Josefina Gabrielle will return to the Menier Chocolate Factory this March to star alongside Michael Praed and Jean Fergusson in Ray Cooney’s self-directed production of his classic farce Two Into One.
The parliamentary comedy will play from 8 March to 26 April at the venue. It tells the story of government aide George Pigden whose only task is to book a hotel room for MP Richard Willey and his mistress. But the bumbling assistant’s string of disastrous mistakes leads to some rather extreme complications.
Praed will play philandering MP Willey in the production. Best known for his roles in TV series Robin Of Sherwood and Dynasty, Praed’s previous theatre credits include Contact at the Queen’s Theatre, Aspects Of Love at the Prince of Wales Theatre and Design For Living at the Gielgud Theatre.
Playing his spouse Pamela, Olivier Award nominated musical theatre actress, and Praed’s actual wife, Gabrielle last appeared on stage in Maria Friedman’s acclaimed production of Merrily We Roll Along, which transferred to the West End following its run at the Menier. Her other London stage credits include Sweet Charity at the Menier and in the West End, and Hello, Dolly! at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.
Their co-star Fergusson is best known for her long-running role in hit BBC series The Last Of The Summer Wine, in which she played Howard’s flirtatious love interest Marina. The Coronation Street star last appeared on the London stage in her own show She Knows You Know!, which was nominated for an Olivier Award following its run at the Vaudeville Theatre in 1997.
The trio of performers are joined in the cast by Jeffrey Holland, who was last seen at the Menier in Talent, and Nick Wilton, best known for his long-running appearance as Mr Lister in EastEnders. Kathryn Rooney and Tom Golding complete the cast, alongside Cooney himself, who will also make an appearance in the production.
Two Into One will open at the Menier Chocolate Factory following the current run of hit musical Candide, which closes on 1 March.