Global Creatures has announced that Leicester’s Curve theatre will stage the UK premiere of its highly acclaimed Muriel’s Wedding The Musical, with performances running from 10 April to 10 May 2025.
Based on the international cult classic 1994 motion picture Muriel’s Wedding (written and directed by PJ Hogan, produced by Lynda House and Jocelyn Moorhouse), the Made at Curve and Global Creatures co-production of Muriel’s Wedding The Musical is directed by Simon Phillips (Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Love Never Dies) and choreographed by Andrew Hallsworth (Priscilla Queen of the Desert).
Book writer PJ Hogan has updated his own screenplay for the stage, and original music for Muriel’s Wedding The Musical is written by award-winning multi-platinum selling artists Kate Miller-Heidke and Keir Nuttall, whose work spans the worlds of music theatre, opera, Coachella and Eurovision. The musical includes additional songs by Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus & Stig Anderson originally written for ABBA.
Speaking about the announcement, Carmen Pavlovic for Global Creatures, producer of Muriel’s Wedding The Musical, said: “We are immensely proud to be partnering with Curve to bring Muriel’s Wedding The Musical to the stage,” she siad.
“UK audiences just ‘get’ the wonderfully flawed and quirky character of Muriel Heslop who captures our hearts with her indomitable spirit. We can’t wait to bring this beloved story to life and share it with audiences in such an inspiring venue,” said Pavlovic.
“I’m thrilled that the team at Leicester Curve have embraced Muriel Heslop with the same open heart as the rest of the world,” added Director Simon Phillips. Curve has an enviable track record delivering exciting new musicals, and it’s a privilege to be adding Muriel to their list.”
“Muriel’s misguided aspiration has never been funnier or on-the-moneyer, and now that it’s not just ABBA doing the singing, but the whole of Porpoise Spit, Sydney, and even the Olympic swimming team, her self-made journey to stardom has doubled the decibels,” said Phillips.
“We’re euphoric Muriel is leaving Porpoise Spit and coming to Leicester!” said Curve’s Chief Executive Chris Stafford and Artistic Director Nikolai Foster.
“We are looking forward to welcoming acclaimed Australian director Simon Phillips and his phenomenal team to Curve to create the UK premiere of this iconic film on-stage, in this all-singing and all-dancing celebration of finding the courage to be your authentic self.”
“It’s equally thrilling writer PJ Hogan has adapted his screenplay for the stage and this production, alongside the ABBA hits from the film, includes original music by Kate Miller-Heidke and Keir Nuttall,” said Stafford and Foster.
Muriel’s Wedding The Musical received wide critical acclaim when the production launched in Australia. Winner of five Helpmann Awards, seven Sydney Theatre Awards, an Awgie Award, the 2018 David Williamson Prize and an ARIA Award Nomination.
The musical celebrated its world premiere in a co-production with the Sydney Theatre Company in November 2017 and returned with an Australian tour in 2019. It was hailed a smash hit by critics and audiences alike.
Undateable. Unemployable. Unstoppable. Stuck in a dead-end life in Porpoise Spit, Muriel dreams of the perfect wedding – the white dress, the church, the attention.
Unfortunately, there’s one thing missing: a groom. Following her dreams to Sydney, Muriel ends up with everything she ever wanted – a man, a fortune and a million social media followers. That’s when things start to go really wrong.
Muriel’s Wedding The Musical will run at Curve 10 April to 10 May 2025. For more information, visit: www.curveonline.co.uk for details.
Image: Muriel’s Wedding The Musical