Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical masterpiece, Sunset Boulevard, is coming to Shanklin Theatre later this year. 

The initial cast and creative team has been announced for Isle of Wight-based Horse Box Theatre's production, which will be staged from November 7 to November 10.

Hanna Nixon, known for her portrayal of Judy Garland and fresh from the one-woman play Shirley Valentine in Bembridge, plays the iconic Norma Desmond.

Charles Johnson, currently starring in Spotlight's Beyond the West End at Shanklin Theatre, will play the struggling writer, Joe Gillis.

Ashleigh Mackness and Steve Jones, both fresh from performing as the leads in Shoreline Production's sell-out run of Phantom of the Opera at Shanklin Theatre earlier this year, will take on the roles of Betty and Max. 

Based on the Billy Wilder film, Sunset Boulevard centres around the famed movie star Norma Desmond.

The bright star of yesteryear has been cast out of the Hollywood limelight. Living in a suffocating world of dreams, memories and regrets, a chance encounter with screenwriter Joe Gillis may be her only hope — unless their volatile affair destroys them both…

The Olivier and Tony Award-winning masterwork of dreams and desire in the land called Hollywood includes the songs With One Look, As If We Never Said Goodbye and Perfect Year.

Joe Plumb and Ashleigh Mackness, who recently directed the sell-out run of A Midsummer Night's Dream for Horse Box Theatre at the Quay Arts, are turning their hands to this epic piece in what promises to be a bold reimagining full of 1940s Hollywood glamour.

The 17-piece orchestra will be under the baton of Steve Burton. Joe Alabaster will be choreographer.

Horse Box Theatre's artistic director, Joe Plumb, said: "This is our most ambitious production to date.

"It's going to be big, it's going to be bold, it's going to be beautiful.

"We've got a number of exciting surprises up our sleeves with this performance and it's sure to be the hottest ticket in town.

"We've managed to assemble a fantastic cast and creative team and cannot wait to get started.

"Tickets are already selling fast with just under six months to go. So don't miss out."