Casting Announced for Just So

13 July 2021

CAST ANNOUNCED FOR A CONCERT VERSION OF THE STILES & DREWE MUSICAL, PERFORMED IN THE WATERMILL GARDENS

We are thrilled to announce casting for the third and final production of our 2021 Outdoor Summer Season, a semi-staged concert of Stiles & Drewe’s family musical JUST SO, inspired by the stories of Rudyard Kipling.

At the ‘Time of the Very Beginnings’ the land is bustling with beasts, the sky is filled with birds and the ocean is teeming with fish. But there is one small problem: all the animals look the same!

The wise ‘Eldest Magician’ sends them out into the world to find their individuality. Everything is just so until Pau Amma the Crab starts playing with the ocean, causing terrible floods that put the other animals in danger. The brave Elephant’s Child embarks on a journey to challenge and overcome Pau Amma, but can she do it alone?

This wondrous family musical blends five of Rudyard Kipling’s Just So stories to tell a tale of courage, friendship and the power of an individual to make a difference.

The JUST SO company includes two 2021 graduates, both making their professional debuts at the Watermill: Laura Andresen Guimarães as ‘Zebra’ and Kemi Clarke as ‘Leopard’. The other company members are Alexander Bean as ‘Rhino’, Nathanael Campbell as ‘Eldest Magician’, Dan de Cruz as ‘Parsee Man / Jaguar / Show MD’, Eleanor Kane as ‘Elephant Child’, Emma Lucia as ‘Kolokolo Bird’, Pete Mooney as ‘Kangaroo / Cooking Stove’ and Emma Jane Morton as ‘Giraffe / Yellow Dingo Dog’.

Director Abigail Pickard Price said, “Welcoming audiences back to The Watermill this summer after such a time is a true delight and it is a particular treat to be able to invite the younger members of our community and families back to the theatre for JUST SO.”

JUST SO has a historic connection to The Watermill where it was first performed in 1989. With its message about the power of individuality and the importance of coming together as part of a wider community, it feels a perfect fit for this summer. We have an incredible team both on and off stage to bring this brand-new concert performance to life and we cannot wait to take audiences on a journey from the banks of the River Lambourn to the green and greasy Limpopo River!”

JUST SO is directed by Abigail Pickard Price, set and costume Design by Katie Lias, lighting design by Harry Armytage, sound design by Leigh Davies with Tarek Merchant as Musical Director.

Book & Lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, the award-winning team behind Honk!, Betty Blue Eyes and the stage version of Mary Poppins.

Performed by arrangement with Music Theatre International (Europe) Limited

Friday 30 July – Saturday 4 September

Tickets £25

18 – 30 years: Limited number of £15 tickets available (usually £25). Quote GAR15 when booking online or by telephone.

Age guidance 8+
Running time: approx. 2 hours including 20 minute interval