Full casting has been announced for Grayson The Musical, a brand-new musical comedy inspired by the life of Turner Prize and BAFTA award-winning artist Sir Grayson Perry.
The workshop production will play a limited run at Soho Theatre Walthamstow from 16 to 19 July 2026, offering audiences an early glimpse of the developing show.
Jack Shalloo will lead the company as Grayson Perry, joined by Rebekah Hinds, Sooz Kempner, Sam Lupton, Lemuel Knights, Gloria Onitiri, Katy Baker, Elliot Norrington, Lucy Park, Joshua Lay and Ben Welch.
Directed by double Olivier Award winner Sean Foley, the musical features music by Richard Thomas, a book by Sara-Ella Ozbek, and lyrics and life story by Grayson Perry.
Grayson Perry said: “It’s a weird and moving experience to see yourself portrayed by someone else on a stage but it’s also a huge privilege when it’s an actor of Jack Shalloo’s calibre. Jack is an enormously talented performer with the warmth, the wit, the intelligence and the charisma needed to bring this story to life. I’m thrilled to have him leading this wonderful cast and can’t wait to see what they create together. Whether audiences will leave wanting to become artists, put on a nice frock, or dig out their old teddy bear remains to be seen!”
Jack Shalloo added: “When I was first told there was a musical featuring art, therapy, cross-dressing and a six-foot teddy bear called Alan Measles, I knew I wanted to be part of it. Grayson’s story is deeply personal but also incredibly relatable, and it’s been a joy to explore. I’m honoured to be playing him and can’t wait to share this funny, moving and brilliantly bonkers show with audiences.”
Sean Foley said: “I’m thrilled to be welcoming this extraordinary company to GRAYSON THE MUSICAL. We were looking for performers who could embrace the show’s unique blend of mischief, heart, irreverence and emotional honesty, and we’ve found exactly that. Led by the brilliant Jack Shalloo as Grayson, this cast brings together some of the most exciting musical theatre performers and comic talents working today. I can’t wait to see them bring Grayson’s remarkable story to life for audiences at Soho Theatre Walthamstow this summer.”
The show follows Perry’s journey from a working-class Essex upbringing to the heights of the art world, exploring identity, creativity and self-acceptance along the way.
This first-look engagement will give audiences an exclusive opportunity to experience the new British musical ahead of further development.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
