Directed by Sean Foley

Musical comedian Sooz Kempner has been cast in a new musical based on the life of artist Grayson Perry.

She will play a character based on Sir Grayson’s mother Barb in the show, directed by comedy stalwart Sean Foley and opening at the  Soho Theatre Walthamstow next month.

She joins Jack Shalloo from The Choir of Man, who takes the title role and former UK Eurovision entrant Rebekah Hinds as his wife Phillippa.

Sir Grayson said: 'It's a weird and moving experience to see yourself portrayed by someone else on a stage but it's also a huge privilege when it's an actor of Jack Shalloo's calibre. Jack is an enormously talented performer with the warmth, the wit, the intelligence and the charisma needed to bring this story to life. 

‘I'm thrilled to have him leading this wonderful cast and can't wait to see what they create together. Whether audiences will leave wanting to become artists, put on a nice frock, or dig out their old teddy bear remains to be seen!'

Shalloo added: ‘When I was first told there was a musical featuring art, therapy, cross-dressing and a six-foot teddy bear called Alan Measles, I knew I wanted to be part of it. ‘ 

Grayson The Musical features music by Richard Thomas, – best known for penning Jerry Springer: The Opera with Stewart Lee – and a book by screenwriter and novelist Sara-Ella Ozbek. While Sir Grayson provided the lyrics to the songs himself.

The blurb for the show reads: ‘Follow Grayson as he struggles to make his mark on the world while never quite feeling like he fits in. From the wrong class, wearing the wrong dress and making all the wrong choices, Grayson’s journey takes him from an Essex working-class council estate to the dizzying heights of the Tate Gallery. This irreverent odyssey sees him navigate identity, creativity and self-acceptance via marital breakdowns, career disasters and some life coaching from a six-foot teddy bear named Alan.’

Foley said of the casting: ‘We were looking for performers who could embrace the show's unique blend of mischief, heart, irreverence and emotional honesty, and we've found exactly that.’

Grayson The Musical premieres at Soho Theatre Walthamstow from July 16 to 19.

Published: 18 Jun 2026