UK premiere announced for Sideways stage adaptation

Producers have announced a new production of Rex Pickett‘s critically acclaimed novel and play Sideways.

The play, directed by David Grindley (Daytona, Journey's End), will receive its UK and European premiere at the St James Theatre, playing a limited run from 26 May – 9 July 2016, with a press night on 31 May.

Perhaps best known for the Oscar-winning 2004 film adaptation starring Paul Giamatti, Pickett's play tells the story of two men in their forties who take a week-long road trip into the heart of wine country.

Talking of the play's transfer across the pond, Pickett said: "From the moment my play Sideways was successfully staged in the U.S. it's been my express dream to bring it to London. That is not hyperbole. I've been a lifelong, die-hard fan of U.K. films, literature, thespians, and, of course, London's rich history of theatre and her undying love of language and for the spoken word.

"The Brit influence on my work is incalculable, my debt enormous. Bringing Sideways to London is that dream realised in Technicolor, that debt remunerated in the only way I'm capable of expressing my immeasurable gratitude."

Sideways is produced by Matt Chisling and Amy Anzel for Pinot Productions Limited. The full cast and creative team is yet to be announced.

Sideways runs at the St James Theatre from 26 May – 9 July 2016.