Casting announced for The Knowledge

Casting has been announced for the world stage premiere of Jack Rosenthal's The Knowledge, which opens at Charing Cross Theatre in September.

Directed by Maureen Lipman – who starred in the 1979 film of the same name and is also Rosenthal's widow – the cast will comprise of Steven Pacey (By Jeeves) as Mr Burgess, Celine Abrahams (McMafia) as Brenda, James Alexandrou (EastEnders) as Gordon, Jenna Augen (Bad Jews) as Val, Louise Callaghan (Holding Fire!) as Miss Staveley, Ben Caplan (Sunny Afternoon) as Ted, Michael Chance (Lettice and Lovage) as Arab Tourist, Alice Felgate (Plaques & Tangles) as Janet and Fabien Frankel (professional debut) as Chris.

Set in 1979, The Knowledge follows four Londoners as they try to better themselves by attempting the 'Knowledge' – the process of becoming a London black cab driver.

The production, which has been adapted for the stage by Simon Block, will have set design by Nicolai Hart-Hansen, costume by Jonathan Lipman and sound by Andrew Johnson.

The Knowledge runs at Charing Cross Theatre from 11 September to 11 November, with previews from 4 September.