Matt Lucas writes a Christmas musical
Matt Lucas is writing his first musical, a festive show described as "Home Alone meets A Christmas Carol".
The Little Britain star and Fantasy Football League presenter has been developing the production over a number of years. But last week on footballer Troy Deeney's podcast he revealed that it would be based on a novel he has written, featuring music that readers can listen to by scanning QR codes.
And today his publisher Farshore announced that they had signed a deal with Lucas for two children's novels. The first, and the basis of the show, is The Boy Who Slept Through Christmas, in which Yuletide fan Leo is determined to make this Christmas absolutely perfect because it's the first one without his mum.
Published on October 12th, the synopsis adds: "When things go wrong, Leo wishes Christmas would just GO AWAY, but when his wish comes true, and he wakes up on Boxing Day having missed the big day, he sets out on a mission to bring Christmas back."
The book will feature over 20 original songs, written and recorded by Lucas to accompany the story, "bringing the joy of a musical to book form".
Lucas told books trade website The Bookseller: "I've loved working with Farshore on my picture books and non-fiction, and am delighted to be releasing my first novel with them - and it's a musical one, with over 20 songs in it. It's been a joy writing this book and creating original songs to bring the story to life. I hope readers enjoy going on this festive adventure with Leo as much as I have!"
A second book will follow in 2025. Lucas previously played Thénardier, "Master of the House" in the musical version of Les Miserables and performance artist Leigh Bowery in Taboo.
Elsewhere in the interview with Deeney, as reported by British Comedy Guide, he gave further details of the current sketch project he's working on with his Little Britain collaborator David Walliams.