Phill Jupitus Tapped for London's Urinetown; Musical Will Close in January

Phill Jupitus will join the cast of Jamie Lloyd’s London production of Urinetown The Musical from December 1. The renowned British comedian will take over the role of Caldwell B. Cladwell from Simon Paisley Day. The tuner, which is running at the West End’s Apollo Theatre, is now set to close in January 2015.

Jenna Russell and Marc Elliott will also depart the production on November 29; they will be replaced by current cast members Julie Jupp and Alasdair Buchan as Penelope Pennywise and Mr. McQueen, respectively.

Jupitus is best known for his work on TV’s Never Mind The Buzzcocks. His stage credits include White Rabbit Red Rabbit, Big Society, Spamalot and Hairspray.

Urinetown is set in a futuristic city where a corporation owns all the toilets, so citizens must pay for their use. Aggravated by this arrangement, Bobby Strong organizes an uprising against Urine Good Company, a main holder of toilets, and its president Caldwell B. Cladwell. When things intensify, Hope Cladwell, the boss' daughter, must choose between Bobby and her father. Urinetown ran on Broadway from 2001 to 2004 and won Tony Awards for Best Book, Best Score and Best Direction.