Kelly Brook Makes West End Debut in Labute’s Pig
As previously tipped (See The Goss, 1 Sep 2008), model and recent Strictly Come Dancing contestant Kelly Brook (pictured) will join the cast of Neil Labute’s Fat Pig at the Comedy Theatre next month, marking her West End debut. Brook takes over from Gavin and Stacy star Joanna Page in the role of Jeannie from 13 October 2008.
Brook – who is best known as a TV presenter, model and the on-off fiancée of Hollywood’s Billy Zane – has acted in a number of film roles, including School for Seduction, Sorted and the 2003 remake of The Italian Job. She previously appeared on the London stage, playing exotic dancer Anya in Eye Contact at Riverside Studios in 2000.
Set in a nameless US city, Fat Pig revolves around Tom, who faces the indignation of his work friends Carter and Jeannie when he introduces them to his new, super-sized girlfriend Helen. Can Tom come to terms with his own preconceptions of the importance of stereotypical good looks in the face of such disdain?
The UK premiere production opened on 27 May 2008 (previews from 16 May) at Trafalgar Studios, where it finishes this weekend (6 September). The current cast features Robert Webb (Tom), Kris Marshall (Carter), Joanna Page (Jeannie) and Ella Smith (Helen). Webb and Marshall are stepping down prior to the move to the Comedy where, as previously reported (See News, 11 Aug 2008), they’ll be replaced by Nicholas Burns and Kevin Bishop. Page’s last performance will be on 11 October. Smith continues in the role of Helen.
Fat Pig premiered at the Off-Broadway MCC Theatre in 2005. This new production is presented by Howard Panter for ATG, Broadway producer Barry Weissler and Anna Waterhouse. It’s directed by author Neil LaBute, whose other plays include The Shape of Things, Some Girls, The Mercy Seat, The Distance from Here, Bash, This Is How It Goes and In a Dark Dark House, which will receive its UK premiere, starring David Morrissey, in November at the Almeida Theatre, where four of his previous plays have had their first UK outings (See News, 27 Jun 2008).
– by Theo Bosanquet
