Antony Costa to Join Cast of Tommy The Rock Opera

Singing star Antony Costa is to join the cast of Tommy the Rock Opera at Blackpool Opera House this autumn.

Antony, best known as one quarter of boy band Blue for the past 15 years, will play the role of Cousin Kevin in the UK Premiere staging of a new production of The Who’s classic Rock Opera.

This multi award winning adaptation of the original chart topping album tells a powerful tale of a deaf, mute and blind pinball player who becomes an international messiah.

Speaking about his role in the show Antony said: “I loved the film Tommy and I am so pleased to be a member of the cast.

“This promises to be a great production and I’m really looking forward to it.”

The role will see Antony singing The Who classic Pinball Wizard.

No stranger to the world of musical theatre, following the disbanding of Blue in 2005 Antony took to the West End stage to perform as Micky Johnstone in the critically acclaimed Willy Russell musical Blood Brothers. After rave reviews in the part Antony went on the UK tour of Blood Brothers.

In 2007 Antony celebrated the 10th Anniversary of the musical Boogie Nights playing Roddy opposite Alvin Stardust, and in 2010 Antony played the part of Cal in POPSTAR the Musical
Antony joins the show alongside former X-Factor winner Joe McElderry who is to play the lead role of TOMMY.

TOMMY opens on Saturday September 12 and plays through to Saturday September26.
This smash hit Broadway and West End show will be directed by stage and screen star PAUL NICHOLAS who starred alongside Elton John, Roger Daltrey and Tina Turner in the 1975 film release of the show. The new show coincides with the 40 year anniversary of the film.
This colourful, exciting, imaginative and thought provoking new production will be enhanced by exhilarating choreography and will feature first class rock musicians. TOMMY was first performed by The Who in 1968 and was conceived by Pete Townsend and Kit Lambert with contributions to its development by John Entwhistle, Keith Moon and Roger Daltrey.
It is not the first time that Blackpool audiences will be thrilled by The Who classics – the legendary rockers played the world famous Opera House twice in August 1964 and October 1961 to critical acclaim.

Tickets for TOMMY are on sale now. For more details go to www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk
Ends

09 JUNE 2015
Notes to editors: Pic attached of Antony Costa

Blackpool Opera House is one of the UK's largest theatres, with a seating capacity of almost 3,000. It's a world famous venue which has seen performances from some of the greatest entertainers and shows such as stars of yesteryear Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland and Bob Hope to today's biggest names including Bob Dylan, Peter Kay, One Direction and Little Mix. Many of the most popular touring shows have graced the stage including Mamma Mia!, Starlight Express, Calendar Girls and Scrooge.
 
The Winter Gardens Blackpool offers a variety of venues for events ranging from business lunches to exhibitions and conferences. 11 separate spaces are available for hire either individually or in combination. Whether it be the grandeur of The Empress Ballroom or The Opera House, the vast space of Olympia or the more intimate surroundings of The Spanish Hall Suite, each of the venues has its own unique character and history – the perfect setting for any event.

The Winter Gardens celebrated its 135th birthday in 2013.

Antony Costa was born and raised in North London and has been a member of the boy band BLUE for 15 years.  In that time they have sold over 16 million albums worldwide, had 3 No 1 singles and 3 No 1 albums, they have also collaborated with music legends such as Stevie Wonder and Elton John. They have won 2 BRIT Awards and also numerous music awards around the World.

After the band disbanded in 2005 Antony took to the West End stage to perform as Micky Johnstone in the critically acclaimed Willy Russell musical Blood Brothers.  After rave reviews in the part, Antony went on the UK tour of Blood Brothers.

In 2007 Antony went on to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the musical Boogie Nights playing Roddy opposite Alvin Stardust, and in 2010 Antony played the part of Cal in POPSTAR the Musical

After a 6 year break from the band, the BBC approached Antony and the boys to represent the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest with their performance of I CAN.

Antony has also had numerous TV appearances including Grange Hill, Chalk, Casualty and Holby City.
 
For further information, please contact:
Sarah Rhodes, Rhodes Media T: 01253 477480