After wowing crowds up and down the country this past September and October, it has been announced that the dance show Rip It Up – The 60’s will be transferring to London’s West End in 2019.
Opening on February 7, 2019 at the Garrick Theatre, the show’s 16 week stint will run until June 2. The show will be bringing the sights and sounds of the 60’s to the stage, with an incredible cast of dancers and musicians. You can expect to hear music by artists including The Beatles, Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley and Marvin Gaye.
Leading the cast of dancers are four of Strictly Come Dancing’s most loved contestants. Olympic gymnast Louis Smith (series 10 winner), McFly drummer Harry Judd (series 9 winner) and JLS star Aston Merrygold (series 15 contestant) will be returning to the show after previously completing the regional tour earlier this year.
They will be joined by The Wanted star Jay McGuiness (series 13 winner), who previously danced alongside Louis in the Rip It Up – The 50’s dance show back in 2017. Together, they will create the most spectacular Rip It Up fab four, showcasing their dance skills alongside Aston and Jay’s singing, Harry’s drumming and Louis’ gymnastic moves.
Here’s your FAB FOUR! #RipItUp hits the #WestEnd! @mcflyharry, @AstonMerrygold, @louissmith1989 and & ANNOUNCING… @JayMcGuiness ???
??? Tickets on-sale 9am TOMORROW! pic.twitter.com/6uPLy2sVh5
— Rip It Up (@RipItUpTheShow) November 8, 2018
Speaking about the tour, Jay stated in a press release: “I’m really looking forward to joining the cast as the undoubtedly best-looking member! Louis, Aston and Harry put on an amazing show touring with the 60’s and I’m so grateful to be joining them. I can’t wait for me and the lads to sit right in the middle of the West End and Rip. It. Up.”
Harry added: “I love to dance. Along with playing in a band, there’s no better feeling than being on stage dancing. I was brought up listening to ‘60s music by my parents, which has made the whole show even more special to be a part of. Aston and Louis are both incredible performers, so I am looking forward to taking the show to the West End stage, and to welcoming Jay to the group.”
Aston, who will be competing in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special, said: “It was so exciting to join the cast of Rip It Up on the 2018 UK tour. I felt like I had some unfinished business when it came to dance, and it’s been amazing to work with familiar faces. I’ve loved putting my own spin on some classic 60s moments and can’t wait to show that to a West End audience!”
And finally Louis, who today also announced his retirement from gymnastics, added: “I’m over the moon to be joining the cast for Rip It Up again, and especially now in the West End. Being a part of the tour was incredible. To be amongst such talented people and receive the response that we did every night is something I never took for granted and now I’m just so excited to take things up another gear and put on a show worthy of the West End. I’ve always loved performing and having the opportunity to better myself as a performer, so this opportunity couldn’t be better suited for me.”
Rip It Up – The 60’s will run at London’s Garrick Theatre from February 7 to June 2, 2019. Tickets are available here from 9am tomorrow (November 9).
For a taster of what you can expect from the show, check out the trailer from the regional tour below.
Will you be going to see Rip It Up – The 60’s during its West End run? Let us know on Twitter @CelebMix