Hedwig Is Coming To London!... Hopefully.
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Emma McNamara
It was recently announced that Hedwig And The Angry Inch (a show about an East German, genderqueer musician named Hedwig Robinson) is having its final performance on Broadway on September 13th, and with it came the news that a West End production might be on the cards. Reports are conflicting, creator John Cameron Mitchell was quoted as saying the show is “definitely coming to the West End,” while composer Stephen Trask countered, saying there are still no definite plans for a transfer. However, it got me thinking about who I'd like to see play the genderqueer rock star here in London in the future.
Daniel Radcliffe
Rising to fame as the boy wizard, Harry Potter, back in 2001, Daniel Radcliffe has taken every opportunity to explore different genres and characters. Having previously been in Equus (2007-2009) and How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (2011-2012) he is certainly no stranger to the stage. With the wide range of characters he's played, it wouldn't hurt to add Hedwig Robinson to that list.
Nic Rouleau
Not British, but I would still love to see this! Currently playing Elder Price in The Book Of Mormon in London, Nic would be following in the footsteps of another Elder Price alumnus, Andrew Rannells, who played Hedwig on Broadway. A big difference in character, but having witnessed Rouleau's talent first hand at The Prince of Wales Theatre, I have no doubt he'd make Hedwig his own easily. Having him on a West End stage for a little bit longer would be a plus too!
Chiwetel Ejiofor
After playing Lola in the 2005 film of Kinky Boots, the heels shouldn't be a problem for Chiwetel Ejiofor. Well versed in not only film and television, but also theatre, starring in shows such as Macbeth, Othello and Romeo And Juliet, Ejiofor would be perfectly suited to playing the German rocker.
Jeremy Taylor
Another current West End star, Taylor plays the heartthrob Fiyero in Wicked. I always find it particularly enjoyable to see an actor play two massively different roles, and the contrast between Hedwig and Fiyero couldn't be more prominent. It'd be a delight to see Taylor step into the famous yellow heels.
Not to leave out Yitzhak, Hedwig's husband who frequently has to deal with taunts and insults from Hedwig herself. Even though the character only has a few songs to sing, with even fewer lines to say, Yitzhak is still an incredibly important part of the story.
Alexia Khadime
Having roles under her belt such as Elphaba in Wicked and Eponine from Les Miserables, Alexia is certainly not new to performing on the West End. Khadime has just finished her run as the sugary sweet Nabulungi in The Book of Mormon, where she was since it opened in 2013, so it'd definitely be exciting to see her as the troubled Yitzhak (I'd also love to hear her belt out Midnight Radio every night!) if Hedwig opens over here.
This show is one of my personal favourites, and I know it means a lot to many others. Composer Stephen Trask has said many times on his twitter (@stephentrask) that nothing is definite, so don't get any hopes up yet, but it is still something to look out for. The sisterhood of Broadway Hedwigs (Neil Patrick Harris, Andrew Rannells, Michael C Hall, John Cameron Mitchell, Darren Criss and Taye Diggs) have certainly set the bar very high, but anything they can do, we can do better! (I hope!).