After months of searching, producers of Cilla: The Musical have finally decided who’ll play the leading role of Cilla Black.
The musical focuses on the early life of Cilla Black and is based on the BAFTA Award winning mini-series shown on ITV with a heartwarming adaptation.
Premiering in the Empire Theatre on September 7 and running until September 16, Cilla: The Musical will embark on a nationwide tour this autumn.
Thousands auditioned for the coveted part of Liverpool legend Cilla Black in London’s Domino Theatre but only one stood out.
After impressing casters and Cilla’s son Robert Willlis in the first audition and again in the final round at The Cavern, Kara Lily Hayworth was chosen to play Cilla.
Willis said, ‘We wanted somebody who wasn’t going to impersonate my mum but someone who could capture her spirit. Kara came in with her huge personality and amazing voice – when I saw the response of the audience at the Cavern, I knew we’d found her!”
Hailing from Watford, Hayworth trained at Central School of Speech and Drama and just finished performing in the Secret Cinema with a role in Moulin Rouge.
The musical telling of Cilla Black’s teenage years and challenging rise to fame will be Kara’s first time performing in a leading role for a major new musical and going on tour.
Speaking about the upcoming role, Hayworth said: “When I was 11 I was shopping out with my mum and bumped into Cilla and asked her for an autograph. I told her I wanted to be an actress – she laughed and said ‘It’s a tough industry, but if you really work hard and go for it, you’ll be just fine.’ She was a huge inspiration to me as a child; I grew up watching her on Blind Date every Saturday night with my Nan. To be chosen to play her is such an honor and I’m so excited to take on the role. To open in her hometown of Liverpool is so special and a real privilege.”
The musical will have a score that’ll be the ultimate tribute to 60s music, featuring many of Cilla Black’s greatest hits.
For tour and ticket details, visit www.cillathemusical.com.