Number one recording artist Sam Bailey, who rose to fame winning the tenth series of The X Factor, will join the previously announced Jodie Prenger in the original British musical Fat Friends – The Musical. Sam will share the much loved role of Betty, originated on screen by Alison Steadman, with award-winning comedian and actress Elaine C Smith (Two Doors Down, Rab C Nesbitt). Elaine will step into the role during three Scottish dates in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen.
The award winning TV drama has been adapted for the stage by it’s creator and one of the UK’s most prolific writers, Kay Mellor, whose extensive television credits include hit series of Band of Gold, The Chase, The Syndicate, In the Club and whose stage credits include A Passionate Woman. The award-winning Jodie Prenger will lead the company in the beloved role of Kelly Stevenson with further casting to be announced.
Produced by Joshua Andrews and Adam Spiegel, with original music by Nicholas Lloyd Webber, Fat Friends – The Musical will open at Leeds Grand Theatre in November ahead of an extensive UK tour, visiting Bromley, Newcastle, Hull, Southampton, Sheffield, Southend, Milton Keynes, Norwich, Manchester, Nottingham, Birmingham, Dartford, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Glasgow, Bradford, Aberdeen and Blackpool.
Sam Bailey shot into the hearts of the nation in 2013, when the former Prison Officer won ITV’s The X Factor and reached Christmas number one with her first single, ‘Skyscraper’. She has gone on to receive public acclaim for her role as Mama Morton in the recent UK tour of Chicago.
Sam Bailey said “I’m absolutely delighted to have been cast as Betty in Fat Friends – The Musical. I loved the show when it was on ITV and I feel so honoured to be working with such a talented group of people. I know I am going to learn so much from Kay and Nicholas and I can’t wait to start rehearsals.”
Elaine C Smith said “I’ve always loved Kay Mellor’s writing and work and have been a fan for years – so the chance to work on this musical version based on a TV series that I loved was just too good to miss. Kay’s writing and portrayal of women along with her great ability to tell a cracking story that moves and touches people as well as making them laugh is so good and evident in great series like The Syndicate, In the Club and the iconic Band of Gold – so her work is what all actors want to be involved in – and with great music too – what’s not to like! I know audiences will love this and I am really looking forward to being involved in such a great production.”
