Rehearsals Ignite for Roam as Full Cast and New Images Are Revealed

Rehearsals Ignite for Roam as Full Cast and New Images Are Revealed

17-11-25

The first rehearsal images for Roam have arrived, and the energy is unmistakable. A surge of movement, grit and electricity flows through every shot, giving audiences an early glimpse of a new musical with fire in its bones. Ahead of its one night only concert at the Shaftesbury Theatre on Sunday 23 November 2025, the producers have revealed the full cast, and it is one of the most exciting ensembles of the year.

Roam will be directed by Rupert Hands, whose work includes Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Evita at the London Palladium, with choreography by Olivier Award winner James Cousins. The show’s high voltage rock pop Romani fusion score is created by Alexander Sage Oyen, paired with a book by Michael Dovid based on his original concept. The rehearsal room images highlight just how physical and emotionally charged the production is becoming, with cast members already fully immersed in the world of the story.

Joining the company for the concert performance are Angela Caesar as Sabria, Jonathan Charles as Chor, Fred Double as Taren, Emma Farnell Watson as Mom, Alex Given as Tshiri, Ali Goldsmith as Zelvain, Indiana Hawkes as Ori, Michael Lin as Zyava, Emma Lloyd as Khelia, Shayna McPherson as Tarpine and Adam Strong as Bichot and Staro Phuro.

They unite with an already announced principal cast that has been generating industry buzz. The company includes Tony and Olivier Award nominee Ramin Karimloo as Yoska, Jordan Luke Gage as Stefo, Frances Mayli McCann as Aishe, Diego Rodriguez as Pesha, Melanie La Barrie as Vodoma and Hope Lavelle as Nanoka. Olivier Award winner David Thaxton joins as Philippe.

Ramin Karimloo says, “Roam brings us closer to each other by speaking to what binds us together as opposed to what sets us apart. Roam boldly examines how far we’ll go to hold on to love, culture and family in the face of existential danger.” His words echo the intensity shown in the rehearsal photos, where the cast are already navigating the show’s themes of loyalty, identity and survival with deep focus.

Roam follows a nomadic clan whose caravan breaks down in hostile territory as they travel to a sacred festival. Forced to confront the ghosts of their past, the family begins to fracture under the weight of rivalry, grief and long buried secrets. At the centre stands Yoska, a father whose sudden return sends his sons Stefo and Pesha into emotional chaos.

The writers describe Roam as a universal story rooted in a resilient marginalised community. “To share a journey that explores what it takes to confront hate, kindle light and pass the torch forward feels more urgent, resonant and essential than ever,” says Michael Dovid. Their note underlines why the rehearsal images feel so charged with meaning.

The production brings together a major creative team including musical supervision and orchestrations by Lloyd Kikoler, musical direction by Nick Barstow, vocal arrangements by Cynthia Meng and arrangements by Oyen and Kikoler. Set and costumes are by Soutra Gilmour, with lighting by Peter Small, sound by Sound Quiet Time and casting by Nick Hockaday.

Roam is produced by Bandits Roost Entertainment, Ramin Karimloo, Mercy Productions, Wojita Productions and AnnJen Productions.

With rehearsal images now released and a powerhouse cast in place, Roam is quickly emerging as one of the most ambitious one night only events of the year. Matinee Musicals will be watching every beat as the company prepares to set the Shaftesbury alight.

Get tickets from the official site HERE