Nummulite and Chromolume, the resident company at Upstairs at the Gatehouse, have revealed the cast for Moominvalley in November, a new musical adaptation of Tove Jansson’s final Moomin novel.
Running from Thursday 23rd October to Sunday 16th November 2025, the production explores the final days of autumn through six characters, each at a crossroads in life, who journey to Moominvalley in search of meaning and connection.
Jane Quinn (Handbagged, Cats) will portray Fillyjonk, a neighbour of the Moomins with a passion for tidiness. Matthew Heywood (Zorro the Musical, Coronation Street) takes on the role of Snufkin, the beloved wanderer in a green hat.
Stuart Simons (Magic of the Musicals, Casanova) will play Hemulen, a collector seeking a new direction. Izzie Winters (Arabella, My Sister is Missing) joins as Toft, a mysterious orphan longing to meet the Moomins.
Martin Callaghan (Jesus Christ Superstar, Merrily We Roll Along) appears as Grandpa Grumble, while newcomer Abigail Yeo makes her stage debut as the free-spirited Mymble.
Writer and composer Hans Jacob Hoeglund said:
“When I first read this book as a 10-year-old, I was terribly confused. Like Toft, I desperately wanted the Moomin family to come back and make everything right! I think growing up we all experience some form of loss, or this feeling that life is not necessarily going to be what you’d want it to be. The musical is about coming to terms with that. It has some dark moments, but it is also very funny. The characters are all looking for something. Ultimately, it’s a story about six very different people coming together as a family.”
Amanda Noar (Stepping Out, Fiddler on the Roof) returns to direct, with Lu Herbert designing set and costumes, Chris McDonnell on lighting, and Jen Green orchestrating. Manuel Gageiro serves as Musical Director, with casting by Peter Noden.
Press night will take place on Tuesday 28th October at 7.30pm.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
