Life's a drag for Adrian Zmed and John Partridge

IF you're old enough to remember Adrian Zmed as William Shatner's youthful '˜heart-throb' side-kick in the hit 80's cop show TJ Hooker, banish all memories of Officer Vince Romano from your mind before going to see La Cage Aux Folles at the Playhouse next week.
Adrian Zmed and John Partridge as Georges and Albin in La Cage Aux FollesAdrian Zmed and John Partridge as Georges and Albin in La Cage Aux Folles
Adrian Zmed and John Partridge as Georges and Albin in La Cage Aux Folles

Zmed stars as camp club owner Georges, opposite ex-EastEnder John Partridge as his female impersonator partner Albin, in Harvey Fierstein and Jerry Herman’s hit Broadway musical.

Based on the 1973 French play of the same name by Jean Poiret, La Cage Aux Folles follows the story of Georges, the manager of a Saint Tropez nightclub, and his partner, Albin, the club’s star attraction.

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They live an idyllic existence in the south of France but behind the curtains of this sparkling extravaganza, all may be about to change when Georges’ son Jean-Michel announces his engagement to the daughter of a notorious right-wing politician determined to close down the club.

Drama and hilarity ensue when a meeting of the parents forces them to cover up their vibrant lifestyle.

Will Albin be able to play the role of his life to ensure Jean-Michel can marry his love?

Joining Zmed and Partridge in Bill Kenwright’s touring cast is one of the West End’s most revered leading ladies. Marti Webb will play Jacqueline, friend to Albin and Georges, and owner of the restaurant Chez Jacqueline.

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The original Broadway production became an instant smash when it opened in 1983, winning six Tony Awards.

Embarking on its first ever UK tour, this brand new production is directed by Martin Connor and choreographed by Olivier Award Winning Bill Deamer.

The show-stopping score includes The Best of Times, Song on the Sand and the iconic I Am What I Am, which has been recorded by musical legends Gloria Gaynor, Shirley Bassey and Tony Bennett.

Completing the cast are Dougie Carter as Jean-Michele, Samson Ajewole as Jacob, Su Douglas as Madame Renaud, Alexandra Robinson as Anne, Paul F Monaghan as Renaud and Jon De Ville as Francis.

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Joining them on stage as Les Cagelles are Jordan Livesey, Matthew Ives, Louie-George Daniels, Liam Paul Jennings, Micah Holmes and Richard Leavey with Luke Byrne, Jane Quinn, and Rachel Cumino.

A lavish tale of unconditional love and family values, life’s not worth a damn ‘till you can say I am what I am.

La Cage Aux Folles, Playhouse, Greenside Place, Tuesday-Saturday, 7.30pm (matinees 2.30pm), £15-£47.50, 0844-871 3014