The Drifters Girl Tickets

By: Ed Curtis
Director: Jonathan Church
Cast list: Felicia Boswell, Matt Henry, Adam Bernard, Tosh Wanogho-Maud, Tarinn Callender
Design: Anthony Ward
Lighting: Ben Cracknell
Choreography: Karen Bruce

Did you know that The Drifters had more than 60 members passing through their ranks over the decades? In fact, some past members joined forces to make their own versions of the band, which is why Faye Treadwell had to fight in the courts to retain The Drifters’ name and identity. That conflict forms the spine of The Drifters Girl musical.

Faye was also motivated to provide for her family. Following the death of her husband George Treadwell, she became responsible for The Drifters, and the sole parent to their daughter Tina. It was actually Tina who had the idea for the show, and she has been an active member of its development process, returning the favour to her pioneering mother and ensuring that Faye’s achievements are celebrated.

The Drifters Girl made its world premiere at Newcastle’s Theatre Royal in October 2021, before transferring to London’s Garrick Theatre the following month. It was nominated for the Olivier Award for Best New Musical, and Beverley Knight was also nominated for her lead performance.

What to Watch For:

• This isn’t the first Olivier-nominated show for The Drifters Girl book writer Ed Curtis – nor his first show with some seriously smooth moves. He also wrote the book for Dance ’Til Dawn, starring Strictly Come Dancing professionals and Argentine tango specialists Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace.
• The show’s director, Jonathan Church, honed his skills as the Artistic Director of Chichester Festival Theatre, known as a musical theatre powerhouse partly thanks to his phenomenal tenure. He’s also wowed the West End with productions like Singin’ in the Rain and An Ideal Husband.
• How many of The Drifters’ hits can you name? The band released 14 albums and more than 70 singles – a truly astonishing output. Of course, they can’t all make it into the show, but you might well spot some of their top tunes on the US Billboard Hot 100 and UK Singles Chart.
• The Drifters were renowned for their slick dancing as well as their soulful crooning. In The Drifters Girl, that synchronised choreography comes courtesy of Olivier Award winner Karen Bruce, whose extensive credits include The Last Tango, Strictly Come Dancing – The Professionals, Footloose, The Bodyguard and Annie Get Your Gun.
• Keep an eye out for Faye Fullerton’s incredible period costumes too, as we whiz through several decades worth of casual wear and eye-popping stage looks. The Drifters Girl is a real whistle-stop tour of fashion, and it reflects the changing times in the story – particularly as Faye begins to own her power, just as The Drifters own the spotlight.