League’s Shearsmith Tells Ghost Stories, 9 Nov

Reece Shearsmith will star in Ghost Stories, the theatrical thriller co-written and co-directed by his League of Gentlemen fellow Jeremy Dyson, for two months from 9 November 2010 to 8 January 2011 at the West End’s Duke of York’s Theatre. Shearsmith takes over as Professor Philip Goodman from the show’s other creator Andy Nyman.

The 80-minute piece, billed as a “truly terrifying theatrical experience”, transferred into the West End on 13 July 2010 (previews from 25 June) following runs at the Liverpool Playhouse and Lyric Hammersmith. The production carries a warning: “Please be advised that Ghost Stories contains moments of extreme shock and tension. The show is unsuitable for anyone under the age of 15. We strongly advise those of a nervous disposition to think very seriously before attending.”

Also in the current cast are Nicolas Burns, David Cardy, Ryan Gage and Andy Nyman who also directs. The production’s third director is Lyric Hammersmith artistic director Sean Holmes. It’s designed by Jon Bausor, lit by James Farncombe and produced in the West End by the Lyric Hammersmith and Phil McIntyre Entertainments.

In addition to being one quarter of comedy sketch team The League of Gentlemen, Shearsmith has appeared on screen in Psychoville, Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased), Spaced, Max and Paddy’s Road to Nowhere and Shaun of the Dead. Over the past few years, he’s also racked up several stage credits including As You Like It and The Producers (for which he was Whatsonstage.com Award nominated) in the West End, The Common Pursuit at the Menier Chocolate Factory, and last year at the Lyric Hammersmith, Trevor Griffiths’ Comedians.