Jay McGuiness, Strictly Come Dancing champion and The Wanted member, has landed the lead role in BIG The Musical.
Jay will be taking on the role of Josh Baskin in the heart-warming and hilarious musical based on the classic movie starring Tom Hanks. Originally a Broadway production, the musical will now be making its way to The Theatre Royal, Plymouth between the 5th and 12th of November, before a Christmas run at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin from 7th December to 7 January 2017. It will eventually be making its way to London’s West End, although dates haven’t been announced as of yet.
The Theatre Royal website describes BIG The Musical as “a joyous musical spectacular that will enchant audiences of all ages as it brilliantly brings to life the magic of one of the best-loved movies of all time.”
For those of you who are unfamiliar with BIG (where have you been?!), the story is focussed around twelve-year-old Josh Baskin who hates being little, until one night at the carnival the mysterious Zoltar machine grants his wish to be big. Now trapped in an adult’s body and alone in New York, he innocently tries to find his way around a grown-up world where it’s all work and no play. But whilst everyone around him tries to act their age, Josh just can’t help being himself. Maybe he’s going to end up teaching the real adults a thing or two…
Jay spoke of his excitement about his new role by sharing a picture on Instagram.
Jay has a busy time ahead of him, as he will also be appearing at select dates of the Keep Dancing tour, alongside Strictly partner Aliona Vilani. The pair will be guest stars at Milton Keynes (6-10 September), Wimbledon (13-17 September) and Edinburgh (15-19 November). You can find out more information about these shows here.
We’re so pleased to see that Jay is continuing with his dancing as well as entering the world of musical theatre. There is no doubt that he will be an excellent Josh Baskin and we can’t wait to see him shine in BIG The Musical! We’re particularly excited to see the re-enactment of this scene…
Will you be going to see Jay McGuiness in BIG The Musical? Let us know by tweeting @CelebMix or leave a comment below.