In rehearsals for The Third Man musical

The Menier Chocolate Factory has released rehearsal images for the world premiere of the new musical, The Third Man. 

The musical, based on Graham Greene’s famous novella and film, is written by Christopher Hampton with music by George Fenton and lyrics by Don Black. It is directed by Trevor Nunn and will open on 19 June, with previews from 10 June, and runs until 9 September.

The Third Man is part of a season of three musicals, and will be followed by the world premiere of Close Up – The Twiggy Musical. The season ends with Pacific Overtures, continuing the long association of the Menier Chocolate Factory with the work of Stephen Sondheim.

The cast of The Third Man features Edward Baker-Duly as Calloway, Simon Bailey as Crabbit, Natalie Dunne as Anna, Derek Griffiths as The Porter, Jonathan Andrew Hume as Paine, Rachel Izen as The Porter’s Wife, Gary Milner as Kurtz, Harry Morrison as Popescu, Sam Underwood as Holly, and Alan Vicary as Dr Winkel.

Completing the ensemble are Chanice Alexander-Burnett, Craig Bartley, Cassiopeia Berkeley-Agyepong, Leah Harris, Aly Merali, Tom Sterling, Samantha Thomas, and Tim Walton.

Originally developed by Vereinigte Bühnen Wien Gmbh (VBW) in Vienna, the production features set and costume design by Paul Farnsworth, lighting design by Emma Chapman, sound design by Gregory Clarke, orchestrations by Jason Carr, musical supervision and direction by Tamara Saringer, and movement and choreography by Rebecca Howell.

The story of The Third Man is set in post-war Vienna, where Holly Martins arrives at the invitation of his friend and hero, Harry Lime, only to discover that Harry has been killed in a car accident. But nothing that he is told about what happened makes any sense.

Nunn, who directed Fiddler on the Roof, Lettice and Lovage, Love in Idleness, A Little Night Music, and Aspects of Love for the Menier Chocolate Factory, renews his collaboration with the venue.

Public booking for The Third Man is now open.