Watch star-studded theatrical sitcom for the price of a West End coffee
Harriet Clifford
Thursday, October 29, 2020
What started life as a few lockdown social media sketches by choreographer and actor Philip Joel has evolved into the pilot episode for a ‘unique theatrical sitcom’, with all profits being donated back into the theatre community.
The sitcom offers a comical insight into the journey of the latest pantomime about to open in London, The Fosse Forest Ballet, and stars Kerry Ellis (Wicked), Louise Dearman (Wicked), Philip Joel (Closer to Heaven), Amy Bailey (The Producers), Zoe Birkett (The Bodyguard), Nuwan Hugh-Perera (Side Show), David Muscat (Billy Elliot), Oliver Savile (Wicked), and Tosh Wanogho-Maud (Dreamgirls).
Having seen Philip’s sketches on social media, David Muscat reached out and pitched the idea for the TV series, then wrote the pilot episode drawing on years of experience working in West End shows and productions around the world. Funding the project himself, David sourced producers, directors, actors and a location for filming, which came to fruition over two days in early September.
On 13 November, the 40-minute pilot episode will be released online exclusively at www.thefosseforestballet.com for the price of a West End coffee (£3.49). All profits will be donated back into the theatre community via charities Acting for Others and Theatres Trust. The goal is to raise £10,000 to be distributed between the two.
Philip Joel said, ‘What started out as a few silly videos in my living room has turned into acting alongside my absolute theatre faves, while giving back to the industry that I love.’
The sitcom is directed by Racky Plews (American Idiot) with assistant director Blair Anderson (Mary Poppins).