John Partridge & Scarlett Strallen to Star in A Chorus Line

John Partridge has just left eastEnders after almost five years playing the role of Christian Clarke to return to his musical theatre roots and star as Zach the director in the new production of A Chorus Line which follows Scrooge starring Tommy Steele at the London Palladium to start previews next February for a limited run until July.

Partridge stars with Scarlett Strallen who plays Cassie who is forced to seek work back in the chorus line after failing in Hollywood. She is currently starring in Singin' in the Rain at the Palace Theatre which she leaves on Saturday to go straight into rehearsals for A Chorus Line.

Other casting to date is Leigh Zimmerman (Chicago, The Producers, The Will Rogers Follies, Crazy For You,  A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum) as Sheila and Victoria Hamilton-Barritt (Gypsy,Flashdance,West Side Story) as Diana.

According to Baz in today's Mail  Partridge said: Zach's charismatic and manipulative.  As Zach's an old hoofer himself, he's perhaps more sympathetic than he lets on.

He took the job for the chance to work with the legendary Bob Avian, who choreographed the production in 1975 and who will direct the new production at the Palladium.