Bertie Carvel to lead the cast of The Hairy Ape

It has been announced that Bertie Carvel is to play Yank in a production of The Hairy Ape at The Old Vic.

Richard Jones' production will run from 29 October to 21 November, with further casting to be announced.

Written by Nobel prize-winner Eugene O’Neill, The Hairy Ape is the second production in Matthew Warchus' tenure as artistic director.

Bertie Carvel recently starred as Jonathan Strange in the BBC drama Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell and is best known for playing the role of Miss Trunchball in Matilda The Musical, for which he won an Olivier award for Best Actor in a Musical.

According to press materials: "The Hairy Ape tells the story of Yank, a labourer who revels in his status as the strongest stoker on a transatlantic ocean liner. But when Yank is called a ‘filthy beast’ by the overbred daughter of a steel merchant, he experiences an awakening of consciousness that leads him on a journey through the wealthy neighbourhoods and disenfranchised underbelly of New York society."

The Hairy Ape runs at The Old Vic Theatre 29 October to 21 November 2015.