Theatre News

Morrissey Is Rain Man In UK Tour

Neil Morrissey is to make his touring debut in the stage adaptation of the Oscar-winning film Rain Man, which tours to Edinburgh and Glasgow next month. The production will play at Edinburgh’s King’s Theatre from 10 to 14 November 2009 and Glasgow’s Theatre Royal from 16 to 21 November 2009.

Morrissey will play the role of Raymond Babbitt, an autistic savant who has been institutionalised for most of his life, the part for which Dustin Hoffman received the Oscar for Best Actor in the 1988 movie. Oliver Chris will play Raymond’s younger brother Charlie, played by Tom Cruise in the movie.

Adapted by Dan Gordon from the book by Barry Morrow, Rain Man tells the story of Charlie Babbitt who – discovering that his brother, Raymond, has an extraordinary talent for numbers – takes him on a roller coaster journey across America from the mid-West to the casinos of Las Vegas. Charlie’s single-minded quest for cash evolves into a life-changing experience, where he finally learns the true meaning of unconditional love. 

The stage adaptation of Rain Man received its UK premiere in the West End in 2008 starring Josh Hartnett and Adam Godley, where it ran for sixteen weeks. The 1988 movie won four Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actor award for Dustin Hoffman.

Neil Morrissey is one of this country’s most popular television actors, with credits ranging from Men Behaving Badly to Boon, and Paradise Heights to Carrie and Barry. He is currently starring in the BBC1 series Waterloo Road. His West End stage credits include: A Passionate Woman, Guys and Dolls and Victoria Wood’s Acorn Antiques, performing alongside Julie Walters.

Oliver Chris is a regular face on TV comedies with appearances in Green Wing, The IT Crowd and The Office. On stage he recently performed in Peter Hall’s The Portrait of a Lady and Lisa Kron’s Well. Charles Lawson – best known as Jim McDonald in Coronation Street – plays the role of Dr Breuner. The cast also includes Ruth Everett (Susan) Emma Gregory (Lucy/Sally Dibbs/Iris) and Patrick Brennan (Mooney/Copy/Dr Marston).

Rain Man is directed by Robin Herford with design by Jonathan Fensom, lighting by Jason Taylor and sound by Gregory Clarke. It is produced by Nica Burns, Jane Walmsley, Michael Braham, Max Weitzenhoffer and Kenny Wax, in association with MGM on Stage, Darcie Denkert and Dean Stolber.