The Cher Show: Meet the Chers!
Get ready to turn back time!
Last updated 25th Feb 2022
With over 100 million record sales, multiple awards, and as the only artist in history to have a number one hit in the Billboard chart for six consecutive decades, we can't think of anyone more deserving of their own musical than the legendary Cher.
Now, following its Tony Award-winning run on Broadway, The Cher Show will make its European debut with a brand new production heading on a UK & Ireland tour beginning this year.
Three actresses will portray the legendary artist over different eras of her career.
Meet the Chers:
Debbie Kurup as 'Star'
Debbie's credits include Bonnie & Clyde (Theatre Royal, Drury Lane), Queen Tuya in The Prince of Egypt (Dominion), Blues in the Night (Kiln), Sweet Charity (Donmar Warehouse), Mrs Neilsen in Girl From The North Country (Old Vic/ Noël Coward), The Threepenny Opera (National Theatre) and Anything Goes (Sheffield Crucible/UK Tour)
Danielle Steers as 'Lady'
Danielle's credits include The Empress in Aladdin (Theatre Royal, Plymouth), Catherine Parr in Six The Musical (London), Zahara in the original cast of Bat out of Hell: The Musical (Manchester Opera House, London Coliseum, Ed Mirvish Theatre, Toronto, Dominion Theatre, New York City Centre), Carmen in Sweet Charity (Donmar Warehouse), and Lead Shirelle in Beautiful - The Carole King Musical (Aldwych Theatre).
Millie O'Connell as 'Babe'
Millie's credits include Maureen in Rent (Hope Mill Theatre), Jeanie in Hair (Turbine Theatre), Chloe Valentine in Be More Chill (Shaftesbury Theatre and The Other Palace), Anne Boleyn in SIX: The Musical (UK Tour, Arts Theatre, London) and Ensemble/cover Millie in Thoroughly Modern Millie (UK Tour)
Further casting is to be announced. The tour will open at the Leicester Curve on 15th April and will continue through to 1st April 2023.
The tour will be choreographed by two-time Strictly Come Dancing champion Oti Mabuse, and costumes will be designed by Gabriella Slade who also designed costumes for Six, In The Heights, and the Spice World 2019 tour. Arlene Phillips, who directed Saturday Night Live, Starlight Express and Grease will be directing the tour.
Arlene has said: “I have been a fan of Cher since I first heard I Got You Babe in the mid-sixties and cannot wait to direct her musical. I love stories about strong inspirational legends like Cher and I am proud to be joined in the creative team by two women who have already made a huge impact in their careers: Oti Mabuse as choreographer of the many different genres in the show and Gabriella Slade for the iconic costume designs.”
“This exciting show will be a non-stop journey of Cher’s rollercoaster life, bringing to the audience Cher’s iconic songs, glorious dance numbers, unique costumes and her epic drama. All they need to do is come along and Believe.”
What is The Cher Show about?
With a book by Tony and Olivier Award-winning Rick Elice (who brought us great shows such as Jersey Boys and The Addams Family) The Cher Show takes us through her pop culture-defining career. We will see her rise to fame and the influential people she meets along the way including her mother, and Sonny Bono, as well as icons such as legendary fashion designer Bob Mackie.
The musical will include 35 of Cher's greatest hits including 'If I Could Turn Back Time', 'I Got You Babe', 'Strong Enough', and of course, 'Believe'.
Who will star in The Cher Show?
Casting is yet to be announced for the UK & Ireland tour but we can't wait to see who will be taking on the iconic role!
Where can I see The Cher Show?
The Cher Show will be visiting the following venues, click on the venue name for further information regarding show times and ticket information:
2022
15th - 23rd April - Leicester Curve
26th - 30th April - Sunderland Empire
3rd - 7th May - Hull New Theatre
10th - 14th May - Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield
17th - 21st May - Manchester Opera House
24th - 28th May - Grand Opera House, Belfast
31st May - 4th June - Blackpool Opera House
7th - 11th June - Theatre Royal, Nottingham
14th - 19th June - Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury
21st - 25th June - Theatre Royal, Plymouth
19th - 30th July - Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin
2nd - 6th August - Birmingham Hippodrome
9th - 13th August - Milton Keynes Theatre
16th - 20th August - The Cliffs Pavilion, Southend
23rd - 27th August - New Theatre, Cardiff
30th August - 3rd September - Regent Theatre, Stoke
6th - 10th September - New Victoria Theatre, Woking
13th - 17th September - Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham
20th - 24th September - Orchard Theatre, Dartford
27th September - 1st October - Kings Theatre, Glasgow
4th - 8th October - His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen
11th - 15th October - Edinburgh Festival Theatre
18th - 22nd October - Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton
25th - 29th October - The Alhambra Theatre, Bradford
1st - 12th November - Theatre Royal, Brighton
15th - 19th November - Grand Opera House, York
22nd - 26th November - Regent Theatre, Ipswich
2023
3rd - 7th January - Mayflower Theatre, Southampton
10th - 14th January - Royal & Derngate, Northampton
17th - -21st January - Liverpool Empire
24th - 28th January - Bristol Hippodrome
31st January - 4th February - New Wimbledon Theatre
7th - 11th February - Darlington Hippodrome
14th - 18th February - Princess Theatre, Torquay
21st - 25th February - New Theatre, Oxford
28th February - 4th March - Venue Cymru, Llandudno
7th - 11th March - Norwich Theatre Royal
14th - 18th March - The Sands Centre, Carlisle
Further dates to be announced. For more information you can visit The Cher Show's official website.
Check out some of Cher's iconic roles below:
The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (1967)
Cher's first acting role was an appearance in a 1967 episode of The Man from U.N.C.L.E. called 'The Hot Number Affair', starring as Ramona the model who captured the attentions of Jerry.
Silkwood (1983)
Cher pushed all the boundaries in her role in Silkwood, a drama inspired by the real-life story of Karen Silkwood. Cher played the lesbian best friend of Karen, who uncovered wrongdoing at a plutonium plant where she worked and was later killed in a car accident. Cher was nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the 1984 Academy Awards and the 1985 BAFTAs, and won the Golden Globe in 1984.
Mask (1985)
She appeared in 1985 film Mask alongside Sam Elliott, Eric Stoltz and Lauren Dern, based on the real life of Roy L. 'Rocky' Dennis who suffered from craniodiaphyseal dysplasia. Cher played his mother, Rusty, and won Best Actress at Cannes Film Festival. She was also nominated for Best Actress at the 1986 Golden Globes.
The Witches of Eastwick (1987)
Cher had a pretty huge 1987 - starring in two other films alongside The Witches of Eastwick. Cher played one of the eponymous witches along with Michelle Pfeiffer and Susan Sarandon, with Jack Nicholson playing Daryl Van Horne.
Moonstruck (1987)
Another of Cher's 1987 flicks was Moonstruck, in which she starred opposite Nicolas Cage, playing her fiancé's brother who she falls in love with. Cher won the Academy Award for Best Actress for the role in 1988, going up against her former co-star and friend Meryl Streep, who was memorably over the moon for Cher. In turn, Cher thanked Meryl in her acceptance speech.
Mermaids (1990)
Cher played the flamboyant mother of two daughters in Mermaids, co-starring Winona Ryder and Christina Ricci as her children and Bob Hoskins as her love interest. Winona and Christina later appeared in the music video for her song 'The Shoop Shoop Song (It's in His Kiss)', which appeared on the soundtrack for the film.
Will & Grace (2000 & 2002)
One of Cher's most iconic cameos was in Will & Grace, appearing in the show twice as character Jack's (Sean Hayes) favourite singer and role model. The first episode in 2000 called 'Gypsies, Tramps and Weed', named after Cher song 'Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves'. Of the cameo, Cher said, "We did two endings. I improvised one. I hope they show it as an outtake 'cause the audience loved that one more than the one they're gonna show. Instead of the thing I was supposed to do, I did something to Sean – something completely different and he just about passed out. I don't know what possessed me."
Stuck On You (2003)
Cher appeared in 2003's Stuck On You as herself! She starred alongside actors including Matt Damon and Eva Mendes in the comedy film.
Sesame Street (2004)
Anyone who's anyone has appeared on Sesame Street at some point or another in its 50+ year history - and Cher is no exception! She starred in a 2004 episode in a segment called 'My Favorite Sesame Street Moments', saying that she was glad the show existed to cheer her up.
Burlesque (2010)
Cher was in 2010 film Burlesque opposite Christina Aguilera and Kristen Bell, starring as Tess, the dance group leader and club owner.
Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018)
She may have only been in the film for about 10 minutes near the end, but Cher totally stole the show as Sophie Sheridan's (Amanda Seyfried) grandmother Ruby, singing 'Fernando'. Cher later released an album full of ABBA covers entitled 'Dancing Queen'. She said of the album, "After filming Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, I was reminded again of what great and timeless songs they wrote and started thinking, 'Why not do an album of their music?' The songs were harder to sing than I imagined but I'm so happy with how the music came out. I'm really excited for people to hear it. It's a perfect time."
Bobbleheads: The Movie (2020)
Putting her stunning vocals to even further good use, Cher's voice made an appearance in the recent 2020 film Bobbleheads: The Movie. Cher voiced her very own bobblehead, appearing on stage surrounded by lights and pink smoke!
The film featured other famous voices such as Jennifer Coolidge and Anthony DeStefanis.