Reece Shearsmith, best known for dark comedy show The League Of Gentlemen, is to replace Andy Nyman in West End thriller Ghost Stories at the Duke of York’s theatre from 9 November.
The actor will play the lead role of Professor Philip Goodman in the heart-pounding show, which is written by Derren Brown collaborator Nyman and Shearsmith’s League Of Gentlemen co-star Jeremy Dyson.
Shearsmith commented: “Jeremy and I have known each for years from The League Of Gentlemen and it’s great to be working with him again. I’m really looking forward to taking over the role and being part of such a unique and entertaining West End show.”
Shearsmith is no stranger to the London stage, having appeared in productions of The Producers, As You Like It and Art in the West End, The Common Pursuit at the Menier Chocolate Factory and Comedians at the Lyric Hammersmith. In addition to The League Of Gentlemen, his screen work includes Shaun Of The Dead, Psychoville, Spaced and Max And Paddy’s Road To Nowhere.
Ghost Stories, a tale of creepy goings-on related by Professor Goodman, has been scaring London audiences since it opened at the Lyric Hammersmith in March this year. It transferred to the Duke of York’s theatre in June and recently extended to 19 February. Shearsmith will appear in the production until 8 January.
Dedicated thrill-seekers should don their scariest costumes for a special Halloween performance of Ghost Stories at midnight on 30 October.
CB