David Bamber samples Sweet Smell of Success at Arcola

The production, which will be directed by Arcola artistic director Mehmet Ergen, runs at the Arcola from 14 November to 22 December (previews from 9 November).

Based on the 1957 film, Sweet Smell of Success centres on the dealings of powerful Broadway gossip columnist JJ Hunsecker, who uses his considerable influence to scupper his sister’s relationship with an ‘unsuitable’ man.

With music by Marvin Hamlisch (A Chorus Line), with lyrics by Craig Carnelia and a book by John Guare, Sweet Smell of Success premiered on Broadway in 2002 starring John Lithgow (soon to be seen in the National Theatre’s revival of Arthur Wing Pinero’s The Magistrate) as Hunsecker. It was nominated for seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

The Arcola production stars David Bamber (JJ Hunsecker), Adrian der Gregorian (Sidney Falcone), Caroline Keiff (Susan), Stuart Matthew Price (Dallas) and Celia Graham (Rita).

Bamber won the Best Actor Olivier Award for My Night With Reg. His other West End roles include Betty Blue Eyes, Absurd Person Singular, The Glee Club and Otherwise Engaged. His recent TV credits include Psychoville, Rome and The Borgias. On film, he played Adolf Hitler in the Tom Cruise action thriller, Valkyrie.

With choreography by Nathan M Wright and design by Mark Bailey, the cast also features: Claire Doyle, Russell Morton, Tosh Wanogho-Maud, Brenan Davies, Zoe Doano, Claudia Kariuki, Morgan Deare and Michael Chadwick.

– Photo: David Bamber in Betty Blue Eyes (Dan Wooller)