Casting announced for Diary of a Madman at Gate Theatre

Full casting for the world premiere of Diary of a Madman has been announced, ahead of its opening at the Gate Theatre.

Deborah Arnott (The Winter Bear, Traverse Theatre) will play Mavra Sheeran, whilst Liam Brennan (Twelfth Night, Shakespeare's Globe) will play Pop Sheeran, and Lois Chimimba (wonder.land, National Theatre) will appear as Mel McCloud.

Completing the cast is Louise McMenemy (See Bob Run, The Bread and Rose Theatre) and Guy Clark, who is making his professional debut.

The play, an adaptation of Gogol's classic story, is about Pop, who is dealing with the pressures of fatherhood, national identity, and his professional life.

The play is written by Al Smith (Harrogate, HighTide/ Royal Court Theatre), and will be directed by Christopher Haydon, the current artistic director at the theatre.

Diary of a Madman will run at the Gate Theatre from 28 to 30 July and 5 to 24 September, and Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, from 4 to 28 August.