The new musical, based on the powerful memoir by E.R Braithwaite, will head to the West End's Gillian Lynne Theatre for two concert performances next month.
Jess Folley, George Maguire, Kara Lane and Chelsea Halfpenny. Headshots provided by production
To Sir, With Love will star British music icon, actress and Grammy nominee Lulu, returning to the story that launched her global career, and five-time Emmy Award winner and multiple Grammy nominee, Wayne Brady.
They will be joined by Jess Folley (Burlesque The Musical, Savoy Theatre), George Maguire (Burlesque The Musical, Savoy Theatre), Chelsea Halfpenny (Maiden Voyage, Southwark Playhouse Elephant), Kara Lane (Come Fall In Love – The DDLJ Musical, Manchester Opera House), Michael Vinsen (Hairspray, London Coliseum) and Elijah Millar who will make his professional debut in the production.
The young adult cast includes Jamie Molloy, Ben Salter, Vivien Farkas-Haholt, Sophia Oram, Thomas Stocks, Toby Foetu-Foster, Matthew Navas, Isobelle Tolson, Katie Mitton, and Rosie Hernandez-Lawrence (Reserve Pupil), all provided by Italia Conti.
To Sir With Love is an autobiographical story that is every bit as relevant now as it was back then. It follows Rick Braithwaite, a Cambridge-educated engineer and a former RAF fighter pilot who is fighting societal prejudices at every turn. He refuses to bow to adversity and uses his determination by engaging his students not as troublesome youths but as adults emerging into a world where they'll stand or fall on their own merits. It's an important story of race, class, resilience, and the power of respect.
This newly reimagined stage adaptation of E.R. Braithwaite’s powerful memoir features a book by Kris Lythgoe, music and lyrics by John Farrar and Kara DioGuardi, with direction by acclaimed director Sheldon Epps.
Concert performances are planned for 24 November 2025.
