Sing for your dinner - Fat Friends Is A Musical!

The much loved TV drama Fat Friends has been adapted for the stage by prolific Leeds writer Kay Mellor with original music by Nicholas Lloyd Webber
Fat Friends will open at Leeds Grand Theatre on 7 November 2017 before embarking on an extensive UK tour in 2018, with full tour dates and venues to be announced soon.

The TV Cast of Fat Friends

Long term readers of our Just Families publication may recall that Fat Friends scooped the board in our 2000 end of year awards for best new show and again in 2003 for best recurring! The news that the show is to return – as a musical is sure to appeal to fans up and down the country. As Kay told us “About once or twice a week I get asked if Fat Friends is going to come back on the television. I’m always flattered that people loved the characters and premise. It ran for four series with a Christmas special and although I felt it had run its course on television, I always secretly thought there could be a musical using those characters and
looking at weight. It’s such a topical subject matter, more so today than ever. Everybody you meet is on some kind of diet or knows someone on a diet”

Packed full of warmth, life and weight loss, this brand new stage show reunites our favourite foodie friends in an original musical bulging with hopes, humour and heart. Join the infamous group of loveable characters as they are put through their Zumba paces at their local branch of Super Slimmer’s by the lovelorn Lauren whilst Kelly fantastises about fitting into the wedding dress of her dreams. Fat Friends offers a generous serving of hilarious fun with a sprinkle of romance on top!

The award-winning Jodie Prenger will lead a star company in the beloved role of Kelly Stevenson with further casting to be announced. Jodie landed the role of Nancy in Cameron Mackintosh's revival production of Oliver! at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane after winning BBC 1's I'd Do Anything.

Fat Friends first hit television screens in October 2000 and folowed the lives of a group of overweight friends as they struggled with the absurdities of modern dieting. Running for five years on ITV, the show starred Alison Steadman, Sheridan Smith and Lisa Riley and also launched the careers of James Corden and Ruth Jones. Written by Kay Mellor, the show was nominated for multiple awards including the BAFTA for Best Drama Series.

“The musical is funny and sad with a big story and some meaty and memorable songs. I’m blessed to have the opportunity to work with Nick Loyd Webber who absolutely gets my characters and world. Together I think we’ve created something rather unique. I’m absolutely delighted and thrilled for the premier of Fat Friends The Musical to be held at Leeds Grand Theatre. Not only is Leeds my home town, but it’s where I set the television series and the stage musical. I love Leeds with a passion and the people of Leeds inspire me every day, so it fills me with pride to know that the musical will be seen by the people of Leeds before it goes on a national tour in 2018.’

LISTINGS INFORMATION 
Fat Friends
By Kay Mellor Director: Kay Mellor
Music by Nicholas Lloyd Webber

Leeds Grand Theatre
46 New Briggate, Leeds LS1 6NZ
Tue 7 November – Sat 2 December 2017
Priority Members on sale: Wednesday 18th January
General on sale: Wednesday 25th January
Monday – Saturday, 7.30pm
Thursday & Saturday matinees, 2.30pm
Tickets from £21
Box Office: 0844 848 2700
Book Online: www.leedsgrandtheatre.com