Photo Preview: Danesh & Paice of 'Gone With The Wind'

Darius Danesh and Jill Paice, who play the iconic roles of Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'Hara in the up-coming West End musical Gone with the Wind, began rehearsals this week for Trevor Nunn's production of the classic love story which opens at the New London Theatre in April.

Joining Danesh and Paice are Edward Baker-Duly who will play Ashley Wilkes, Madeleine Worrall who plays Melanie, Natasha Yvette Williams as Mammy and Jina Burrows as Prissy.

In a new music theatre adaptation of the classic love story with book and lyrics by Margaret Martin adapted by Trevor Nunn and music by Margaret Martin, Gone with the Wind will have its first performance at the New London Theatre on Friday April 4, 2008, officially opening on Tuesday April 22, and is initially booking until September 27, 2008. 

The production is designed by John Napier, costumes designs are by Andreane Neofitou with lighting design by Neil Austin and sound by Paul Groothius.  Musical Supervisor and Arranger is Gareth Valentine, Movement Director is David Bolger and Orchestrator is William D Brohn.  Gone with the Wind is produced by Aldo Scrofani for Columbia Artists Theatricals of New York, London producer Colin Ingram and The Nederlander Organization.

"Set in 1860's Atlanta, Georgia, Gone with the Wind follows the story of the seventeen-year-old Scarlett O'Hara, the eldest of three daughters living a life of ease and comfort on their father's plantation until the onset of the Civil War threatens this idyllic existence.  Scarlett's incredible journey through both the war and the peace is mirrored in her turbulent relationship with Rhett Butler, whose actions invariably defy prediction.  Their story spans ten years and mingles romantic joy with tragic grief, as the life these people once knew disappears, and we are asked if what has 'gone with the wind' is for better or worse," explain press notes.

Joining the principal cast is a company including Emily Bryant, Gareth Chart, Laura Checkley, Julian Forsyth, Kirsty Hoiles, Chris Jarman, Tober Reilly, David Roberts, Tom Sellwood, Ray Shell, Savannah Stevenson, Gemma Sutton, Sue Jane Tanner, Susan Tracy and Alan Winner.  Final casting will be announced shortly.

Gone with the Wind begins previews April 4, 2008; officially opening April 22 at 7PM with performances booked through September 27 at New London Theatre, Drury Lane, London WC2B

Show times are Monday evenings at 7PM (perfs before April 22 at 7:30PM); Tuesday – Saturday evenings at 7:30PM; Wednesday – Saturday matinees at 2:30PM. There will be no matinees April 5 & 9.

Tickets are £27.50 - £60.00 (£10 off all previews prices April 4-21) are available at the box office 0870 890 0141 or visit www.gwtwthemusical.com

Photos by Dan Wooler