The glamour of Hollywood is coming to Theatreland, as multi-award winning actor John Malkovich is returning to the West End. And it’s been a much-anticipated return too, as John hasn’t trodden the boards here in over 30 years!
You probably recognise John from his string of successful films, including Dangerous Liaisons, Being John Malkovich, Con Air and Mulholland Drive. He also recently received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Hercule Poirot in a BBC adaptation of the classic Agatha Christie books.
The production, entitled Bitter Wheat, is going to be written and directed by the iconic playwright, David Mamet. Winner of a Pulitzer Prize, David has written successful plays for over 50 years, including Sexual Perversity in Chicago, American Buffalo, Glengarry Glen Ross, Speed-the-Plow, and Olean
Bitter Wheat is about a depraved Hollywood mogul. The hero, Barney Fein (played by John), is a bloated monster- a studio head, who, like his predecessor, the minotaur, devours the young he has lured to his cave. His fall from power to shame is a mythic journey which has been compared to The Odyssey by people who claim to have read that book.
And the final piece of exciting news for this production is that other members of the cast have also been announced. Doon Mackichan, (Smack the Pony, Knowing Me, Knowing You, Plebs, Two Doors Down) will play Barney Fein’s assistant, Sondra. Ioanna Kimbook will make her debut theatre performance as Yung Kim Li. Further casting is still to be announced.
Bitter Wheat is on at the Garrick Theatre from 7 June for a limited season until 14 September.