European premiere of The Colour Purple

The Menier Chocolate Factory
5 July - 14 September
Directed & Designed by Tony Award-winning John Doyle

This stirring family chronicle from the Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Alice Walker follows the inspirational Celie, as she journeys from childhood through joy and despair, anguish and hope to discover the power of love and life. With a fresh, joyous score of jazz, ragtime, gospel and blues, this European premiere is adapted for the stage by Pulitzer Prize and Tony award winner Marsha Norman, with music and lyrics by Grammy award winners Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray.

The cast includes Cynthia Erivo as Celie (Sister Act: The Musical – UK tour, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg - Gielgud), Nicola Hughes as Shug (Porgy & Bess – Savoy), Adebayo Bolaji as Harpo (Ghost – Piccadilly) and Abiona Omonua as Nettie (Legally Blonde – Savoy, Hairspray – UK tour).