P&O Cruises today launched what it is describing as the next generation of cruise ship entertainment, working with West End and Broadway stars Ruthie Henshall and Jonathan Wilkes.

It’s the first time Henshall has produced rather than performed, and her new show is being billed as West End on Sea reflecting the high quality of the production, said P&O. The new show will be featured first on the Arcadia, and is called Money Makes The World Go Round.

The show is based around the music of acclaimed song writing duo Kander and Ebb and features popular songs from shows such as Cabaret, Chicago and Flora The Red Menace.

In addition, Wilkes’ contemporary futuristic show Evolution will be a fully immersive experience for the audience, which will be featured on the Azura.

The show will combine dancers, singers and stunning techno-visuals. Described as Mad Max meets Avatar, according to P&O, the fantasy world of Evolution offers high impact entertainment that combines acrobatics and aerial dance with songs of a generation.

Wilkes recently opened a full time performing arts school in Swindon. P&O Cruises sponsors three students each year and auditions the graduating students to perform onboard.

In addition, Olympian and six times world champion swimmer Mark Foster will be taking the helm too and hosting fitness and swimming sessions on the Britannia.

There is also a new dinner menu from chef Marco Pierre White, combining British tradition with a sense of occasion, using local and speciality ingredients. The new menus will be available across the fleet on the black tie evening.