U.K. Premiere of Parent Trap-Inspired Musical Identical Ends Run September 3

The world premiere of the new musical Identical, based on Erich Kästner's The Parent Trap novel, ends its run at Salford’s The Lowry September 3. Performances began August 19.

The new musical made its world premiere July 26-August 14 at the Nottingham Playhouse. Read reviews here.

Directed by Olivier and Tony winner Trevor Nunn, the West End-aimed musical features three sets of identical twins who share the central roles of Lottie and Lisa: Kyla and Nicole Fox from County Armagh, Northern Ireland; Emme and Eden Patrick from Waltham Abbey; and Sienna and Savannah Robinson from Bromley.

The twins are joined by Emily Tierney (Wicked), James Darch (The Rocky Horror Show), Gabrielle Lewis-Dodson (Pippin), Louise Gold (Fiddler on the Roof), and Michael Smith-Stewart (The Lion King) with ensemble members Rico Bakker, David Bardsley, Hannah Cauchi, Paige Fenlon, Rosie Glossop, Dominic Adam Griffin, Jordan Isaac, Rutendo Mushonga, and Ellie Nunn.

Playing the other children are Winter Jarrett Glasspool, Daisy Jeffcoate, Isabelle Larrey, Saffia Layla, Parrine Long, Helena Middleton, Kirsten Muzvuru, and Poppy Pawson, joined by canines Ness and Louby, who share the role of Pepi.

Identical—with music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe and a book by Stuart Paterson—follows Lottie and Lisa, twin girls separated at birth, as they meet at summer camp as 10-year-olds and devise a plan to swap identities and reunite their divorced parents. Kästner's novel was previously adapted by Disney into a 1961 film starring Hayley Mills and again in 1998 starring Lindsay Lohan.

The creative team also includes choreographer Matt Cole, set designer Rob Jones, costume designer Jonathan Lipman, video designer Douglas O'Connell, lighting designer Johanna Town, sound designer Paul Gatehouse, musical supervisor Caroline Humphris, musical director Tamara Saringer, orchestrator Tom Curran, associate director Martha Geelan, associate choreographer Jane McMurtrie, casting director Anne Vosser, children’s casting director and administrator Jo Hawes, and wig and hair designer Richard Mawbey. The production manager is Digby Robinson with general management and marketing by Kenny Wax Ltd.