Musical Theatre Stars Join Cast of FOOTBALLERS’ WIVES: THE MUSICAL at 2025 Edinburgh Fringe
The show makes its Fringe debut this summer at the Assembly Rooms (Music Hall) from July 30 through August 24.
By: A.A. Cristi Jun. 04, 2025
Footballers’ Wives: The Musical, a bold, high-energy adaptation of the iconic ITV drama, will make its Edinburgh Fringe debut this summer at the Assembly Rooms (Music Hall) from July 30 through August 24 (excluding August 13), with performances at 6:35 p.m.
Based on the cult TV series and featuring choreography by Arlene Phillips, the new musical comedy embraces the excess and scandal of early-2000s Premier League culture, minus the actual football. Expect bold fashion, sexual intrigue, attempted murder, high-octane drama, and big musical numbers. The show features a score by Kath Gotts (Bad Girls: The Musical) and a book by Maureen Chadwick, the original creator of Footballers’ Wives.
The cast includes Ceili O'Connor as Tanya Turner, the fierce and scheming team captain's wife trying to save her marriage and her cheating husband’s career. Matt Beveridge stars opposite her as Jason Turner. India Chadwick takes on the role of glamour model Chardonnay Lane, joined by Tom Bowen as her fiancé Kyle Pascoe. Leesa Tulley plays Donna Walmsley, with Oliver Evans making his professional musical theatre debut as Ian Walmsley.
Ty-Reece Stewart portrays Ronnie Charles and Marcello, while Emma-Jane Fearnley plays dual roles of Kelly Charles and Magda. Laura Judge takes on Hazel Bailey and Jackie Pascoe, with Matt Rixon as Frank Laslett. Leonardo Vieira appears as Salvo and the Guru, and Gillian Kirkpatrick rounds out the cast as Nurse Dunkley.
The creative team features director Anthony Banks, set and video designer Andrzej Goulding, Costume Designer Susan Kulkarni, lighting designer Jamie Platt, and sound designer Matt Peploe. Musical direction is by Gemma Hawkins, with orchestrations by Joe and Nikki Davison of Auburn Jam Music. Joe Davison also serves as music supervisor. The Production Team includes production manager Mark Hartley, casting director Harry Blumenau, associate choreographer Richard Roe, associate musical director Livs Needham, and costume supervisor Sophie Fuller.
Leesa Tulley shared her excitement about joining the show at Edinburgh Fringe, calling it a “bucket list” milestone as a Scottish performer. “All the drama and some really gorgeous songs… It’s going to be an amazing summer,” she said. India Chadwick echoed the enthusiasm, describing her role as Chardonnay as “an iconic character from a fabulous time in British pop culture,” promising to bring “noughties naughtiness, fun, and glamour.”
Produced by special arrangement with Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures, the musical is based on the WBTVPUK series. It’s recommended for ages 12+ and contains strong language and scenes of a sexual nature.
Tickets are available now at www.assemblyfestival.com, with previews priced at £15, midweek performances at £17 (£16 concessions), and weekend shows at £19 (£18 concessions). For more information, visit www.fwmusical.com
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