Exclusive: Julian Clary to star in West End premiere of new Stephen Clark play

Comedian Julian Clary is to star in the world premiere of Stephen Clark's dark comedy, Le Grand Mort, which opens at Trafalgar Studios in September.

The two-hander, which was written for Clary, follows Michael (Clary) and his young guest as they engage in a series of mind games in a stylish kitchen in Notting Hill.

Best known for his work on TV and as a stand-up comedian, Clary recently starred in Cinderella at the London Palladium and has other West End credits including Cabaret and Taboo. It was recently annnounced that he will return to the Palladium for panto this year as the Spirit of the Bells in Dick Whittington.

Clary said: "In 2010 Stephen Clark took me out to lunch in Camden and told me he’d like to write a play for me… Then, one day in 2013, it arrived. A funny, dark, beautiful play… Le Grand Mort will take me so far out of my comfort zone I may never return."

Playwright and lyricist Clark, who passed away in October last year, won an Olivier Award for his work on the new version of Martin Guerre for Cameron Mackintosh. His other credits include adapting the libretto for ENO's production of La Traviata in 2006, a music theatre adaptation of The Mahabharata at Sadler's Wells in 2007, and writing the book and lyrics for Zorro and Love Story.

Produced by Danielle Tarento, Christopher Renshaw directs. Further casting to be announced.

Le Grand Mort runs at Trafalgar Studios from 25 September to 28 October 2017, with previews from 20 September.

Click here to book tickets