If hell is other people, then the underworld is about to get even more crowded - and Kevin McHale might need a lifeline. The Glee alum, making his UK stage debut as Xanthias in Stephen Sondheim’s rarely revived The Frogs, now faces a rotating door of guest stars sharing the role of Pluto - and they’re ready to give Hades some serious bite.
A comedy born in 405 BC and resurrected with Sondheim’s sardonic score
First up is Drag Race UK’s Victoria Scone, who became an instant fan favourite as the first AFAB queen to sashay onto the franchise. With credits that range from playing a campy Mother Superior in Death Drop to a menacing Carabosse in Sleeping Beauty, expect her to bring plenty of divine chaos to the underworld.
Then there’s Danielle Steers, who’s done more jukebox musicals than a cruise ship lounge singer, fresh from her critically acclaimed turns as Catherine Parr in Six and a powerhouse Joplin-esque belter in A Night with Janis Joplin. If the devil has all the best tunes, Steers might just steal every scene.
Sooz Kempner follows – a stand-up comic whose sardonic edge has been sharpened by a string of hit solo shows and BBC audio dramas. The afterlife is in for a roast.
Rounding out the announced cast is Jo Foster, who’s carved out a name playing tortured romantics and sassy sidekicks in West End hits like & Juliet and Hex. If Pluto needs to charm or chill, Foster’s got it covered.
One final guest star remains to be announced, and with this lineup, they’d better be ready to slay. Meanwhile, McHale’s Xanthias will be dodging frogs, furies, and fierce Plutos as he assists Dionysos in his mission to save humanity - one croak at a time.
The Frogs, a comedy born in 405 BC and resurrected with Sondheim’s sardonic score, plays at Southwark Playhouse Borough from 23 May to 28 June. Bring your popcorn and a life vest - this underworld is about to get delightfully crowded.
