BAFTA Award winner Stephen Merchant makes his stage debut alongside Steffan Rhodri in Abbey Wright’s London revival of Richard Bean’s play The Mentalists.

First seen at the National Theatre in 2002, The Mentalists tells the story of two men who are holed up in a faceless Finsbury Park hotel room. Forced to confront the darker side of their unique relationship, things unravel as the pressure mounts in a hilarious and touching tale of friendship and utopian visions gone awry.

One of Britain’s best loved comedians, Merchant began his career as a stand-up comic before rising to fame as the co-writer and co-director of the hugely successful BBC comedy The Office alongside his long-time comedy partner Ricky Gervais.

While his other collaborations with Gervais include Extras, Life’s Too Short and An Idiot Abroad, he has also built up a string of acting credits in films and television series including I Give It A Year, Hot Fuzz and Modern Family.

Rhodri, also renowned for his screen appearances, is best known as Dave Coaches in BBC’s much-loved Gavin And Stacey, but his stage credits include West End productions of Posh and Absent Friends.

Playwright Bean is renowned for his hit comedies, which include One Man, Two Guvnors and Great Britain. He also wrote the book for the musical stage adaptation of Made In Dagenham starring Gemma Arterton.