Clive Anderson will lead the line-up of performers set to appear in a new stage version of Whose Line Is It Anyway? when the live improv show receives its world premiere at the Adelphi Theatre next month.
Brought to the stage by original co-creators Dan Patterson and Mark Leveson, Whose Line Is It Anyway? will play a limited two-week run at the London venue from 20 June to 5 July.
Anderson, who hosted the Channel 4 television series during the 80s and 90s, will reunite with some of the show’s kings and queens of improvisation, Greg Proops, Colin Mochrie, Josie Lawrence and Brad Sherwood, for a show that promises a variety of new and exciting games.
As they did on screen, the quartet of comedians will compete in a series of improv games that have been crafted by Anderson and the audience.
Talking about bringing the show to the West End, Anderson said: “It’s great to be back in charge of the iconic Whose Line Is It Anyway? – joining up with some of the show’s most impressive improvisers to play many of its best loved games, together with some exciting new features devised by its original creators.”
Co-creator Patterson, who recently brought political comedy The Duck House to the London stage, said: “I’m extremely excited to be bringing the official worldwide premiere to London’s West End. Since it was last aired on Channel 4 in 1999 the show has really evolved and with the US TV show running for so long we’ve seen some incredible performances. The level of talent involved in the show on both sides of the Atlantic has been phenomenal and we’ve been very lucky to work with all of them. Expect the best of both versions.”
Audiences wondering how the much-loved TV series will translate on to the stage should take encouragement from Anderson’s words: “Expect all the fun of the television programme – only this time live on stage!”