PRESS RELEASE Bill Kenwright presents The London Palladium production MICHAEL BARRYMORE in the Smash Hit Musical SCROOGE Book, Music and Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse Based on A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens Directed by Bob Tomson Designed by Paul Farnsworth

MICHAEL BARRYMORE, one of Britain's best-loved entertainers, returns to the stage this festive season in the title role of the record-breaking London Palladium production SCROOGE THE MUSICAL. . Michael Barrymore's meteoric rise to fame began as winner of the legendary talent show NEW FACES. As the hugely popular star of some of the nation's favourite TV shows, including STRIKE IT LUCKY, MY KIND OF PEOPLE and his self-titled variety show BARRYMORE, he won numerous prestigious awards including the much-coveted title of Best Entertainment Presenter, which he received an astonishing three times each at both the British Comedy Awards and the National Television Awards. Most recently he was voted number one celebrity favourite in this year's Celebrity Big Brother, reaffirming his place in the nation's hearts. With his comeback set to continue with several exciting new TV projects, later this year he will release his widely anticipated autobiography 'Awight Now: Setting the Record Straight', taking us through his rollercoaster life, from his poor London childhood to his triumph as the undisputed king of Saturday night TV. Michael Barrymore commented: "I'm delighted to be taking to the stage again to lead this magical musical. Scrooge is Dickens's greatest character and playing this role is a challenge that I relish." 'a theatrical masterpiece. A spectacle of song and dance with a mountain of magic.' The Express and Star Following a sell-out season in the West End at London's most famous theatre, SCROOGE returns bigger and better than ever. The heart-warming family musical based on Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol features spectacular sets and costumes and specially created illusions by magician Paul Kieve, who is responsible for the magical effects in the Harry Potter films. Described by critics as a "smash hit, timeless, feel-good show" and packed with memorable songs and classic characters, SCROOGE promises to be the most spectacular musical extravaganza of the season. 'SHEER MAGIC. Harry Potter's illusionist Paul Kieve is the genius behind the show's special effects.' BBC Don't miss Ebenezer, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future, and a whole host of timeless Dickensian characters in the magical, award-winning international smash-hit musical SCROOGE! 'WONDERFUL. STUNNING. Magnificent.' Birmingham Evening Mail   Michael received a standing ovation in Wolverhampton on his first night playing Scrooge Michael made his debut as Scrooge at the Grand Theatre in Wolverhampton last night in a well balanced show. This show has it all; it ranges from serious to comical, there's singing and dancing, stunning costumes and fabulous sets. Those sets give the whole show a wonderful Victorian Christmas card feel, but this is no mere panto. The special effects are simply amazing, with ghosts appearing and vanishing right before your eyes. When the Ghost of Christmas Past walked into a mirror and disappeared, leaving behind just her cape which fell into Scrooge's arms, the audience gasped. It really is amazing stuff, but then the illusionist responsible for this and the many other magical moments is Paul Kieve - consultant on the Harry Potter films. Michael is very much the star of this show, but make no mistake, this not like anything we've seen him do before in the UK. This is something else altogether and shows just how very versatile he really is. I can heartily recommend that you go to see Scrooge and take your whole family with you. You may go there just to see Michael Barrymore back on a British stage, but you'll enjoy every minute of this extraordinary production. The Audience on the first night certainly did and gave Michael uncontrollable cheers and applause throughout the show and a standing ovation which lasted for several minutes as the curtains came down. Michael was full of emotion as he thanked the audience, "it's wonderful to be back."