
There is so much to love about FAT FRIENDS – THE MUSICAL which is set to return to the New Theatre in Cardiff next month. It’s funny, heart-warming and a story filled with love, hope and of course weight-loss, subjects we can all so easily relate too.
For us here in South Wales it also has special significance as it was the original TV show which brought together Ruth Jones and James Corden, and if that hadn’t happened, how would have ever been part of the lives Nessa and Smithy?


Following the massive success of its first outing, KAY MELLOR’S Fat Friends returns starring LEE MEAD (Holby, Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat), SHERRIE HEWSON (Coronation Street, Benidorm, Loose Women), JESSICA ELLIS (Hollyoaks), and direct from his acclaimed West End run in Hairspray, LES DENNIS (Legally Blonde, Extras, Coronation Street).
I think this show, more than any other, really gives us a connection with what is happening on stage. Don’t get me wrong, we love being transported away to other worlds and dreams, but Fat Friends is firmly rooted in real life issues, and for that, the audiences are filling theatres on every tour.
Here’s a look at the cast getting together for the promotional photo-shoot.
The Musical brings together our favourite food loving friends as they are put through their Zumba paces at their local slimming club, whilst Kelly fantasises about fitting into the wedding dress of her dreams. There are some outstanding songs in the show by Nick Lloyd Webber, none more so than ‘Beautiful’ and ‘Love Who You Are!’
After the two years we’ve all endured, and the struggles we’ve had to face, this is the perfect musical to feast on (no pun intended), this is feel-good at its very best.
Sherrie Hewson
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Sherrie Hewson
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Kay Mellor said…..
“Issues of body image and online trolling are more pertinent today than ever, and will resonate with people everywhere. Despite this, using song, dance and humour I can guarantee that audiences will leave the show with a smile on their face and feeling better about themselves – something we all need right now. I’m delighted to be remounting Fat Friends the Musical, thrilled to be working with the brilliant and talented Lee Mead and can’t wait for us to bring the show to so many fantastic venues around the UK and Ireland.”
Kay Mellor
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Kay Mellor
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Lee Mead is someone we know very well. From the early beginnings when he won the BBC series Any Dream Will Do, which gave him the lead role in Joseph, to some of our best loved TV shows such as Casualty and Holby.
Lee said…….
“I am so excited to be returning to musical theatre after an enjoyable few years on Casualty and Holby City and I’m so thrilled to be starring in Fat Friends The Musical. I saw the show when it first ran and absolutely loved it, so I can’t wait to now play the lovelorn vicar, Paul.
I’m so looking forward to performing live again to wonderful audiences around the country and working with the incredible and iconic Kay Mellor.”
Lee Mead
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Lee Mead
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FAT FRIENDS THE MUSICAL gets to the New Theatre in Cardiff from Tuesday 18th to Saturday 22nd January 2022. The show begins at 7:30pm with 2:30pm matinees on Thursday and Saturday. Prices and concessions are listed below. You can get yours HERE.
- Tuesday – Thursday 7.30pm & Saturday 2.30pm
£28.00 – £51.00 - Friday – Saturday 7.30pm
£30.00 – £53.00 - Thursday 2.30pm
£26.00 – £41.00 - Boxes (maximum of 6 people)
From £150.00 – £200.00 - Standard Reductions: £4.00 off
Tuesday – Friday 7.30pm - Over 60s: £24.00 each
Wednesday & Thursday at 2.30pm - Friends of the Theatre: £4.00 off
Tuesday – Thursday 7.30pm