Five Guys Called Moe Returns (1 Dec-24 Feb)

Some of the numerous hits of the godfather of rhythm and blues Louis Jordan have been brought to life in a new production of Five Guys Called Moe.  This prolific hit maker peak year was 1946, when seventeen of his songs made the upper reaches of the R&B chart..Alto saxophonist Jordan was one of the first black entertainers to sell appreciably in the pop sector; his Decca duet mates included Bing Crosby, Louis Armstrong, and Ella Fitzgerald.

Five Guys Named Moe was first seen at the Theatre Royal Stratford East in 1990, before it transferred to the West End where it played for four years before transferring to Broadway. Clarke Peters’ career defining musical features timeless hits as Early In The Morning, Is You Is or Is You Ain’t My Baby, Choo Choo Ch’Boogie and Saturday Night Fish Fry. The soundtrack of soul, blues, gospel and early r ‘n’ b is performed on stage by a live band.

Five Guys Named Moe will be directed by Clarke Peters (The Wire, Treme, Person of Interest, Porgy and Bess, The Ice Man Cometh) with musical staging and choreography by Andrew Wright (Half a Sixpence, Singin’ in the Rain, Guys and Dolls).

Clarke Peters said: “It’s a rare and wonderful thing to have the chance to direct a show that not only you have created but also performed in. It’s a show that is very close to my heart and soul and is so much of who I am. It’s an honour to return to it on its 25th Anniversary and reimagine the show in this new theatre space; one which is perfect for creating a closeness and dynamic energy between the story and the audience. I can’t wait to transport audiences into the magical world of rhythm and blues. This rhythm will lift one and all from their blues!”

Cameron Mackintosh said: “I am really thrilled that a brand new production of Five Guys Named Moe will play in London later this year. It’s a show that brought fun and joy to audiences in the West End for many years so it’s great to see its return for its 25th Anniversary. I am particularly excited that this new production is being staged in a theatre specifically tailored for Five Guys, giving the audiences and the show a special intimate experience which will definitely make it the best party in town.

Marble Arch Theatre, W1C 1CX, 29 Aug-25 November Opening night 14^th September, from £10 Box office: 0844 545 8252 Online: fiveguysmusical.com