News broke initally via a priority booking tweet from one of the theatres on the tour, later confirmed by a press release (see full article from LondonTheatre1), that Lee would star in next year's UK & Ireland tour revival of Fat Friends the Musical.First touring the UK in 2017, the musical is based on hit ITV show Fat Friends and is created, directed and has book and lyrics by the multi award winning Kay Mellor, with original music by Nicholas Lloyd Webber. The tour, produced by Joshua Andrews and Rollem Productions, starts in Dartford on 14 January, visting over 20 venues around the UK and Ireland, ending in Hull on 23 July.
UPDATE 06/10/2021: In a change to the previously announced casting, Lee will now play the role of Kevin Murgatroyd, starring alongside Sherrie Hewson (Coronation Street, Benidorm), Jessica Ellis (Hollyoaks) and, direct from his acclaimed West End run in Hairspray, Les Dennis (Legally Blonde, Extras, Coronation Street).
Kay Mellor said...
"Issues of body image and online trolling are more pertinent today than ever, and will resonate with people everywhere. Despite this, using song, dance and humour I can guarantee that audiences will leave the show with a smile on their face and feeling better about themselves – something we all need right now. I’m delighted to be remounting Fat Friends the Musical, thrilled to be working with the brilliant and talented Lee Mead and can’t wait for us to bring the show to so many fantastic venues around the UK and Ireland."
while Lee tweeted...
"Thank you for all the lovely messages today regarding @FatFriendsShow. I'm so excited to be back on the road again and to be back to work in a big musical from the start of next year. This one's gonna be a lot of fun x
"
For the full tour schedule and booking information, please visit the tour page.Published: 05/07/2021; last updated: 06/10/2021