Naoko Mori is set to join the cast of London’s
Avenue Q as Christmas Eve. She will take over the role from Ann Harada, who created the part in the original Broadway production and reprised it when the show premiered in the West End. Mori will begin performance at the Noel Coward Theatre on 20 November.
Mori was initially scheduled to originate the role in London, but she was released from her contract when she won a leading role in the new BBC3 TV series Torchwood, in which she plays Toshiko Satoin. Mori, a successful TV presenter in her native Japan, was the first Japanese national to play a leading role in the West End when she played Kim in Miss Saigon at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. She is perhaps best known to British audiences for playing Saffy’s best friend Sarah (a.k.a. Titicaca) in the series Absolutely Fabulous.
The rest of the original London cast continues with the production. Avenue Q stars Jon Robyns as Princeton and Rod, Simon Lipkin as Nicky and Trekkie Monster, Julie Atherton as Kate Monster and Lucy the Slut, Giles Terera as Gary Coleman, Clare Foster as Mrs. T. and Sion Lloyd as Brian. The cast also includes Luke Evans, Matthew J. Henry, Gloria Onitiri, Jacqui Sanchez, Gabriel Vick and Yanle Zhong.
The production has also announced a third booking period, which extends to 28 July, 2007.