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Redgrave (Lynn) & Mangan Join West End Noises Off

Lynn Redgrave and Stephen Mangan will join the cast of Noises Off when the production reaches the West End’s Piccadilly Theatre this spring, opening on 14 May 2001 (previews from 3 May). The National Theatre’s revival of Michael Frayn’s 1980s hit is currently playing at the NT’s Lyttelton Theatre until 20 February prior to embarking on a two-month UK regional tour.

Redgrave replaces Patricia Hodge as Dotty Otley and Mangan takes over from Aden Gillet as Garry Lejeune, in the backstage comedy about actors mounting a chaotic production of a trouser-dropping farce calling Nothing On. Amongst all the confusion, frayed tempers, broken hearts and off-stage explosions, can the show go on?

Lynn Redgrave, younger sister of Vanessa and Corin who are currently starring together in the National’s sell-out production of The Cherry Orchard, was a founding member of the NT but in more recent years has become better known for her film, television and stage roles in the US. Her screen credits included Shine, Gods and Monsters and Georgy Girl (for which she earned an Academy Award nomination in 1966).

Stephen Mangan, currently starring as Adrian Mole in the television series The Cappucino Years, has appeared in numerous British stage productions, many for director Declan Donnellan including A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The School for Scandal at the RSC and Noel Coward’s Hay Fever at the West End’s Savoy Theatre.

Original members remaining in the cast of Noises Off for the West End run include Christopher Benjamin, Susie Blake, Peter Egan, Selina Griffiths, Jeff Rawle, Paul Thornley and Natalie Walter.

Noises Off is considered one of the great comic hits of the 1980s. It was first produced at the Savoy in 1982, when it won the Olivier for Best Comedy and went on to run for five years. The new production is directed by Jeremy Sams and designed by Robert Jones, with lighting by Tim Mitchell and sound by Fergus O'Hare. It’s produced in the West End by the Ambassador Theatre Group and Act Productions.

The revival opened at the National's Lyttelton Theatre on 5 October 2000 (previews from 29 September) and continues there in repertory until 20 February 2001, prior to its tour and West End season.

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