She's the working class girl from Neasden who became the most famous teenager on the planet.
The life of model, actor and activist Twiggy is the inspiration for a new musical penned by Ben Elton.
Final casting has been announced for Close Up, The Twiggy Musical, which premieres at the Menier Chocolate Factory next month. The Blackadder and We Will Rock You writer examines the dizzying leap for the young girl from a North London suburb who was catapulted to supermodel status and became the face of the 60s, but experienced snobbery and sexism along the way.
From the swinging 60s to the soulful 70s, the story is accompanied by the hits that were the soundtrack to Twiggy's life.
Twiggy has said: "It’s very unexpected, but truly an honour, to see my own life translated onto stage – and I can’t imagine a better, more generous, collaborator than Ben. I’ve been approached before about sharing my story, but never has the alchemy felt so right."
Elton promises an uplifting, empowering musical about the 20th century icon and national treasure, who will be played by Elena Skye (past performances include Lauren in Kinky Boots, Eponine in Les Misérables, and Scaramouche in We Will Rock You.)
"I’m thrilled to be bringing Twiggy’s incredible story to the stage," he said.
"In Elena, we’ve found a glorious talent – not just a unique voice, but someone who’s funny, honest and utterly authentic, very much like Twiggy herself."
Matt Corner plays Twiggy's boyfriend and manager Justin de Villeneuve, Darren Day is her first husband Michael Witney, Hannah-Jane Fox plays Twiggy's mother Nell, and Steven Serlin her father Norman.
Twiggy was born in 1949 as Lesley Hornby, the daughter of factory worker Nell, and carpenter Norman. She grew up St Raphael's Way, attended Bridge Road Primary School (now Mitchell Brook) and then Brondesbury and Kilburn High School in Salusbury Road, Queen's Park where she and her schoolfriends used to club together to buy Vogue. She she was spotted in 1966 after having her hair cut short by celebrity hairdresser Leonard of Mayfair.
He wanted to try out his new crop haircut and, too shy to argue, he styled her hair then got professional photographer Barry Lategan to take some photos, which he hung in his salon.
Daily Express fashion writer Deirdre McSharry spotted them and asked to meet the model before publishing an article calling Lesley 'the face of '66'.
Within weeks she was on the cover of Vogue and jetting off to fashion shows. It was her boyfriend Nigel Davies, who would changed his own name to Justin de Villeneuve, who suggested she change her name to Twiggy from her nickname Twigs.
Close Up The Twiggy Musical runs at Menier Chocolate Factory from September 18-November 18.
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