Theatre News

David Bedella fronts Menier’s Torch Song Trilogy revival

| London's West End |

13 April 2012

David Bedella will take the lead role in the Menier Chocolate Factory’s revival of Torch Song Trilogy, playing drag queen Arnold Beckoff in Harvey Fierstein’s three-act play from 12 June (previews from 30 May) to 12 August 2012.

Douglas Hodge, star of the Menier’s hugely successful La Cage Aux Folles in the West End and on Broadway is directing the piece which is set in New York in the late 70s and early 80s.

Torch Song Trilogy covers three phases in the life of drag queen Arnold Beckoff (Bedella), a role Fierstein played himself on Broadway.

The show then transferred to the West End in 1985 where it starred Antony Sher and Rupert Graves.

Beckoff’s mother will be played by Sara Kestelman will shortly be appearing in Peter Gill‘s Donmar Warehouse production of Making Noise Quietly.

Amongst her myriad other stage and screen performances are the 2008 West End production of Girl With a Pearl Earring. She won a 1994 Olivier Award for her performance as Frau Schneider in Sam Mendes‘ revival of Cabaret.

Torch Song Trilogy marks a return to the Menier for Bedella, who appeared in Stephen Sondheim‘s Road Show last year.

Bedella won an Olivier Award for originating the role at Satan in Jerry Springer: The Opera. He appeared as Billy Flynn in Chicago last year, and has also toured the UK as Dr Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Show.

His other stage credits include the Royal Albert Hall concert production of Chess whilst his screen credits including the 2004 film Alexander and Batman Begins with Christian Bale.

Following Torch Song Trilogy, Ian Talbot directs Brandon Thomas’ famous 1892 farce Charley’s Aunt at the Menier from 20 September to 10 November 2012.

The theatre’s 2012 season is then rounded out with Olivier and Whatsonstage.com Award-winning actor Maria Friedman turning director to helm a long-rumoured revival of Merrily We Roll Along from 16 November 2012 to 23 February 2013.