‘In Marrakech’: new original musical begins development workshop in London — full cast announced

A new original musical is taking shape in London. As BroadwayWorld reports, Concord Theatricals has announced the cast for the development workshop of ‘In Marrakech’, the new musical by composer Kate Marlais and actor-librettist Alex Young, directed by Josh Seymour. Rehearsals are taking place this week, while the workshop presentation will be held on Friday, 2 October, at London’s Jerwood Space.

‘In Marrakech’ follows three generations of women of a British family as they try to leave old resentments behind and reconcile with one another during a stay in Marrakech. The story begins when Jess, a young climate activist on the verge of an emotional breakdown, is sent to her grandmother’s riad in Marrakech. There, among storytellers, dreamers and strangers, their lives intertwine in unexpected ways. Morocco’s ancient storytelling traditions collide with modern thinking, as hidden truths come to light and old wounds heal — all wrapped in contemporary music coloured with Moroccan sounds.

The cast includes Sharif Afifi as Bachir, Malek Alkoni as Rafiq, Edward Bennett as Mike, Niamh Cusack as Judith, Katherine Kingsley as Tina, Gregor Milne as Luke, Eleanor Nawal as Nadia and Kat Ronney as Jess. They will be joined by musicians Samir Nacer on percussion and Nick Fitch on guitar, while the ensemble vocals are provided by Oliver Cave, Olivia Bloom, Charlotte Rose Dixon, Nic Myers and Noah Van Renswoude.

Sean Patrick Flahaven, chief executive of Concord Theatricals and BMG, said, as BroadwayWorld reports, that after seeing a 15-minute excerpt of ‘In Marrakech’ at the BEAM festival before the pandemic, he had wanted to hear and see more — and that after years of further development, the team is excited to continue the work to discover what this touching story and enchanting music can become. The creative team also includes musical director Yshani Perinpanayagam, sound designer Hattie North, stage manager Robert Perkins and dramaturg Saeida Rouass.