Rowan Atkinson will star in the first major West End revival of Simon Gray’s tragicomedy Quartermaine’s Terms at the Wyndham’s theatre next January.
The production will be directed by former Artistic Director of the National Theatre Richard Eyre and will play from 23 January (press night 29 January), following runs at the Theatre Royal Brighton and Theatre Royal Bath.
A quintessentially British drama, Atkinson will star as St John Quartermaine, a kind, pleasant and agreeable, but utterly useless teacher. Set in the 1960s in an English language school for foreigners, Quartermaine is an almost permanent feature in the staff room, always available to listen to the problems of his self-obsessed colleagues. But when a new principal is appointed, the hopeless fellow’s future looks precarious.
One of Britain’s most legendary comedy performers, Atkinson is best known for his many long-running roles in television comedies including Mr Bean, Not The Nine O’Clock News and Blackadder. While this role marks his first appearance in a play for almost 25 years, Atkinson was recently seen in the West End starring as Fagin in a major revival of musical Oliver!.
The actor is also well known for his film work and boasts credits including Never Say Never Again, Johnny English, Love Actually and Four Weddings And A Funeral.
Quartermaine’s Terms, which features designs by Olivier Award-winner Tim Hatley, is currently booking to 13 April 2013.