Tom Francis sets final performance in 'Sunset Boulevard'

Tom Francis has been starring in the role of Joe Gillis alongside Nicole Scherzinger since the show opened in London in October 2023 and he won an Olivier Award for his performance.

Tony Award nominee Tom Francis will play his final performance as Joe Gillis in Jamie Lloyd's production of Sunset Boulevard on July 6. He has been starring in the role alongside Nicole Scherzinger since the show opened in London in October 2023 and won an Olivier Award for his performance.

Pierre Marais, who currently plays the role of Sammy and understudies Joe Gillis, will take over from July 8 through the end of the production’s extended run at the St. James on July 20.

Lloyd said, “It has been an honor to see Tom transform into a true Broadway leading man. He and Nicole have led this Broadway company with humor, compassion, and love. I’m thrilled to see what is next for his remarkable career and I’m honored to have played a small part in introducing him to New York audiences. As we say ‘Happy Trails’ to Tom, I’m delighted that Pierre will be playing the role for our final weeks at the St. James.”

Francis said, “It has been a literal dream come true to make my Broadway debut in Jamie’s production of Sunset Boulevard. Two years ago, when the idea of being in the show was first discussed, I was just excited to be considered and never expected the wild ride I’ve been on. I’m gutted I’m not able to be there for our final performance on July 20, but I send big love to Nicole, Grace, Jordan, and the entire company. And to my dear friend Pierre, I leave the St. James Theatre, 44th Street, and Shubert Alley in your extremely talented hands.”

Jamie Lloyd’s reimagination of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic musical, which is based on the film directed by Billy Wilder, follows fading movie star Norma Desmond who clings to a struggling screenwriter — with disastrous consequences.

The three-time Tony Award-winning production's creative team includes Soutra Gilmour (set and costume design), Fabian Aloise (choreography), Alan Williams (music supervisor and music director), Jack Knowles (lighting design), Adam Fisher (sound design), Nathan Amzi and Joe Ransom (video design and cinematography), Cheryl Thomas (hair and makeup design), and Ann James (intimacy coordinator).

Book Sunset Boulevard. tickets on New York Theatre Guide.

Photo credit: Tom Francis in Sunset Boulevard with Nicole Scherzinger. (Courtesy of production)