David Soul in "Jerry Springer the Opera" from 12 July 2004

David Soul in "Jerry Springer the Opera" from 12 July 2004

It has been announced that Starsky and Hutch's David Soul will take over the role of 'Jerry Springer' in Jerry Springer the Opera from 12 July 2004 at the Cambridge Theatre. (He replaces Michael Brandon)

Jerry Springer the Opera started life and was developed by Stewart Lee and Richard Thomas through a series of public workshops at Battersea Arts Centre in 2001, then went on to be performed as a concert version at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2002 before the World Premiere at the National Theatre in April 2003. The show tranferred to the Cambridge Theatre in Oct 2003, where it is currently taking bookings to 8 Jan 2005

The reviews have been good: CHARLES SPENCER for THE DAILY TELEGRAPH says, "I remain convinced that this is a musical with a touch of genius about it." BENEDICT NIGTINGALE for THE TIMES says, "Wonderfully original." NICHOLAS DE JONGH for THE EVENING STANDARD says, "Cult of the coolest, wittiest trailer trash."

The show has music & book & lyrics by Richard Thomas , book & Lyrics also by Stewart Lee. It is directed by Stewart Lee, designed by Julian Crouch, lighting by Rick Fisher, choreography by Jenny Arnold and costumes by Leah Archer. It is produced by An Avalon Promotions Ltd and Allan McKeown production in association with the National Theatre and BAC.

Triumph, tragedy and trailer trash as high culture meets low culture. Jerry Springer the Opera, is a new opera based on America's most lurid talk show and the US host who brought worldwide television audiences programmes entitled 'Pregnant by a Transsexual', 'Here Come the Hookers'and 'I Refuse to Wear Clothes.'

NOTE: The show is not suitable for children!!