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Michelle Visage will make her West End debut in “Sea Witch,” a new musical reimagining the origins of one of the sea’s most feared villains, at London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
The “RuPaul’s Drag Race” star and broadcaster will portray Tante Hansa in the show, which is inspired by “The Little Mermaid” and follows Evie, a witch surviving in a world where magic is outlawed.
Joining Visage in the all-star cast are “Strictly Come Dancing” winner and The Wanted member Jay McGuiness as Iker, Olivier Award nominee and original “Six” cast member Natalie Paris as Evie, “Mamma Mia!” alum Mazz Murray as Queen Charlotte, Olivier Award and WhatsOnStage Award nominee Amy Di Bartolomeo, fresh from her role as Emily in “The Devil Wears Prada,” as Annemette, and “Moulin Rouge!” leading lady Natalie Kassanga as Malvina.
“It’s really special to be able to create a role in a new musical, especially when it is as exciting and dynamic as ‘Sea Witch,'” Paris said. “I cannot wait to bring this magical show to life alongside an epic cast and team of creatives.”
McGuiness added: “It’s really exciting working on something new, and especially an amazing fantasy novel being brought to life on stage – I can’t wait to get in the rehearsal room and see what the team brings to life.”
The musical features choreography by Dean Lee, who has worked with Janet Jackson, direction by Kristopher Russell, and a book by Michael David Glover. Music and lyrics are by Segun Fawole, with music production by Jeff Nang. The show features a soundtrack that blends cinematic pop, dark soul, and musical-theatre songwriting.
“With ‘Sea Witch,’ we’re not just staging a story, we’re creating a new blueprint for musical theater,” Russell said. “Every visual, every beat, every emotional moment is crafted to push the genre forward.”
Glover added: “‘Sea Witch’ challenges everything we thought we knew about heroes, villains, and storytelling. It’s daring, emotional, and unapologetic, designed to carve out a new path for modern musicals.”
Choreographer Dean Lee said: “With ‘Sea Witch,’ I’ve been exploring a completely fresh movement language for theater – something born from years of experience, instinct, and deep love for storytelling through the body. Drawing from my journey working with artists like Janet Jackson and Pussycat Dolls whilst blending cinematic, contemporary and theatrical influences, we’ve crafted movement that doesn’t simply decorate the story… it is the story. Every gesture carries meaning, every sequence holds intention. My hope is that audiences don’t just watch the choreography – they feel it, live inside it and experience theatre in a way that feels new, emotional and deeply human.”
The show is based on Sarah Henning’s novel “Sea Witch” and adapted with permission of HarperCollins Publishers. The production is produced by Russell & Glover Theatrical & Pictures together with the Nederlander Organization, the Shubert Organization, John Gore Organization and Willette Klausner.
The production will receive its world premiere on March 1.
English (US) ·