The UK premiere of Neil LaBute’s comedy Fat Pig will feature a cast rich in comic credentials when it opens at the Trafalgar Studio 1 in May. Kris Marshall made his name playing gormless son Nick in BBC comedy My Family, Robert Webb is most often seen opposite comic partner David Mitchell in Peep Show and That Mitchell And Webb Look, and Joanna Page leads the cast of the multi award-winning Gavin And Stacey. The trio is joined by Ella Smith.
American writer/director LaBute is to direct his play, which was first seen off-Broadway in 2004, when it premieres in London. Partially inspired by LaBute’s own experience on the Atkins diet, it follows a friendship turned love affair between Tom (Webb) and larger lady Helen (Smith). It is only so long, though, before the insults start to fly from Tom’s colleagues Carter (Marshall) and Jeannie (Page).
In addition to appearing in My Family, Marshall has proved his versatility as an actor with screen credits including films Love Actually and The Merchant Of Venice, and series such as Murder City and Sold. On stage he appeared in The Revenger’s Tragedy at Southwark Playhouse and last year starred opposite Billie Piper in Treats. Fat Pig sees Marshall reunited with co-star Smith, as the pair worked together on BBC drama Sold.
Webb is one of the current leading lights in television comedy, having scored successes with both Peep Show and That Mitchell And Webb Look. Away from long-time collaborator Mitchell, Webb has appeared in cult hit The Smoking Room and films including Confetti.
Gavin And Stacey, in which Page plays Stacey, has, like Peep Show, been a much applauded comedy success and was nominated for a glut of awards at the 2007 BAFTAs. In addition to her comedy success, Page has also appeared in dramas such as The Cazalets and Gideon’s Daughter, and alongside Marshall in Love Actually.
LaBute’s work has been a regular feature of London theatre in recent years. His trio of plays, Bash, was staged at the smaller Trafalgar Studio 2 last year, while Helter Skelter/Land Of The Dead was staged at the Bush earlier this year. Other London productions include Some Girl(s) which starred David Schwimmer in 2005, The Shape Of Things (Ambassadors), This Is How It Goes (Donmar Warehouse) and The Mercy Seat (Almeida).
Fat Pig previews from 16 May before opening on 27 May and running until 6 September. It follows drama Visiting Mr Green, which opens this week, into the Whitehall venue.
MA