NEWS - FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR TO SIR, WITH LOVE – A NEW MUSICAL AT THE GILLIAN LYNNE THEATRE

The complete casting has now been announced for To Sir, With Love – A New Musical, set to bring E.R. Braithwaite’s iconic story to the West End’s Gillian Lynne Theatre for two concert performances on 24 November 2025.

This newly reimagined musical adaptation will feature a score by John Farrar and Kara DioGuardi, with direction by the acclaimed Sheldon Epps, and explores powerful themes of race, class, resilience, and the power of respect.

THE STORY BEHIND TO SIR, WITH LOVE – A NEW MUSICAL

Based on E.R. Braithwaite’s autobiographical memoir, the story follows Rick Braithwaite, a Cambridge-educated engineer and former RAF fighter pilot who takes a teaching post in a challenging London school. Confronting prejudice and defiance, Braithwaite engages his students with empathy and discipline, helping them navigate not just their education, but life itself.

Originally immortalised by Sidney Poitier in the 1967 film, To Sir, With Love remains every bit as relevant today—exploring the human capacity for change, understanding, and respect in the face of societal barriers.

A STAR-STUDDED WEST END CAST

Leading the West End concert performances are British music icon and Grammy nominee Lulu, who famously performed the original title song, returning to the world that launched her international career as Dale Evans, and five-time Emmy Award winner Wayne Brady (making his West End musical debut) as Rick Braithwaite.

They are joined by a stellar company including:

• Jess Folley (Burlesque the Musical) as Pamela Dare

• George Maguire (Sunny Afternoon) as Mr Weston

• Chelsea Halfpenny (Waitress, Emmerdale) as Gillian Blanchard

• Kara Lane (Come Fall In Love – The DDLJ Musical) as Mrs Dare

• Michael Vinsen (Hairspray) as Mr Bell

• Elijah Millar, making his professional debut as Sears

  
  

The young adult company, all provided by Italia Conti, includes Jamie Molloy, Ben Salter, Vivien Farkas-Haholt, Sophia Oram, Thomas Stocks, Toby Foetu-Foster, Matthew Navas, Isobelle Tolson, Katie Mitton and Rosie Hernandez-Lawrence.

CREATIVE TEAM

To Sir, With Love – A New Musical is directed by Sheldon Epps with a book by Kris Lythgoe, music and lyrics by John Farrar and Kara DioGuardi, and features arrangements by Eve Nelson and musical supervision and orchestrations by Joseph Joubert.

The creative team also includes:

• Musical direction: Sean Green

• Dramaturgy: Shereen Jasmin Phillips

• Choreography: Edgar Godineaux

• Sound design: Paul Smith

• Lighting design: Jack Weir

• Production management: Phil McCandlish

• Casting: Debbie O’Brien

The concert will also feature the legendary title song “To Sir, With Love” by Mark London and Don Black.

PRODUCTION AND DATES

Produced by Lythgoe Productions and Darren Bell, with Alex Day, Willette and Manny Klausner, Jonathan and Jennifer Yaek, Charles Duggan, Tracey Besant, Chris and Vivienne Day, and Rebecca Bahling-Lythgoe, this new musical has been developed through the Ogunquit Playhouse New Works Program.

The Gillian Lynne Theatre will host two performances on Monday 24 November 2025, with the matinee already sold out and very limited tickets remaining for the evening performance.

DON’T MISS TO SIR, WITH LOVE – A NEW MUSICAL

With its uplifting message, powerhouse cast, and inspiring new score, To Sir, With Love promises to be one of the most anticipated West End musical events of 2025.