The three-person cast features Hugh Dennis (Outnumbered), returning to the stage for the first time in over 20 years; renowned soprano Lesley Garrett, making her comedy play debut; and John Marquez (Doc Martin).
The tour will also play New Theatre, Cardiff; Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield; Cheltenham Everyman Theatre; Chichester Festival Theatre; and Richmond Theatre ahead of its London engagement.
Joseph, Mary, the Archangel Gabriel, Herod, God, and an ox are all portrayed in The Messiah, which weaves visual invention with a hint of the divine. “Join the absurdly talented Maurice Rose (Dennis), the alarmingly unpredictable Ronald Bream RAC (Marquez), and the distinguished diva Mrs Doreen Small (Garrett),” press notes state, “in a hilarious Christmas comedy that conjures up the sublime, the ridiculous and the truly angelic.”
Barlow also directs the production, which features additional material by John Ramm, Jude Kelly, and Julian Hough.
The Messiah is produced by Simon Friend, Mark Goucher, Howard Panter, and Birmingham Repertory Theatre.