Martin Shaw to star in UK premiere of The Best Man

Martin Shaw will star in the UK premiere of Gore Vidal's political thriller The Best Man when it tours the UK later this year.

Produced by Bill Kenwright, Vidal's drama is about two presidential party candidates who are level in the polls for their party's nomination. All that separates an ex-Secretary of State and a populist newcomer is an endorsement from a former President.

Shaw is best known for his TV roles in Judge John Deed, Inspector George Gently and '70s show The Professionals. His performance as Lord Goring in Peter Hall’s production of An Ideal Husband earned him a Tony Award nomination, and his West End credits include Twelve Angry Men, Are You Lonesome Tonight? and A Man For All Seasons.

The production will open at the Theatre Royal, Windsor (12 to 23 September) before touring to Theatre Royal Brighton (25 to 30 September), Richmond Theatre (2 to 7 October), Theatre Royal Bath (9 to 14 October) and Cambridge Arts Theatre (16 to 21 October).

Producers hope that a West End run will follow.

The Best Man opens at Theatre Royal Windsor on 12 September before embarking on a UK tour.