The highly anticipated new musical 'Maiden Voyage' has announced its full cast, set to embark on its world premiere at Southwark Playhouse, Elephant, running from July 19 to August 23. With a press night scheduled for Saturday, July 26, this inspiring production tells the extraordinary true story of Tracy Edwards and the first all-female crew to compete in the 1989/90 Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race.
Produced by Mark Cortale, Dale Franzen, Jonathan Murray, and Harvey Reese in association with Shared Experience, Maiden Voyage features a book and lyrics by Mindi Dickstein and music by Carmel Dean. Tara Overfield Wilkinson directs this gripping tale of courage and determination.
The cast is led by Chelsea Halfpenny (known for 9 to 5: The Musical and Emmerdale) as the tenacious Tracy Edwards. She is joined by a talented ensemble including Naomi Alade (SIX) as Jo, Laura Tyrer (Chicago) as Pat, and Shahaf Ifhar as King Hussein. The crew of the Maiden will be brought to life by Juliette Artigala (Michele/Tanja), Alex Bowen (Dawn Riley), Molly Cleere (Nancy), Sam DeFeo (Mandi, in her professional debut), Olivia Hewitt-Jones (Marie Claude), and Rowan Macpherson (Sally). Rounding out the cast are Billy Roberts and Daniel Robinson in various supporting roles.
The musical delves into what drove Tracy Edwards, a high-school dropout and galley cook, to become the skipper and navigator of such a groundbreaking journey. Was it a chance encounter with King Hussein of Jordan, who dared her to try? A personal quest for self-proof? Or something deeper that propels individuals to achieve the unexpected and extraordinary?
The creative team includes orchestrator Michael Starobin, musical director Simona Budd, set and costume designer Abby Clarke, lighting designer Megan Lucas, and casting director Harry Blumenau.
This sweeping new musical promises to be an unforgettable journey across oceans and horizons, bringing a thrilling true story to life on the London stage.
Venue: Southwark Playhouse, Elephant, 1 Dante Place, London, SE11 4RX
Dates: July 19 – August 23, 2025
Press Night: Saturday, July 26, 7 PM
Tickets: From £10 (Pioneers’ Preview) to £20
Booking
here.
