David Essex Brings All the Fun of the Fair to London's West End

Recording artist and actor David Essex's All the Fun of the Fair will make its West End debut at London's Garrick Theatre, beginning previews April 17. The production, written by and starring Essex and directed by David Gilmore, officially opens April 28. The engagement is slated to play through September 5. Complete casting will be announced shortly.

Inspired by one of his most successful albums, in All the Fun of the Fair, Essex plays Levi Lee, recently widowed and father of a rebellious teenage son. Danger and mysticism lurk in the future, as predicted by the gypsy fortune teller who is in love with Levi. Dodgems and motorbikes, crafty cons and candy floss, fairground horses and fights and plenty of rock and roll bring out the carnival atmosphere in this underbelly world. The musical drama features a soundtrack of Essex’s most well-known songs, which he re-wrote and arranged specifically for this production. These include "Winter’s Tale, Hold Me Close, Me and My Girl Nightclubbing, Silver Dream Machine, Gonna Make You A Star, Rock On" and the title track.

A successful recording artist, Essex crossed over into musical theater with the original West End production of Godspell, going on to star in Evita. His numerous stage credits include She Stoops to Conquer, Footloose and Aspects of Love. He also co-wrote and starred in the original musical Mutiny!

The creative team for All the Fun of the Fair includes set and costumes by Colin Richmond, lighting by Ben Cracknell and sound by Steve Jonas. The show is producted by Alan Darlow, Jon Conway and Lee Dean.