WEST End musical legend Michael Ball returns to Chichester this summer in a major new production of Mack & Mable.

The show opens at the Festival Theatre in July followed by a UK tour from October.

Based on the romance between Hollywood legends Mack Sennett and Mabel Normand this musical comedy received eight Tony Award nominations when it opened on Broadway in 1974.

The venue’s artistic director Jonathan Church will direct the musical.

Choreography is by Stephen Mear, Chichester’s associate choreographer and design is by Robert Jones.

Michael Ball leads the cast as Mack Sennett. News of who will play Mable has yet to be announced.

Ball, who has been at the top of his game for 25 years, made his West End debut as Marius in the original London cast of Les Miserables and has since starred in the West End in The Phantom of the Opera, Aspects of Love (also on Broadway), Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang, Passion, Hairspray and Sweeny Todd.

He also starred on Broadway in The Woman in White and has made forays into opera and television.

In 2010 he appeared on ITV as the host of The Michael Ball Show.

Ball co-produced Chichest-er Festival 2010’s West End transfer of Love Story.

2015 promises to be a phenomenally busy year for the hugely successful recording and broadcasting star, too, as he embarks on a UK concert tour this spring.

He will play concerts at the Bournemouth International Centre on April 7, Portsmouth Guildhall on May 2 and Southampton Mayflower on May 3.

The tour follows the release of his 19th solo album If Everyone Was Listening.

Mack & Mabel will be at the Festival Theatre, Chichester, from July 13- September 5.

Further information, including booking dates and ticket prices, will be announced at the end of February.

Visit cft.org.uk or contact the box office on 01243 781312 for more details.