U.K. stage and screen stars Stephen Mangan and Kara Tointon, as previously reported, will headline a new stage adaptation of the classic Ealing Studios comedy The Man in the White Suit. The production, written and directed by two–time Olivier winner Sean Foley (Do You Come Here Often?, The Play What I Wrote), will play a three-week run at Theatre Royal Bath before transferring to London's West End.
Mangan, a Tony nominee for The Norman Conquests and known for his performance as Sean Lincoln on Showtime/BBC Two's Episodes, will play Sidney Stratton; Tointon, who played Dawn Swann on EastEnders and more recently starred in ITV's live The Sound of Music, will take on the role of Daphne Birnley.
They will be joined by Sue Johnston as Mrs. Watson, Richard Cordery as Birnley, and Richard Durden as Sir John. Delroy Atkinson, Katie Bernstein, Ben Deery, Matthew Durkan, Rina Fatania, Oliver Kaderbhai, Eugene McCoy, Elliott Rennie, and Katherine Toy round out the cast.
Performances at Theatre Royal Bath will begin September 5 and continue through September 21. The production will subsequently begin previews September 27 and continue through January 11, 2020, at Wyndhams Theatre. Opening night in London is scheduled for October 8.
The world premiere reunites Mangan and Foley, who created the Olivier Award-winning comedy Jeeves and Wooster together. Foley’s forthcoming production features actor-musicians and a specially written score by Charlie Fink.
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The Man in the White Suit concerns Sidney Stratton (Mangan), who develops a fabric that never gets dirty and never wears out. Manufacturers and trades unions are terrified by the threat it poses to their industry and jobs. Only Daphne (Tointon), the mill owner’s daughter, shows Stratton any sympathy as his world gradually falls apart before he finally finds love and a new idea.
The production will also have set and costume design by Michael Taylor, choreography by Lizzi Gee, lighting by Tony winner Mark Henderson, sound by brothers Ben Ringham and Max Ringham, fights directed by Alison De Burgh, and songs arranged by Phil Bateman.
The 1951 comedy starred Alec Guinness, Joan Greenwood, and Cecil Parker. It was directed by Alexander Mackendrick and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Writing (Screenplay).
