Words by Léna Fontaine

She is a dream! Taking on the role of Effie in the UK tour production of Dreamgirls is Nicole Raquel Dennis, who is currently starring in the west end production of Dear Evan Hansen where she plays the role of Alana Beck. She previously appeared in the TV contest The voice in 2019.

There, she won the heart of millions by performing “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” alongside her team mentor Jennifer Hudson, who previously won an Oscar for her portrayal of Effie in the 2006 movie adaptation of Dreamgirls.

Talking about her role, Nicole Raquel Dennis said “I am so thrilled that I can finally speack about something I’ve been holding onto for the LOngest time (…). Effie has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl and now I will get to share her with audiences around the UK. To say I’m excited is an understatement.” 

Further casting is still to be announced.

The tour will take off at Bristol Hippodrome on 12 September 2020 before heading to Milton Keynes Theatre (6 to 17 October), Blackpool Winter Gardens (27 October to 7 November), Her Majesty’s Theatre Aberdeen (10 to 21 November), Edinburgh Playhouse (24 November to 5 December) and Birmingham Alexandra Theatre (8 December to 2 January 2021). Finally, the tour will visit Sunderland (12 to 23 January), Hull (26 January to 6 February), Nottingham (9 to 20 February), Liverpool (23 February to 6 March), Norwich (16 to 27 March), Canterbury (30 March to 10 April) and Leeds (13 April to 1 May).

The hit musical Dreamgirls, which has been a huge success in the West End since its premiere in December 2016, follows a group of young singers in the 1960s, The Dreams as their navigating through their hopes, their dreams, their fame and success. A story of empowerement and sisterhood with an extraordinary score inspired by the golden era of American soul.

Watch Nicole Raquel Dennis sing “I am changing” for WhatsOnStage below :