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One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest's Nathan Amzi: A week in the life

Javaad Alipoor directs this revival of Dale Wasserman’s play

Nathan Amzi
Nathan Amzi
© Dan Wooller for WhatsOnStage

Nathan Amzi stars as Martini in Javaad Alipoor's revival production of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, which opens at Sheffield Crucible next week.

Dale Wasserman's play is an adaptation of Ken Kesey's classic novel, which follows McMurphy, who opts to spend his prison sentence in a psychiatric ward, and who battles against the authoritarian regime of the hospital.

Below, Nathan – whose previous stage credits include Aladdin, In the Heights and Rock of Ages – offers a behind-the-scenes look as preparations enter the final stages.

The cast are truly bedded into rehearsals

NA: "How many patients can you fit in one bed? A good start to the week."

Did someone say coffee?

NA: "All a director needs – coffee, notebook and glasses"

Nathan practicing his ppppppppoker face

NA: "Most of our time is spent playing cards. Jack who plays Harding often cheats."

These thesps are getting younger every day

NA: "When I tell my daughter I'm in the play of her fave cult classic film she's never seen."

That's one way to sell tickets outside the theatre

NA: "Lunch with this one is the best part of the day. We recommend the cafe on the corner."

Smartphones have yet to make it up as far north as Sheffield

NA: "Old stuff to play with. Nurses only, "

Don't try this at home (or in A&E)

NA: "The only place to get a decent drink around here is from the IV drip."

How to make a show a hit? Just add hip hop…

NA: "Madness has truly descended as Jack introduces Breakdancing to Harding's character. It works."

Harry decided to clean up rather than take off another item of clothing

NA: "More cards. While Harry tries to bust into the scene with a broom. "

52 CARD PICK UP!

NA: "Our state of mind. "

They've stolen the chair from Woman in Black

NA: "McMurphy and Nurse Ratched shower. Towel – actor's own. "