The cast has been announced for the Edinburgh Fringe debut of Footballers’ Wives: The Musical, a bold and brazen new musical comedy based on the iconic ITV series.
Set to run at Assembly Rooms (Music Hall) from 30th July to 24th August 2025 (excluding 13th August), this high-energy production is choreographed by Arlene Phillips and directed by Anthony Banks.
Rewinding to 2002, Footballers’ Wives: The Musical dives into the glitzy, scandalous world of Premier League excess, complete with noughties fashion, drama, heartbreak, and absolutely no football.
Ceili O’Connor (Mary Poppins Revival, The Braille Legacy) stars as Tanya Turner, the scheming wife determined to save her marriage and her husband’s career.
Joining her is Matt Beveridge (Choir of Man) as Jason Turner, India Chadwick (Grease) as Chardonnay Lane, and Tom Bowen (Get Up, Stand Up) as Kyle Pascoe.
Also in the cast are Leesa Tulley (Why Am I So Single) as Donna Walmsley, Oliver Evans in his professional debut as Ian Walmsley, and Ty-Reece Stewart (Thriller Live) as Ronnie Charles/Marcello.
Emma-Jane Fearnley (Made in Dagenham 20th Anniversary Concert) plays Kelly Charles/Magda, Laura Judge (Gypsy) appears as Hazel Bailey/Jackie Pascoe, and Matt Rixon (Moulin Rouge! The Musical) takes on Frank Laslett.
Rounding out the cast are Leonardo Vieira (Bat Out of Hell) as Salvo/Guru and Gillian Kirkpatrick (Billy Elliot) as Nurse Dunkley.
Leesa Tulley shared her excitement:
“I am so excited to be a part of Footballers’ Wives: The Musical at Edinburgh Fringe Festival this year. Being from Scotland, performing at The Fringe has always been pretty high up on my bucket list, and I can’t think of a better show to be doing for my first time! Footballers’ Wives is so 2000’s! All the drama and some really gorgeous songs. AND in The Assembly Rooms?! It’s going to be an amazing summer, I can’t wait!”
India Chadwick added:
“I’m thrilled to be joining the Footballers’ Wives cast as Chardonnay – an iconic character from a fabulous time in British pop culture. If the script and company are anything to go by, this summer is going to be a blast! I have some very big heels to fill, but I’m excited to bring some noughties naughtiness, fun and glamour to my first Edinburgh Fringe.”
With music and lyrics by Kath Gotts (Bad Girls the Musical) and a book by Maureen Chadwick (creator of Footballers’ Wives, Bad Girls, Waterloo Road), the musical promises sass, sparkle, and scandal.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
