Through the Mill transferring to Southwark Playhouse

Through the Mill is transferring to the Southwark Playhouse following its run at the London Theatre Workshop.

Written and directed by Ray Rackham, the show will open in The Large on 8th July (previews from 6th July) and run until 30th July 2016

The show has musical supervision and arrangements by Simon Holt with musical direction by Jordan Li Smith, choreography by Chris Whittaker, set design by Johnson Williams and sound by Ed Shaw.

The three actresses from the original run will reprise their roles at Southwark Playhouse: Helen Sheals (Downton Abbey) plays CBS Judy, native Australian Belinda Wollaston plays Palace Judy and newcomer Lucy Penrose plays Young Judy.

Costume design is by Evie Holdcroft & Millie Hobday whilst hair and make-up is by Leanne Steadman. Casting is by Samuel Julyan.

Set primarily during the filming of ‘The Judy Garland Show’ in 1963, Through the Mill chronicles the production difficulties behind the scenes, intercut with the young Judy Garland’s rise to fame through MGM in the 1930s, and her triumphant sell-out concert engagement at the Palace Theatre in the early 1950s.

Illustrating why Judy Garland was, and continues to be, one of the great legends of show business history, Through the Mill goes beyond the rainbow, and explores the life of a woman destined for greatness; as loved today as she was when she first made her way along the yellow brick road. For both audiences new to Garland’s extensive back catalogue in the world of film and music, as well as the true Judy aficionado, here is an honest, entertaining and moving portrait of a legend; as courageous, determined, sincere and funny as she was memorably tragic.

The show features a hit list of Judy Garland favourites, including The Trolley Song, The Man That Got Away and Over the Rainbow, with a sixteen strong company of actor musicians, and a cast headed by three actresses playing the legend herself.