It was announced today that Joel Harper-Jackson will play Frank Sinatra in Sinatra TheMusical –the West End premiere of the new musical based on the life and career of the legendary artist and cultural icon.
He is joined by Ana Villafañe as the movie goddess Ava Gardner and Phoebe Panaretos as Frank’s first wife, Nancy Sinatra.
Joel Harper-Jackson said: ‘Stepping into the shoes of Frank Sinatra is a privilege I don’t take lightly. There is only one Frank, and I’m committed to honouring his legacy with truth, respect and integrity. To collaborate with Kathleen Marshall, Joe DiPietro, Gareth Valentine, Universal Music and, of course, Tina Sinatra is an honour beyond words. Returning to the Aldwych Theatre, where I made my West End debut eleven years ago, feels like coming home. Frank was my grandad’s hero, so this role is deeply personal. Preparation has begun, and I’m so excited to start this journey.’
Director Kathleen Marshall commented: ‘Joel Harper-Jackson, Phoebe Panaretos and Ana Villafañe are the ideal actors to play Frank Sinatra, Nancy Sinatra and Ava Gardner. They are all amazingly talented, triple-threat performers who possess the charm, magnetism and passion to embody these three charismatic and fascinating people.’
Tina Sinatra added: ‘I was a baby when the events of this show happened. For years, I lived with the effects but never fully understood the cause until I saw these magical actors embody the roles of my dad, my mom and Ava. Amazingly, Joel, Phoebe and Ana illuminate these three people who were very dear to me, and I can’t wait for West End audiences to embrace these remarkable performers as strongly as I have.’
Sinatra The Musical, which features over 20 timeless hits including That’s Life, One For My Baby, The Best Is Yet To Come & Come Fly With Me, is to begin performances at Aldwych Theatre, London on Wednesday 3 June 2026. Press Night will be Wednesday 24 June 2026.
Further casting for Sinatra The Musical will be announced at a later date.
Sinatra The Musicalwas originally produced at The Birmingham Rep in 2023 – with Phoebe Panaretos and Ana Villafañe playing the roles of Nancy Sinatra and Ava Gardner.
Sinatra The Musicalis presented by Michele Anthony and Bruce Resnikoff for Universal Music Group Theatrical, Tina Sinatra and Charles Pignone for Frank Sinatra Enterprises, Executive Producer Scott Landis, Executive Producer Chris Harper and UK General Management by Short Street Productions Ltd. Co-Producers are Stephen Byrd,Richard Batchelder, Julie Boardman, Wendy Federman & Lisa Wolofsky, Simon Hunt, Willette and Manny Klausner, Victoria Lang, Larry Magid, Carl Moellenberg, Tom Perakos, Mark Rubinstein and Ken & Janet Schur.
