Susan Boyle Musical heading to Australia, 2013

It was announced today that a new musical will be heading down under in 2013, starring a combination of Australian and international artists.

I Dreamed A Dream: The Susan Boyle Musical, will play limited runs at Her Majesty's Theatre, Melbourne and Sydney's Theatre Royal starring UK import Elaine C Smith in the title role.

Despite concerns from within the industry that the LPA's decision (effective July 2012) to tear up the overseas artists agreement would result in job losses for Australian artists, producer Paul Dainty of The Dainty Group says talks with Australia's performer's union MEAA have ensured Australian artists will be a part of this production. It is not clear what percentage of the cast will be imported and what percentage will be Australian.

“We are thrilled that the cast will include stars direct from the UK and after consulting and working with the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance the production will also integrate a stellar Australian company. It will be the first produc

tion outside of the UK and we are delighted that we have been able to assemble a truly international company”, said Dainty.

“This is a fascinating and moving story that has received many accolades and outstanding critical acclaim since it opened in the UK earlier this year.”

The musical is based on the life story of Scottish singer Susan Boyle, who became an overnight sensation when she stepped onto the stage in the reality TV series Britain’s Got Talent (2009). Her rendition of ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ (from Les Miserables) on the popular talent show was viewed by over 300 million people, and millions more via YouTube. She has since recorded two albums, selling over 14 million copies and will soon release a third album on November 16 this year.

The musical of her life story, I Dreamed A Dream, opened in Newcastle, England on 23 March this year, almost three years to the day from her debut on Britain's Got Talent. Melbourne will receive the show in Australia first, with a limited season commencing on May 31, 2013 ahead of a Sydney season from July 4.

Susan Boyle herself is hoping to make the trip down under for the Australian premiere of her 'official story' next May.

Tickets for I Dreamed a Dream will go on sale on Monday 26 November.

For further information and wait list, visit www.susanboylemusical.com.au