West End alum T'Shan Williams will take on the central role of Celie in the upcoming U.K. co-production of The Color Purple from Leicester's Curve and the Birmingham Hippodrome. She replaces the initially announced Seyi Omooba, who, as previously reported, was let go after the resurfacing of social media posts opposing homosexuality.

Leicester performances will begin June 28 and continue through July 13; the Birmingham engagement will follow July 16–20.

Williams recently played Heather Duke in the West End premiere of the musical Heathers. Her additional credits include Caroline, or Change at the Hampstead Theatre and The Life at Southwark Playhouse.

The cast, under the direction of Tinuke Craig, also includes Joanna Francis as Shug Avery, Ako Mitchell as Mister, Simon-Anthony Rhoden as Harpo, Karen Mavundukure as Sofia, Danielle Fiamanya as Nettie, and Delroy Brown as Pa.