Sean Foley writes and directs this adaption which reunites him with Mangan after their collaboration for the play Jeeves and Wooster. Based on the 1951 film EALING, the show tells the story of the inventor of a special fabric that cannot get dirty or wear out – which will turn the whole fashion industry into his worst enemy. This version, which will open in the West End next September, will be earlier performed at the Theatre Royal Bath for a limited run.
Retro means trendy… even at the theatre! No, we are not talking about a new production of Grease, but about the new comedy that will come to London next September. Once again, films and live shows shake hands at the moment of creating – this time through the new adaptation of the 1951 Academy Award nominated film EALING. But before the plays reaches its final destination, the production has planned a brief stop before: the Theatre Royal Bath will be the first one to enjoy this version, which will be performed for three weeks during its summer season.
Written and directed by Sean Foley, the plot is centered around Sidney Stratton (Stephen Mangan), the inventor of a special fabric that never gets dirty or wears out – which will make all the manufacturers and union members panic, since they will see it as a threat to their industry and their jobs. Only Daphne (Kara Tointon), a mill owner’s daugther, will be kind to him as his world breaks until he finds love and a new idea.
Produced by Jonathan Church, Jenny King, Matthew Gale and Mark Goucher, this production reunites Foley and Mangan after their collaboration for the play Jeeves and Wooster, winner of a Laurence Olivier Award. Set and costume design is credited to Michael Taylor, who already worked with Foley to create the 5 times Olivier nominated play The Ladykillers. This production will include a cast of fourteen members, including actors, musicians and a specially written score.
The Man in the White Suit will play at the Theatre Royal Bath form September 5th to 21st (tickets available here). The West End run will start on September 26th and will extend until January 11st. Tickets for the London production are also available on the following link.
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