FIRST LOOK: The View Upstairs rehearsals underway

Rehearsal images have been released for new musical The View Upstairs which is to have its European premiere at Soho theatre in July.

The cast of The View Upstairs at Soho Theatre. Photo: Darren Bell

The musical opens in present day when Wes (Tyrone Huntley), a young fashion designer buys an abandoned space, not realising this had been the UpStairs Lounge, a vibrant '70s gay bar in the French Quarter of New Orleans, which, in 1973, was burned down in an arson attack, killing 32 people.

The View Upstairs brings to life this forgotten community and takes the audience on an exhilarating journey of seduction and self-exploration, celebrating the lives of those forgotten, while featuring a soulful, rock and jazz score.

The musical also stars Andy Mientus, Declan Bennett, Victoria Hamilton-Barritt, Cedric Neal and John Partridge as Patrick, Dale, Inez, Willie and Buddy respectively. Completing the cast are Carly Mercedes Dyer as Henri, Gary Lee as Freddy, Joseph Prouse as Richard and Derek Hagen as Cops/Realtor. The View Upstairs is written by Max Vernon and directed in London by Jonathan O’Boyle. Running at Soho Theatre from 18 July to 24 August 2019

BOOK TICKETS FOR THE VIEW UPSTAIRS

Andy Mientus. Photo: Darren Bell

Carly Mercedes Dyer. Photo: Darren Bell

Declan Bennett. Photo: Darren Bell

Andy Mientus and Carly Mercedes Dyer. Photo: Daren Bell

Cedric Neal and John Partridge. Photo: Daren Bell

John Partridge and Garry Lee. photo: Darren Bell

Director Jonathan O'Boyle with John Partridge. Photo: Darren Bell

Victoria Hamilton Barritt and Garry Lee. Photo: Darren Bell

Tyrone Huntley. Photo: Darren Bell