Photo Flash: Hope Mill Theatre Manchester Presents RAGS

Katy Lipson of Aria Entertainment and Joseph Houston and William Whelton of Hope Mill Theatre, Manchester are delighted to announce Olivier Award-winning actress Rebecca Trehearn as Rebecca in the UK premiere of a new version of the Stephen Schwartz musical RAGS from 2 March - 6 April, with a national press night on 5 March.

Rebecca Trehearn most recently played Charity in Sweet Charity (Nottingham Playhouse) and Julie LaVerne in Showboat (Sheffield Crucible and West End), for which she won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical. Her other notable credits include Oolie/Donna in City of Angels (Donmar Warehouse) opposite Katherine Kelly and Samantha Barks, Molly in Ghost (UK tour, cover Molly at Piccadilly Theatre), Fantine in Les Misérables (Pimlico Opera), 1st cover Killer Queen and Meat in We Will Rock You (Dominion Theatre), Marcy in Dogfight and Charlotte Goetze in Diary of a Teenage Girl (Southwark Playhouse).

Also in the cast are Valda Aviks as Rachel, Gavin James as Bronfman, Sam Peggs as Ben, Jane Quinn as Anna, Michael S. Siegel as Avram, Robert Tripolino as Sal, Tim Walton as Jacob (Jack) and Lydia White as Bella. Sharing the role of David Are Lochlan White and George Varley. Completing the cast are James Dangerfield, Emma Fraser, James Hastings and Hanna Khogali.

RAGS is a heart-warming and powerful musical with book by Joseph Stein (Fiddler on the Roof), lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked) and music by Charles Strouse (Annie), which tells the story of Russian immigrant Rebecca, who, with her son David, travels to America in search of a better life. Rebecca must decide what matters more to her - staying true to her roots or adopting a new cultural identity in an attempt to 'fit in'.

RAGS is directed by Bronagh Lagan with musical direction and new orchestrations by Nick Barstow, choreography by Grant Murphy, set design by Gregor Donnelly, costume design by Maggie Harwood, lighting design by Derek Anderson, sound design by James Nicholson and casting by Jane Deitch. RAGS is produced by Katy Lipson for Aria Entertainment, Hope Mill Theatre in association with Knockhardy Productions and is presented by arrangement with MTI Europe.

Photo Credit Nathan Chandler