World premiere of Benjamin Button musical to be performed at Southwark Playhouse

The world premiere of the musical adaptation of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button will take place at Southwark Playhouse later in the year.

Based on the short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the play will follow the life of Benjamin Button, who is born with the typical physicalities of an old man. As Benjamin ages, he begins to look younger in a story where Benjamin is trapped in a body where he feels he does not belong.

Casting for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button has also been announced. The cast will feature Joey Hickman, who has starred in We're Going on a Bearhunt at the Lyric Theatre, as well as regional productons of A Midsummer Night's Dream, Made in Dagenham and Oliver. Hickman is joined by Matthew Burns, whose theatre credits include The Wind in the Willows, Treasure Island and Romeo and Juliet.

The cast is completed by Rosalind Ford, Phillippa Hogg and James Marlowe.

The Fitzgerald story has been adapted for stage and features an original book by Jethro Compton, who also directs the production. Original music and lyrics are by Darren Clark, with Cornish translation by Pol Hodge.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is at Southwark Playhouse from 15th May to 8th June.