I think with the first run, casting Lily Allen was a pretty smart move - not the typical type of stunt casting and got great reviews - but then Giovanna Fletcher and now Laura? I just don't see the logic there. Surely there are actual famous professional actors who would draw crowds
They’ve already done that bit, it is quite a well trodden path for productions now, especially smaller ones like this. They get decent reviews from the first ‘proper’ cast, and anticipate sales drying up after a set amount of time. As a result they often move the run to smaller theatres, and add ‘celebrity’ cast members as the production enters a second phase, essentially. Look at the likes of Chicago, same thing, it went from award winning west end blockbuster starring Ruthie Henshall to a Z List merry go round including Claire Sweeney, Jennifer Ellison, Louise Redknapp, Amanda Holden… they basically look to squeeze out the remaining drops of income by using tabloid fodder.
The fact people like Whitmore know this and still try and act like ‘theatre is my first love’ (as though this isn’t just a chance to make a quick buck for all parties) is as calculated as it will be awful to watch. I bet she gets rinsed in the reviews, remember she has very few friends in the written press any more due to her behaviour.