Building on Theatre Royal Stratford East’s seasoned reputation for developing and staging new musicals, Takeaway follows in the footsteps of THE BIG LIFE – the first Black British musical in the West End; THE HARDER THEY COME – currently in pre-production for its second international tour after successful runs at Barbican and in the West End; COME DANCING winner of a What’s On Stage Best Off-West End Production Award as well as BRITAIN’S GOT BHANGRA – recent winner of an Off West End Award for The People’s Favourite Musical.

Set in East London, Takeaway tells the story of Eddie Woo – a constant dreamer who’s juggling two girlfriends as well as working day and night in his father’s Chinese takeaway shop. But he has a secret passion – an idol he’s determined to emulate…Tom Jones. In fact, he’s never happier than when he escapes his humdrum life to don the tight leather pants that transform him into the super confident star he really is.

A fun and fantastical story that highlights a young British Chinese experience

Takeaway is a fun and fantastical story that highlights a young British Chinese experience – a perspective rarely featured in the mainstream. Theatre Royal Stratford East is proud to be at the forefront of communicating under-represented voices on stage, reflecting the community around it and is committed to seeking out innovative and exciting ways to produce this work.

In a true East meets West fusion the Takeaway creative team is led by New York-based Robert Lee (Book and Lyrics) and Hong Kong-based Leon Ko (music) and is directed by Theatre Royal Stratford East’s Artistic Director Kerry Michael. They are joined by Set & Costume designer Foxton; Musical Director Robert Hyman; Choreographer Jason Pennycooke; Associate Choreographer Farrah Hussein; Lighting Designer Paul Anderson; Sound Designer John Leonard; Assistant Director Amy Ip and Casting by Sookie McShane CDG and Lucy Jenkins CDG.

Leading the company in the title role is British Chinese actor Stephen Hoo, who is joined by Marcus Ellard, Natasha Jayetileke, Pik-Sen Lim, Windson Liong, Gloria Onitiri, Shelley Williams, Gabby Wong and Ozzie Yue.

Theatre Royal Stratford East – This famous producing theatre prides itself on reflecting the concerns, hopes and dreams of the people of East London. Theatre Royal Stratford East both inspires and is inspired by its vibrant, young and diverse community in a continuous loop that draws from and engages with audiences like no other UK theatre can. Theatre Royal Stratford East has always been passionate about developing new talent encouraging writers, performers, directors and other artists to break the mould of contemporary theatre.