McFadden joins Bedella & Kestelman in Menier’s Torch Song Trilogy

McFadden is known for his TV roles in Casualty, Cranford (as Dr. Jack Marshland) and Heartbeat (PC Joe Mason). His theatre credits include She Loves Me and How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying at the Chichester Festival Theatre and Rainbow Kiss at the Royal Court.

Rehearsals begin today for Harvey Fierstein‘s three-act play which is set in New York in the late 70s and early 80s and tells the story of
drag queen Arnold Beckoff’s (Bedella) search for love, acceptance and
the right to happiness. Director Douglas Hodge is no stranger to drag having starred as Albin in the Menier’s hugely successful La Cage Aux Folles both in the West End and on Broadway, winning an Olivier and a Tony award for his efforts.

Sara Kestelman – currently appearing at the Donmar Warehouse in Making Noise Quietly – plays Beckoff’s mother. Her many stage credits include 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.

Also announced today are Tom Harries as Alan, Perry Millward as David and Laura Pyper as Laurel.

Torch Song Trilogy plays from 12 June to 12 August 2012 (previews from 30 May).