Closer to Heaven

FIRST LONDON REVIVAL!

Fourteen years after premiering, London welcomes back the definitive Pet Shop Boys musical, in its first West End revival. Written by Jonathan Harvey and Pet Shop Boys, the songs were specially written for the show, as opposed to a jukebox musical.

WHAT IS CLOSER TO HEAVEN ABOUT?

Set against the backdrop of Soho's pulsing nightlife, Closer to Heaven tells the story of Dave, a dancer who has freshly arrived from Ireland and desperate to make his name. Not long after, he finds work as a bartender in an exclusive Soho nightclub, and fits into a rather unconventional family. Headed up by Billie Trix, a fading rock icon from the Sixties, Vic, the club's gay owner and his daughter Shell, who Dave immediately falls for.

As time goes by however, Dave finds himself lured into the darker, seamier side of London nightlife, he runs the risk of getting lost in drugs and drink; with Shell's help, can he drag himself from the edge and truly discover himself? Darkly comic and ultimately tragic, this ode to an often-overlooked part of London nightlife provides a bittersweet look at broken dreams and desires.

Frances Barber originated the role of Billie Trix, who acts as narrator, but has a smallish role throughout the rest of the play. Casting is yet to be announced for the revival.