Catherine Tate will make her Stephen Sondheim debut in Jamie Lloyd’s forthcoming production of Assassins at the Menier Chocolate Factory.
The actress, best known for her hugely successful BBC comedy sketch show, will be joined by musical theatre regulars Carly Bawden, Simon Lipkin, Mike McShane and David Robert, alongside Ghost Stories creator Andy Nyman.
Playing from 21 November to 7 March at the London Bridge venue, which has carved a strong reputation for its acclaimed Sondheim productions in recent years, the Tony Award-winning piece centres on the unusual topic of presidential assassins.
Taking a look at the 13 people throughout history who have tried – and in some cases succeeded – to assassinate the President of the United States, Assassins questions society’s viewpoint that these criminals are maniacs or misfits who have little in common with either each other or the rest of us.
Former Doctor Who star Tate, who will appear in the production until 8 February only, returns to the stage following credits including West End productions of Much Ado About Nothing, Under The Blue Sky and the National Theatre hit Season’s Greetings.
Joining Tate as a Sondheim debutant is co-star Nyman, who alongside The League Of Gentlemen’s Jeremy Dyson created the scream-inducing hit Ghost Stories. Well known for his long term collaboration with Derren Brown as a director and writer, his many screen credits include Peaky Blinders, Campus and Dead Set. On stage he has appeared in both Abigail’s Party and Terrible Advice at the Menier Chocolate Factory, and his own show Ghost Stories in both the West End and at the Lyric Hammersmith where it first played in London.
From the regular musical theatre performer’s line-up, Bawden, McShane and Roberts all have appeared at the Menier Chocolate Factory in previous productions. Bawden, who starred in the West End production The Umbrellas Of Cherbourg, appeared in Pippin, McShane in Little Shop Of Horrors, and Roberts in Aspects Of Love.
Completing the cast is popular West End performer Lipkin, whose starring credits include roles In I Can’t Sing – The X Factor Musical, Rock Of Ages and Avenue Q.
Further casting for Assassins is still to be announced.