NEWS - CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR UK PREMIER OF DISNEY'S FREAKY FRIDAY THE MUSICAL

Rebecca Lock and Jena Pandya Lead the UK Premiere of Freaky Friday The Musical at HOME Manchester

Get ready to swap bodies, swap shoes, and swap perspectives — because Freaky Friday The Musical is heading to Manchester! The UK premiere of the hit Disney stage adaptation will open at HOME Manchester from 27th November 2025 to 10th January 2026, bringing music, mayhem, and heartfelt mother-daughter magic to the festive season.

Directed by Andy Fickman (Heathers The Musical), with music and lyrics by the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning duo Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey (Next to Normal, If/Then), and a book by Bridget Carpenter (Friday Night Lights, Parenthood), this musical promises a laugh-out-loud and tear-jerking ride for all ages.

Cast

Bringing the iconic body-swapping duo to life are two powerhouse performers:🎭 Rebecca Lock (Here and Now: The Steps Musical, Heathers The Musical) as Katherine🎭 Jena Pandya (Come Fall In Love, Bhangra Nation) as her daughter Ellie

Joining them are a stellar supporting cast:

• Ian Virgo (Jesus Christ Superstar) as Mike

• Samantha Ho (Cabaret) as Gretchen

• Beth Savill (Hamlet) as Hannah

• Jessica Butterworth (professional stage debut) as Savannah

• Ellie Gilbert-Grey (professional stage debut) as Laurel

• Max Mirza (Clueless The Musical) as Adam

• Morgan Gregory (The Lightning Thief) as Parker

• Dylan Gordon-Jones (Back To The Future) as Wells

• Waylon Jacobs (Hamilton) as Dr Ehrin

• Tori Scott (The Cher Show) as Torrey

• Katharine Pearson (Heathers The Musical) as Danielle

• James Stirling (The Three Musketeers) as Grampa Jo

• Catherine Millsom (Sister Act) as Grandma Helene

  
  

(Child casting is still to be announced.)

Creative Team

Freaky Friday is presented by Paul Taylor-Mills, the producer behind The Lightning Thief and Heathers The Musical. The creative team includes:

• Choreography – Alexzandra Sarmiento (42 Balloons)

• Associate Choreographer – Sam Wilson-Freeman (& Juliet)

• Set & Costume Design – David Shields (Heathers The Musical)

• Associate Costume Designer – Reuben Speed (Doctor Faustus)

• Lighting Design – Nick Richings (La Cage Aux Folles)

• Music Supervision & Arrangements – Will Parker (Self Esteem presents A Complicated Woman)

• Musical Direction – George Strickland (The Book Thief)

• Associate Director – Ben Johnson (Nerds The Musical)

  
  

About the Show

Based on the beloved 1972 novel by Mary Rodgers and the Disney film adaptations — including the recent Freakier Friday sequel — this musical brings a fresh, contemporary energy to the classic tale.

When an overworked mother and her teenage daughter magically swap bodies, chaos ensues. With only one day to fix the switch, they must walk in each other’s shoes (quite literally!) and learn what life is really like from the other’s perspective. The result? A heartfelt, hilarious, and unexpectedly emotional story about family, empathy, and love.

Conclusion

With Rebecca Lock leading the cast and Andy Fickman at the helm, Freaky Friday The Musical looks set to be one of the most entertaining and feel-good family shows of the festive season. Expect laughter, warmth, and a little touch of magic when this Disney favourite lands in Manchester.

🎟️ Tickets are on sale now for Freaky Friday The Musical at HOME Manchester. Don’t miss the UK premiere of this heartwarming, high-energy hit!