Dylan Turner to Play Gay Screen Icon William Haines in London's The Tailor-Made Man

Dylan Turner will star as gay film icon William "Billy" Haines in the new London musical The Tailor-Made Man. The show, which also stars Faye Tozer as Marion Davies, will run February 13, 2013 through April 6 at the Arts Theatre. Opening night is set for February 21.

Set In 1930, the musical follows William “Billy” Haines, one of MGM’s most idolized male stars. On screen he was tailor-made to get the girl in the last reel, but on the back lot he cruised every bit player and stagehand in sight. Billy lived openly with his lover and former stand-in Jimmy Shields. Their relationship was tolerated by the studio until rumors started to seep out into the wider world. Studio head Louis B. Mayer ordered him to marry the sultry silent screen vamp Pola Negri, but when Billy refused, he was fired by Mayer.  

Turner has appeared in the West End productions of Chariots of Fire, Rock of Ages, Life is a Dream, Mamma Mia! and Grease. Tozer is known as a member of the British pop group Steps. She has toured in Tell Me on a Sunday, Love Shack, Me and My Girl, Dial M for Murder and Over the Rainbow. 

The Tailor-Made Man is directed by and features a book by Claudio Macor, music by Duncan Walsh Atkins and Adam Meggido and lyrics by Meggido. The production will also include choreography by Nathan M. Wright, design by Sophia Simensky, lighting by Humphrey McDermott, sound by Tom Marshall and musical direction by Atkins.