New stage version of Local Hero to be produced by Old Vic and Lyceum

The classic '80s film Local Hero is to be adapted for the stage by David Greig and Bill Forsyth.

Forsyth originally directed and wrote the film, which is set in a tiny village on the west coast of Scotland, and sees an American employee of an oil company arrives to purchase the town and surrounding property.

The film starred Burt Lancaster, Denis Lawson, Peter Riegert and Peter Capaldi. Casting for the play is yet to be announced.

Local Hero will be a co-production between the Royal Lyceum in Edinburgh – where Greig is artistic director – and the Old Vic. Music for the show will come from Mark Knopfler, who founded the band Dire Straits.

Greig said: "Local Hero is one of those great Scottish stories that has captured the imaginations of people across the world, it has been one of my favourite films since I first saw it as a teenager. To have the chance to revisit these wonderful characters to help create a musical is an absolute delight."

The piece will open at the Lyceum in spring 2019 before transferring to the Old Vic. Dates are TBC.