Search is on to portray BBC Radio Wales Chris Needs on stage and screen

Chris Needs the legendary broadcaster, uniquely talented entertainer and charity campaigner was nearing the completion of a script based on his extraordinary life when he tragically passed away in July 2020. 

Actors and entertainers interested in the role of ‘Chris Needs MBE’, in the stage production of ‘Like it Is‘ have until May 1st to submit their application.

Open auditions will take place during June and July in Newport, Cardiff, Swansea, Carmarthen, Llanelli, Aberystwyth, Shrewsbury, Wrexham, Caernarfon, Liverpool, Birmingham and London.

Anyone interested in auditioning is being asked to send a headshot and CV to karen@karenstruelwhite.com

Creative Producer of the project is Gabe Cameron, Chris’ life partner and husband.

Gabe said: “It gives me great pleasure to announce that one of the many projects Chris had been working on is finally moving forward. Plans to bring Chris’ life story to the stage had been postponed initially due to the Corona Virus Pandemic and then of course by Chris’ sudden death. I’m pleased to confirm I am working as part of the production team to bring this very special project to life.”

Project producer Karen Struel-White said: “We were in the final phases of preparing a production about Chris’ life when he was taken from us. As time has passed and with Gabe’s kind permission and central involvement, we will now get the opportunity to present a tantalising glimpse into Chris’ very full life – the good and the bad, the happy and sad”.

Working with Chris on the script had been PT Rose, a lifelong friend of both Chris and Gabe. He is no stranger to the world of Celtic icons having authored critically acclaimed dramas about Richard Burton, Tom Jones and Dylan Thomas. More recent subjects have included Marilyn Monroe and The Beatles.

The search has begun for actors to portray Chris at various points in his life from school days in Cwmafan, stage shows around the world, radio and TV studios and eventually to Buckingham Palace where Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth Presented him with an MBE.

The stage show will premiere in Spring 2024 to coincide with his 70th.

(Lead image: BBC)