Essex-boy Matt Cardle, who rose to fame winning the seventh series of the ITV’s The X Factor, will join the cast of Memphis the Musical in London. The chart topping star will step into the role of radio DJ ‘Huey Calhoun’ from 6 July, taking over from Killian Donnelly who originated the role in the West End.
Matt will join Queen of British Soul, Beverley Knight who extends her run as club singer ‘Felicia Farrell’ until October 2015.
“I’m thrilled to be making my acting and West End debut in Memphis,” says Matt. “From the first time I saw the show I felt I had a real connection with the character of Huey. It’s no secret that I worked for many years before my breakthrough as a musician. I started my first band when I was 12 years old and spent at least 15 years recording albums and sending demos to record companies before finally having my voice heard. It was the united love from family and friends, similar to that at the heart of the Memphis story, that saw me through. I am truly honoured to be sharing the stage with the incredible Beverley Knight, I’ve admired her work for such a long time and can’t wait to get started in the show”.
Written by Grammy® Award-winning David Bryan, a founding member of Bon Jovi, and Joe DiPietro, Memphis the Musical is inspired by true events from the underground dance clubs of 1950s Memphis, Tennessee and follows the fame and forbidden love of a radio DJ who wants to change the world and a club singer who is ready for her big break.
