Full Cast Announced for Magical New Musical Harper Thursday and the Magic Lantern
World Premiere July 17, 2025 at The Common Room, Newcastle upon Tyne
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK – April 8, 2025 – Niltoni Entertainment is delighted to reveal the principal cast for Harper Thursday and the Magic Lantern™, a bold and enchanting new family musical premiering at The Common Room in Newcastle on July 17, 2025 - just in time for the school summer holidays!
Stepping into the spotlight as the imaginative young hero Harper Thursday is rising star Corinne Monroe, making her UK theatrical debut in what promises to be a career-defining role.
Accomplished screen and stage actor Aiden Nord (Line of Duty, Vera, War Horse) takes on the pivotal role of Charlie, the loveable ghost of a Victorian chimney sweep whose presence underpins Harper’s extraordinary journey.
Joining them is celebrated North East singer-songwriter Jen Stevens, cast as the mystical and commanding Baba Yaga. Known for her soaring vocals, emotional depth, and captivating stage presence, Stevens brings powerful authenticity to the role of Harper’s enigmatic guide.
Beloved regional theatre figure Jamie Brown (Hadaway Harry, The Machine Gunners, The Fighting Bradfords) plays dual roles: the swashbuckling Captain James Hook and the lovable Scarecrow from the world of Oz. Brown’s versatility and magnetic charm make him a natural fit for these iconic characters.
Acclaimed musical theatre performer Markus Stanley (formerly Markus Sayers Franklyn), who played the title role in Shrek the Musical at The Tyne Theatre, Newcastle, and the dazzling Lumière in North East production of Beauty and the Beast, brings his signature flair to two contrasting roles: the frantic White Rabbit and the tender-hearted Piglet. Markus is also known for his standout performances as Princeton in three separate productions of Avenue Q.
Directed by Acclaimed Theatre Visionary Jake Murray
Under the expert direction of Jake Murray (Elysium Theatre Company, Royal Exchange Theatre), Harper Thursday and the Magic Lantern™ blends timeless stories, cutting-edge animation, and unforgettable music to transport audiences on a thrilling journey through the imagination.
Book and Lyrics are by Craig Wilde, with an original score by Paul G. Clark. Craig and Co-Producer Filipe Neves Ribeiro of Niltoni Entertainment are well known to the city for their sell-out annual productions of ‘Dickens by Candlelight - A Christmas Carol’ and the highly aclaimed new adapatation of ‘Frankenstein, or the modern Prometheus’ which played a sell-out run at Newcastle Castle keep last autumn and returns this year to The Common Room. ( Alderman Fenwick House, Newcastle upon Tyne) , now in its fourth year.
Animation is being crafted by internationally renowned artist and filmmaker Stanislav Tsvetkov (Studio Zmei, The Illusionauts, Fearless), adding a magical visual layer to the production that merges live theatre with digital storytelling.
About the Show
Harper Thursday and the Magic Lantern™ is a celebration of imagination, storytelling, and the enduring power of books. This new family musical invites audiences to join Harper as she ventures using a magical antique projector lantern into the book worlds of Peter Pan, Oz, Wonderland, and beyond… Inspired by Craig’s love of classic Disney and Studio Ghibli movies.
Set in the historic and beautifully restored Common Room of Newcastle, this world premiere promises an immersive experience full of music, wonder, and magic for all ages.
🎟️ TICKETS & INFO:
www.HarperThursday.com
