Louis Walsh will make his stage debut as the ‘Hollywood Producer’ in Birmingham Repertory Theatre’s production of ‘NATIVITY! THE MUSICAL’ at London’s Eventim Apollo, from 13 to 17 December.

Louis Walsh is best known as a judge on the popular TV series, ‘The X Factor’ which he has been a part of since the show’s inception in 2004. As well as appearing on the ‘The X Factor’ Louis has also appeared on ‘You’re a Star’, ‘Popstars’ and ‘Popstars: The Rivals’. Louis has also guest judged on ‘Britain’s Got Talent’  and on The ‘The X Factor USA’. Prior to this, Louis managed Johnny Logan, Boyzone and Westlife, three of Ireland’s most successful pop artists in the 1990s and 2000s.

Louis Walsh said ‘I am thrilled to be joining the cast of ‘NATIVITY! THE MUSICAL’ in London this December, I am a great fan of the films and I can’t wait to get started as the ‘Hollywood Producer’ to see if the class of St Bernadette’s, really have the X Factor’.

Jamie Wilson producer of NATIVITY! The Musical said ‘The company and I are delighted that X Factor judge Louis Walsh will be joining us for the World Premiere in the guest role of the ‘Hollywood Producer’. We can’t wait to see Louis’s judging talents in this spectacular Christmas show. Louis is a fantastic addition for the London run of the tour and we are all looking forward to the production appearing at the iconic Eventim Apollo’.

Louis will be joining the previously announced Simon Lipkin who will play ‘Mr Poppy’, Sarah Earnshaw as ‘Jennifer Lore’, Andy Brady as ‘Mr Shakespeare’, Jemma Churchill as ‘Mrs Bevan’, Jamie Chapman as ‘Patrick Burns’, and Daniel Boys who will play ‘Paul Maddens’. They are joined by Derek Aidoo, Jalisa Andrews, Andy Barke, Gary Davis, Jennifer Louise Jones, Katia Sartini and a cast of 27 children.

Every child in every school has one Christmas wish, to star in a Nativity, and at St Bernadette’s School they’ve decided to mount a musical version! Join teacher Mr Maddens and his crazy assistant Mr Poppy as they struggle with hilarious children and a whole lot of sparkle and shine to make everyone’s Christmas wish come true. Featuring all of your favourite sing-a-long songs from the smash-hit films including Sparkle and Shine, Nazareth and One Night One Moment. NATIVITY! THE MUSICAL promises to be the perfect feel-good comedy for all the family.

Written and Directed by Debbie Isitt with music and lyrics by Nicky Ager and Debbie Isitt, NATIVITY! THE MUSICAL is choreographed by Andrew Wright, designed by David Woodhead, with lighting design by Tim Mitchell, sound design by Tom Marshall and musical supervision and orchestrations by George Dyer.