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The show is also showcasing upcoming talent including Adam Stickler, who plays the lead role of John and who has already dazzled theatre-goers as Henry Jekyll in a run of Jekyll and Hyde at the Alexandra Theatre in Bognor Regis. Clara Coslett has been cast as the Master Carpenter’s wife, Beth and will come fresh from playing the beggar woman in Sweeney Todd at Buxton Opera House from 29th April-1st May. 11 year old Eddie Waller, from Brampton, Chesterfield, has been cast as Walter, John’s young friend. Eddie has played a variety of roles and performed in concerts as part of Inspirations Theatre Company since 2017. Based on the novel, The Crooked Spire, by Chris Nickson, the musical is set in the mid -14th century and follows John, a carpenter, who has travelled from York to find work on the new spire which is being constructed on top of St Mary and All Saints Church. Before long the Master Carpenter at the Church is murdered and John becomes the chief suspect. The only way he can clear his name is to find out who the real killer is. As he gets closer to the truth further murders are committed and John’s life is in great danger. John makes new friends in Chesterfield who help him with his detective work, in particular a young boy called Walter whose parents have both died in the plague. Walter’s elder sister, a local seamstress, has caught John’s eye, but audiences will have to come and see for themselves whether John uncovers the truth and wins the heart of a good Chesterfield lass. Despite the lead up to the show coinciding with Eddie Waller’s year 6 SATS exams, he can’t wait to start rehearsing. Eddie said: “Walter is a great character – he’s very brave and a bit cheeky, but he looks up to John, the new carpenter in town and wants to win his approval. It’s a great role to play. “I feel very lucky and excited to have got the part in the show. I can learn so much from all the professional actors and it’s going to be amazing performing on the stage at The Pomegranate Theatre.” Ashgate Heritage Arts has secured Jake Smith as the musical’s Director. Jake’s credentials include Resident Director roles at the Almeida Theatre and Chichester Festival Theatre and he has also worked on large scale productions, notably Sting’s The Last Ship, The Hounds of Baskerville for Northern Stage and the tour of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. “After reading the script, I jumped at the chance to be involved as I love staging amazing stories which have a strong sense of place and pride in local heritage. I’m also passionate about working with community theatre and creating excellent productions outside London,” said Jake. “Together with set designer Lu Herbert, I will be creating a visually stunning show, which will transport audiences back to medieval Chesterfield,” he added. Frazer Meakin has been appointed as Movement Director on the musical. His previous credits include being an Associate Director in the West End with TuckShop Production's Dick Whittington and Associate Director for the UK Tour of The Wardrobe Ensemble’s The Great Gatsby. The Musical Director for the show, Harry Style, is a composer-arranger in theatre and television, and singer with the Ashatones. His credentials include composer for Liz and Forgive, Oh Father! at the Edinburgh Fringe, and musical director on Godspell at the Bridewell Theatre. Harry has taken the songs written by Martin and Peter of Ashgate Heritage Arts and created the orchestral score and choral arrangements for the cast. Harry said: “The music for the show combines a mix of folk ballad, rock, as well as some references to medieval music. It’s an absolute pleasure to work with such talented performers to create something truly worthy of the West End stage for Chesterfield,” he said. Novelist Chris Nickson said: “I’m flattered that Ashgate Heritage Arts are bringing my story to life. There are a number of theories about how the spire became crooked and my story explores one of those theories. Above all, it’s a murder mystery, but the importance of friendship (and a little romance!) underpins it all,” said Chris. The matinee performance on Saturday 21st May includes a Q & A with Martin Coslett, Musical Director; Mary Hennessy, Scriptwriter and Chris Nickson, author of The Crooked Spire novel. The cast and production team will be involved in a series of workshop with young people during the rehearsal period in May, hosted by Junction Arts, to provide local young people with an insight into musical theatre. The Crooked Spire is at The Pomegranate Theatre, Chesterfield from 19th – 21st May. There is a BSL signed performance on the evening of 19th May. To book tickets visit chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk To find out more about Ashgate Heritage Arts visit www.ashgateheritagearts.co.uk For updates on the cast and behind the scenes action, follow Ashgate Heritage Arts on Twitter @AHA-cic, Facebook: Ashgate Heritage Arts and Instagram @ashgateheritagearts ENDS Note to News Editors
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