Lee Latchford-Evans and Hollyoaks' Paul Holowaty in psycho-sexual musical thriller

Former Steps singer Lee Latchford-Evans and Hollyoaks pin-up Paul Holowaty are to make their Edinburgh Fringe debuts in the world premiere of the psycho-sexual musical thriller, Wolfboy, previewing first at the Tabard Theatre.

Adapted from Brad Fraser’s original play of the same title by Russell Labey and Leon Parris, the musical centres around two teenage boys who share an intimate adventure in a boy’s home. Bernie has attempted suicide and David is a street hustler who may or may not have the powers of a wolf. Of course we all know werewolves don’t exist. And people have to grow up. And stories must end. And as this one does we move further from fantasy to the cold reality of the corruptive devastation that is wrought by child abuse and neglect.

Singer Lee Latchford-Evans rose to fame in the 90s as part of the pop group Steps, achieving 14 top 5 singles and subsequently selling more than 12 million albums. After their split in 2001, Latchford-Evans turned to acting.

The musical also stars Paul Holowaty who is best known for his role as Macki in Hollyoaks and who trained at East 15 Acting School. Gregg Lowe an Arts Ed graduate who recently starred in the sell-out production of New Boy at the Trafalgar Studios and Katie Beard, a graduate of Guildford School of Acting, will complete the line up.

Russell Labey (director/ book) has created plays and musicals in London, New York, and extensively at the Edinburgh Festival. He adapted William Sutcliffe’s novel New Boy and directed the play at Trafalgar Studios 2 in March 2009 with Skins star Nicholas Hoult. He was the script editor on the Oscar-winning movie Milk, starring Sean Penn. He wrote and directed the original stage musical adaptation of Whistle Down The Wind, which opened in Edinburgh before playing West Yorkshire Playhouse and Sadler’s Wells.

Leon Parris (Music & Lyrics) was the youngest ever winner of the prestigious Vivian Ellis Award for Best Musical for Going Once. He also won The Really Useful Group Award for Most Promising Writer, The Warner Chappell and The Mercury Workshop Awards and the Cameron Mackintosh Bursary.

The play will preview in London at the Tabard Theatre in Chiswick from 1st – 4th July, before moving up for the festival in Edinburgh playing at the George Square Theatre 4 between 7th – 31st August.

June 6, 2009