Wallace Shawn will star in his own play Evening At The Talk House when the story of a reunion at an almost legendary club premieres at the National Theatre in November.
The American actor and playwright joins the previously announced Sinead Matthews alongside a cast including Anna Calder-Marshall and Simon Shepherd from 17 November when the production becomes the latest offering to open in the South Bank venue’s Dorfman Theatre.
Shawn’s acting credits include Clueless, The Good Wife and The Princess Bride, but The Fever writer is also well known for lending his voice to some of the big screen’s best-loved animated characters, including Rex in the Toy Story films and The Incredibles’ Gilbert Huph.
While his forthcoming acting foray marks a rare London stage appearance for Shawn, his co-stars Calder-Marshall and Shepherd are much more regular faces in Theatreland. Calder-Marshall was last seen in the Donmar Warehouse’s critically acclaimed production of Temple, with Shepherd appearing in this year’s West End transfer of Theatre Royal Bath’s Hay Fever.
Completing the cast of Evening At The Talk House are Jonathan Creek’s Stuart Milligan (Jersey Boys, West End), Joseph Mydell (A Season In The Congo, Young Vic), Naomi Wirthner (An Oak Tree, NT) and Josh Hamilton.
Shawn’s latest play, which is directed by Ian Rickson, charts the story of the nearly famous club of its title, The Talk House, which in the hands of the kindly Nellie offers the same genteel atmosphere, familiar drinks and special snacks it always has done.
Evening At The Talk House will open at the Dorfman Theatre following the current runs of Patrick Marber’s The Red Lion, which closes on 30 September, and Headlong’s critically acclaimed production of People, Places And Things.
The production, which is currently booking until 23 January with additional performances still to be announced, will play in rep with the Anne-Marie Duff-led Husbands And Sons, which plays from 19 October.