Stephen Mangan and Kara Tointon are to star in a stage adaptation by Sean Foley (who also directs) of the classic Ealing Studios comedy The Man in the White Suit. The production will play a three-week season at Theatre Royal Bath (5-21 September 2019), prior to receiving its world premiere at London’s Wyndham’s Theatre in preview from 26 September (press night is 8 October). Mangan plays Sidney Stratton with Tointon as Daphne Birnley.
The 1951 iconic Ealing comedy starred Alec Guinness, Joan Greenwood and Cecil Parker. It was directed by Alexander Mackendrick and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Writing (Screenplay).
When Sidney Stratton develops a fabric that never gets dirty and never wears out, manufacturers and trades unions are terrified by the threat it poses to their industry and their jobs. Only Daphne, the mill owner’s daughter, shows Stratton any sympathy as his world gradually falls apart before he finally finds love and a new idea.
This world premiere production will reunite Mangan and Foley who created the Olivier Award-winning comedy Jeeves and Wooster together. Foley also teams up again with Michael Taylor with whom he created the five-time Olivier Award-nominated The Ladykillers. Foley’s production will feature a cast of 14 including actor-musicians and a specially written score. Set and costume design will be by Michael Taylor.
Bios
Stephen Mangan is a stage, film, television and voice actor. In 2008 he played in title role in The Norman Conquests at The Old Vic and then on Broadway. Other theatre credits include, Birthday and The People Are Friendly (Royal Court Theatre), Jeeves and Wooster (Duke of York’s Theatre), Hayfever (Savoy theatre), Midsummer Night’s Dream (RSC) and Rules For Living (National Theatre). Mangan has an extensive list of television credits, he plays the lead role of Sean Lincoln in the comedy series Episodes. This year he can also been seen starring the new comedy series Bliss for Sky Atlantic.
Kara Tointon’s stage appearances include: Olivia in Twelfth Night (RSC); Bella Manningham in Gaslight (UK Tour); Ginny in Relatively Speaking (Wyndham’s Theatre); Evelyn in Absent Friends (Harold Pinter Theatre) and Eliza in Pygmalion (Garrick Theatre). On television she has appeared in The Keith and Paddy Picture Show, Henry IX, The Halcyon, The Sound of Music Live, Mr Selfridge, Suntrap, Lewis, Bedlam, The Bill, Dream Team, Keen Eddie, Harry and Cosh and Eastenders.
