Casting has been revealed for the world premiere of NOW That's What I Call a Musical, written by Pippa Evans and directed and choreographed by Craig Revel Horwood. Performances will begin September 6 at Aylesbury's Waterside Theatre, after which the production will embark on a U.K. and Ireland tour.

Nina Wadia will star as Gemma, alongside Melissa Jacques as April. Sam Bailey will take over the role of April beginning January 14, 2025.

The company also includes Kieran Cooper (Strictly Ballroom), Christopher Glover (The Kite Runner), Chris Grahamson (Tina: The Tina Turner Musical), Maia Hawkins (A Chorus Line), Lauren Hendricks (Much Ado About Nothing), Shakil Hussan (Frankie Goes to Bollywood), Nikita Johal (Spring Awakening), Luke Latchman (Sunset Boulevard), Matthew Mori, Phil Sealey (TONY! The Tony Blair Rock Opera), Callum Tempest (Miss Saigon), and Poppy Tierney (Cabaret).

The cast will be completed by Emily Barnett-Salter (Annie), Molly Cheesley (Emma), Lizzy Ives, Stefanos Petri, and Martha Pothen (Oliver!). Casting is by Annelie Powell CDG.

The new musical celebrates 40 years of the compilations brand NOW That's What I Call Music through the story of school friends Gemma and April, with hits from stars like Whitney Houston, Wham!, Blondie, Tears for Fears, and more.

The production features set and costume design by Tom Rogers and Toots Butcher; musical supervision, orchestrations, and vocal arrangements by Mark Crossland; lighting design by Ben Cracknell; sound design by Adam Fisher; and wigs and hair design by Sam Cox. Production management is by Setting Line.

NOW That's What I Call a Musical is produced by ROYO, Universal Music UK, Sony Music Entertainment, and Mighty Village.

Visit TheNOWMusical.com for a full tour itinerary.