Falsettos cast: Joel Montague to replace Matt Cardle in UK premiere

Joel Montague will replace Matt Cardle in the cast of Falsettos at London’s The Other Palace.

With music and lyrics by William Finn and a book by Finn and James Lapine, Falsettos made its world premiere on Broadway in 1992.

The musical will now make its European premiere as it plays at The Other Palace for a limited season from August 30 to November 23.

Due to unforeseen scheduling complications, Matt Cardle has withdrawn from the show and will be replaced by Joel Montague in the role of Mendel.

Montague’s credits include Kiss Me Kate, School Of Rock, Funny Girl and Urinetown. He joins a cast made up of Natasha J Barnes (Cordelia), Daniel Boys (Marvin), Gemma Knight-Jones (Charlotte), Laura Pitt-Pulford (Trina), Oliver Savile (Whizzer), Albert Atack, George Kennedy, Elliot Morris and James Williams (Jason) and Matthew Mckenna (Understudy) and Natasha O’Brien (Understudy).

Matt Cardle, said this week: “I am truly sorry that circumstances beyond our control have led to my departure from Falsettos. It has been such a hard decision for us to make, as I know Tara Overfield-Wilkinson is going to deliver the most incredible show.

“It’s a complex and exciting show and I can’t wait to watch the world-class cast bring this to life at The Other Palace and urge anyone who hasn’t yet bought tickets to do so before the run sells out. I for one won’t miss the chance to watch it.”

Tara Overfield-Wilkinson, Director, added: “On behalf of myself and the entire company we want to wish Matt all the love and support he needs for having made such a difficult decision to step away from Falsettos.

“I understand and respect his gruelling schedule and I hope to work with him again in the future.”

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David Hutchinson, CEO of producers Selladoor Worldwide, said, “We are gutted to be losing Matt from our tight-knit family. Matt’s schedule between performing each evening, and rehearsing for this beautiful but demanding show – has taken its toll, and we’re sorry he can’t continue on this journey.

“We are, however, very lucky that Joel Montague has agreed to step into the role, and are so excited for what he will bring to Falsettos. He is a welcome addition to our company, who are working hard to bring together what I believe will be a very special show indeed.”

Falsettos tells the story of gay man Marvin, his ex-wife Trina, his psychiatrist Mendel, his son Jason, his lover Whizzer Brown, and his lesbian neighbours Cordelia and Dr. Charlotte.

About the author: Josh Darvill

Josh is Stageberry's editor with over five years of experience writing about theatre in the West End and across the UK. Prior to following his passion for musicals, he worked for more than a decade as a TV journalist.