Former Blur collaborator Phil Daniels is to join the cast of The Beggar’s Opera at the Regent’s Park Open Air theatre this summer.
Daniels, who famously lent his speaking voice to Blur’s 1994 hit single Parklife, will play Mr Lockit in Lucy Bailey’s production of John Gay’s comic satire about London’s 18th century underworld.
Though currently best known for playing Kevin Wicks in EastEnders, a role he left in 2008, Daniels has enjoyed a long career that has included work with the Royal Shakespeare Company and National Theatre, cult film Quadrophenia, television series Holding On and Rock & Chips, as well as voicing the role of Fetcher in animated film Chicken Run.
The actor is joined in the production by David Caves, Beverly Rudd, Tim Frances, Janet Fullerlove, Flora Spencer-Longhurst, Akiya Henry and Lucie Skeaping.
The Beggar’s Opera forms part of a summer season at the Regent’s Park Open Air theatre that also includes current production Lord Of The Flies, musical Crazy For You and Shakespeare’s Pericles.
The Beggar’s Opera plays from 23 June to 23 July (press night 28 June).
CB