Theatre News

Daytona starring Maureen Lipman and Harry Shearer transfers to West End

Oliver Cotton’s play premiered at the Park Theatre last year

Strictly ballroom: Maureen Lipman and Harry Shearer in Daytona
Strictly ballroom: Maureen Lipman and Harry Shearer in Daytona
© Manuel Harlan

Maureen Lipman will return to the West End later this year when she stars alongside Harry Shearer and Oliver Cotton in Cotton's play Daytona, which transfers to the Theatre Royal Haymarket on 28 June for a limited eight-week run.

Directed by David Grindley, the play received its premiere at the Park Theatre last year.

It will follow Trevor Nunn's screen-to-stage production of Fatal Attraction at the Haymarket, which is booking until 21 June 2014.

Set in New York in 1986, Daytona centres on bickering married couple Joe and Elli, whose preparations for a ballroom dancing contest are interrupted by Joe's long-lost brother Billy.

Maureen Lipman reprises the role of Elli. Her recent theatre credits include When We Are Married at the Garrick Theatre, A Little Night Music for the Menier Chocolate Factory and in the West End, Aladdin at the Old Vic and Old Money and Peggy For You for Hampstead Theatre.

Harry Shearer, who reprises Joe, has provided character voices for The Simpsons since it began in 1987, most notably as Mr Burns, Principle Skinner and Ned Flanders. He is also well known for co-writing and starring as bassist Derek Smalls in cult mockumentary This is Spinal Tap.

Though better known as an actor, Oliver Cotton‘s writing credits include Wet Weather Cover at the King’s Head and Arts Theatres, The Incredible Journey of Sir Francis Younghusband and The Enoch Show for the Royal Court, Scrabble for the National Theatre and Man Falling Down for Shakespeare’s Globe.

He will play the role of Billy, which was originally played at the Park by John Bowe.

Daytona is produced in the West End by TRH Productions, Lee Dean and Jenny Topper in association with Park Theatre.