Liverpool Empire date for La Cage Aux Folles

He oozed wily charm as the amoral lawyer Billy Flynn in Chicago. And now EastEnders’ John Partridge is back at the Empire this week – albeit in a very different role.

The actor and singer is playing Albin in La Cage Aux Folles, heading for Lime Street as part of the show’s first ever UK tour.

Bill Kenwright is the producer behind the production which opens at the theatre on July 4.

The show is based on Jean Poiret’s 1973 play of the same name, and follows the story of Georges (played by Adrian Zmed), the manager of a Saint Tropez nightclub, and his partner, Albin, a drag artiste and the club’s star attraction.

They live an idyllic existence in the south of France but all may be about to change when Georges’ son Jean-Michel announces his engagement to the daughter of a notorious right-wing politician determined to close down the colourful nightlife.

Drama and comedy ensue when a meeting between the prospective in-laws forces Georges and Albin to cover up their vibrant lifestyle.

The glitzy Tony Award-winning musical features a host of songs including The Best of Times, Song on the Sand and the famous I Am What I Am.

La Cage Aux Folles is at the Liverpool Empire from July 4-8. Tickets from the website HERE

Picture by Pamela Raith Photography