Strictly Come Dancing’s Russell Grant and Kerry Ellis Lead West End Children of Eden Concert

British astrologer and Strictly Come Dancing contestant Russell Grant will return to the West End after a 34 year absence for a one-night-only Children of Eden benefit concert. Russell will appear as the snake that tempts Eve (Emma Barton) in the Garden of Eden. The concert, also featuring Broadway.com Audience Choice Award winner Kerry Ellis (Wicked), will be performed at the Prince Wales Theatre on January 29. 

Joining Grant, Ellis and Barton are Oliver Thornton (Adam), Anton Stephans (Father), Gareth Gates (Cain), John Wildling (Abel), Brenda Edwards (Mama Noah), Lauren Samuels (Yonah), Waylon Jacobs (Japeth) and Aaron Sidwell (Ham). Further casting will be announced at a later date.

Grant skyrocketed to fame as the Astrologer Royal to the late Queen Mother. As an actor, he appeared in classics such as Canterbury Tales for BBC TV. He made his West End debut in the musical Tom Brown’s Schooldays. His other West End and national tour credits include Camille, Hans Andersen and Me And My Gal. Grant also recently appeared on the reality television programs Celebrity Fit Club.

Children of Eden had its world premiere at the Prince Edward Theatre on January 8, 1991. The musical features a book by John Caird (Les Miserables) and music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Godspell). Freely based on the Book of Genesis, Children of Eden is an examination of the age-old conflict between parents, children and faith.

The concert is being staged to raise awareness of Crohn’s disease and all proceeds will be donated to Crohn’s and Colitis U.K.