Sitcom is turned into a musical

Seventies sitcom Happy Days has been turned into a stage musical that will tour the UK.

The show will star Ben Freeman, best known for playing Scott Windsor in Emmerdale, as The Fonz, alongside Bucks Fizz singer Cheryl Baker as Mrs Cunningham and former Sugarbabe Heidi Range as Pinky.

Original Fonzy Henry Winkler is billed as a creative consultant of the show, and the sitcom’s creator Garry Marshall wrote the book for the new production. He said: ‘Winkler is going to teach Ben Freeman how to be The Fonz.’

The show has previously been staged in America but will feature new material for its UK run, which kicks off a 24-week national tour at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley in January.

Producers have launched a crowdfunding appeal to raise £250,000 from private investors. Unlike many similar online fundraising schemes, ‘angels’ who invest are being offered a 25 per cent share of any profits between them.

Here is a video designed to lure investors:

Published: 21 Oct 2013