining the star-studded cast in the role of Santa Claus' PA, Miss Drift. As a seasoned cabaret star, Jason will be bringing his own brand of flamboyant fun to his role as the beloved dame.

More casting for the show will be announced soon.

Early bird tickets are now on sale, audiences who book before 31 August will receive 10% discount on ticket prices*. Standard and Gold performance tickets start from £16 to £25 with preview show tickets from just £12.

Visit www.newtheatreroyal.com or call the box office on 02392 649000 to book tickets.

*Early bird offer not available on Preview or School performances