Olivier Award winner Tom Conti will return to the West End later this month to replace Martin Shaw in Twelve Angry Men, Christopher Hayden’s tense drama that has extended its run at the Garrick Theatre to 14 June.
Taking over the role of juror number 8 in the successful courtroom thriller, the actor who boasts an incredible career both on stage and screen will join Robert Vaughn and Jeff Fahey in the critically acclaimed production from 31 March.
Earning his Olivier in 1978 for Whose Life Is It Anyway?, Conti has an impressive list of award nods to his name, winning a Tony Award for the show’s Broadway transfer and a Best Actor Oscar nomination for his role in hit film Reuben Reuben.
Arguably best known for his leading roles in iconic films including Shirley Valentine, Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence and his numerous comic appearances in popular series including Miranda, Lark Rise To Candleford and Friends, Conti has also enjoyed success on the stage. His many West End credits include Art, They’re Playing Our Song and Jeffrey Bernard Is Unwell.
The much-loved actor will follow in the footsteps of Shaw and Henry Fonda, who originated the role in the 1957 Academy Award nominated film, to play juror number 8, one of the 12 men faced with deciding the fate of a young delinquent accused of killing his father.
What appears to be an open and shut case soon becomes a dilemma for the 12, as their prejudices and preconceived ideas about the accused, the trial and each other turn the tables every which way, until the nail-biting climax, which is brought explosively to the stage under Hayden’s direction described by Official London Theatre as “immaculate”.
Today’s cast change announcement makes no mention as to who will replace Nick Moran to complete the leading cast.