Through The Mill by Ray Rackham graduates from The London Theatre workshop, and opens on July 6th at the Southwark Playhouse. Stage door johnny drops in on rehearsals for a chat with the stars of the show.
After a very successful run at the original location of The London Theatre Workshop, this transfer marks a growth in the ambition of this show. A bigger band, a larger design, and more space, means that Ray Rackham and his team have had the opportunity to re-work Through The Mill.
ABOUT THE SHOW…
Set primarily during the filming of The Judy Garland Show in 1963, Through the Mill chronicles the production difficulties behind the scenes, intercut with the young Judy Garland’s rise to fame through MGM in the 1930s, and her triumphant sell-out concert engagement at the Palace Theatre in the early 1950s.Illustrating why Judy Garland was, and continues to be, one of the great legends of show business history, Through the Mill goes beyond the rainbow, and explores the life of a woman destined for greatness; as loved today as she was when she first made her way along the yellow brick road.
For both audiences new to Garland’s extensive back catalogue in the world of film and music, as well as the true Judy aficionado, here is an honest, entertaining and moving portrait of a legend; as courageous, determined, sincere and funny as she was memorably tragic.The show features a hit list of Judy Garland favourites, including The Trolley Song,The Man That Got Away and Over the Rainbow, with a sixteen strong company of actor musicians, and a cast headed by three actresses playing the legend herself. The three actresses from the original run will reprise their roles at Southwark Playhouse. Helen Sheals (Downton Abbey) plays CBS Judy, native Australian Belinda Wollaston plays Palace Judy, and newcomer Lucy Penrose plays Young Judy.
The cast includes: Helen Sheals (CBS Judy), Belinda Wollaston (Palace Judy), Lucy Penrose (Young Judy), Harry Anton, Rob Carter, Tom Elliot Reade, Don Cotter, Carmella Brown, Perry Meadowcroft, Amanda Bailey, Chris McGuigan and Joe Shefer.
