Romantics Anonymous to play Bristol Old Vic – cast confirmed

Hit musical Romantics Anonymous is to return in 2020 with a new production at the Bristol Old Vic.

Romantics Anonymous is based on the French film of the same name (Les Émotifs Anonymes) and follows the love story of chocolate maker Angelique and Jean-René, the owner of a chocolate manufacturer called the Chocolate Mill.

The stage adaption features music from Michael Kooman, lyrics by Christopher Dimond and a book by Emma Rice, who also directs.

The musical first ran at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse in London in 2017 starring Marc Antolin and Carly Bawden as Jean-René and Angelique respectively.

Both return for the new production at the Bristol Old Vic running from 18 January to 1 February. Tickets are on sale now here.

Completing the cast are are Brett Brown (Salesman/Fred), Me’sha Bryan (Suzanne/Mimi), Harry Hepple (Ludo/Remi), Laura Jane Matthewson (Young Woman), Sandra Marvin (Magda/Brigitte/Dr Maxim), Craig Pinder (Father/Pierre/Receptionist) and Gareth Snook (Mercier/Mumbler/Marini).

Book writer and director Emma Rice said: “Rarely have I made a show as beloved as Romantics Anonymous. It worked a gentle magic on all who created and saw it. Like Angélique creating her exquisite chocolates, fairy dust seems to float around this precious production and I, for one, cannot wait to bring it back.

“There is palpable excitement in the team and Bristol Old Vic is the perfect place to launch this new production.”

Following the UK production, the show will head on a North American tour.

The creative team is made up of Les Brotherston (design), Nigel Lilley (musical supervision), Etta Murfitt (choreography), Simon Hale (orchestrations), Malcolm Rippeth (lighting) and Simon Baker (sound).

For more information, romanticsanonymous.com