A stellar cast list has been announced for the world premiere of British cult film classic Withnail & I at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre in May.
The Rep’s double Olivier Award-winning artistic director Sean Foley is directing the much-anticipated dark comedy about two unemployed actors who go on holiday at the Rep from 3 to 25 May.
Taking the lead as Withnail will be BAFTA-nominated actor Robert Sheehan, who plays the role portrayed by Richard E. Grant in the movie.
Sheehan is best known for TV roles such as Nathan Young in Misfits, Darren Treacy in Love/Hate, and Klaus Hargreeves in The Umbrella Academy, while his film credits include Mortal Engines, The Borrowers, and The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones.
He will be appearing alongside Adonis Siddique as Marwood, or ‘I’ in the title, and Malcolm Sinclair as Monty.
Theatre credits for Siddique include The Crown Jewels in the West End, Suction with the National Theatre, and Dorian Gray in The Picture of Dorian Gray at the Pleasance Theatre in London, while screen roles include the feature film Me Myself and D.
Meanwhile, Sinclair is currently appearing at the National Theatre in Dear Octopus, with other theatre credits including My Fair Lady in the West End, The Light in the Piazza at the Royal Festival Hall, and Richard III, Uncle Vanya and The Comedy of Errors for the Royal Shakespeare Company.
His many TV credits include Midsomer Murders, Foyle’s War, Hustle, Judge John Deed, and A Touch of Frost, with film appearances ranging from The Young Victoria to Casino Royale and V for Vendetta.
Foley, who will be working on the play with Bruce Robinson, writer and director of the original 1987 film, said: “Hilarious, tragic, and wild, Withnail and I is a comedy like no other, and I’m thrilled to be working with the legendary Bruce Robinson to bring it to life on stage.
“Rightly regarded as one of the finest British films ever made, our stage version brings to life the classic dialogue, the insane situations, and above all the boozy, irresistibly hilarious relationship of one of the most famous slacker duo’s ever created.”
Tickets cost from £19.50 and can be booked by visiting www.birmingham-rep.co.uk or calling 0121 236 4455.
