Marvellous opens this autumn at the Soho Place, West End

When it opens this autumn, Soho Place will be the first new build West End theatre in 50 years.

Marvellous, directed by Theresa Heskins will be the first show to appear there.

It tells the true story of Neil ‘Nello’ Baldwin, a man who has led an extraordinary life, having received an honorary degree from Keele University, appeared on the Queen’s New Year Honour’s list, hitchhiked across Britain, become a famous clown and accepted a BAFTA award for the film made about his life.

The cast includes neuro-divergent actors – a suitably progressive and inclusive step as Baldwin himself has a learning disability.

Michael Hugo will be taking on the role.

Nica Burns, producer and theatre owner described it as “a wonderful production of a heart-warming and uplifting tale about an extraordinary man who decided he would lead an exceptional life.”

Soho Place will be the first West End theatre to open in the round and will seat 602 people.

Marvellous runs from October 15 to November 26.

Pictured: Alex Frost, Daniel Murphy, Gareth Cassidy, Michael Hugo (as the Chicken), Suzanne Ahmet, Charlie Bence and Jerone Marsh-Reid in Marvellous at the New Vic Theatre Picture: Andrew Billington