Shows in London are pleased to announce that renowned theatre and TV actor Robert Powell is joining the cast of the hugely successful West End show in London Singin’ in the Rain from the 1st October 2012.
Powell will be joining the musical in the role of studio boss R.F. Simpson. Robert Powell’s introduction at the Palace theatre in London will coincide with the 50th anniversary of the movie Singin’ in the rain.
Singin’ in the Rain, the show is now booking until September 2013.
Robert Powell, as well as being married to former Top of The Pops dancer Babs Lord from Pans People, is probably best known for his 1977 portrayal as Jesus in BBC’s Jesus of Nazareth. A role, for which he attracted much controversy but led to the accolade of Best Actor when he was awarded a much coveted BAFTA.
More recently Robert Powell starred in the BBC hospital drama Holby City for six years as Mark Williams.
Of his new role at the Palace theatre in London, Powell said “I’m delighted to be back in the West End and joining this classic musical. On the night I went to see it, from the minute the curtain went up I knew it was a show for me and I’m thrilled to be working with such a talented company.
“I’ve also dealt with a few studio bosses in my time so inspiration for the part of R.F. Simpson should come pretty easily! I can’t wait to get started.”
Powell’s previous theatre credits include national tours of Doctor in the House and Jeffrey Bernard is Unwell.
Robert Powell’s other credits include secret agent Richard Hannay in the third version of the film The 39 steps, which led to the TV series 10 years later, called Hannay with Powell in the leading role as John Buchan’s famous spy. Powell has also appeared in comedy as David Briggs in the BBC comedy The Decteives alongside Jasper Carrott. His distinctive voice has also become well known in many advertisements, documentaries and narrations on various rock albums, including two by Rick Wakeman.
Powell joins the cast of the London show opposite Adam Cooper, Daniel Crossley and Olivier Award-nominees Scarlett Strallen and Katherine Kingsley.
Singin’ in the rain is based on the classic MGM film starring Gene Kelly, and tells the story of silent movie star Don Lockwood (Adam Cooper), a man with everything he could want, including a ‘romance’ with his co-star Lina Lamont (Katherine Kingsley). But Hollywood is changing and the studios now want actors who can talk and sing and dance.
The musical opened at London’s Palace theatre earlier this year and has achieved critical acclaim as well as packing out audiences since.
