A Dr Strangelove theatre production will hit the boards in late 2024 with Steve Coogan leading the cast. The stage show, based on the feature by Stanley Kubrick will be written by Armando Iannucci and Sean Foley with Foley also directing. Coogan, like Peter Sellers in the film, will play multiple roles in the production which hits the Noël Coward Theatre in London’s West End from 8th October. Performances will run until just before Christmas on December 21st.
The jet-black comedy masterpiece is about a rogue U.S. General who triggers a nuclear crisis. Sellers played the role in Kubrick’s 1964 film which also starred George C. Scott, Sterling Hayden, Keenan Wynn, Slim Pickens, and Tracy Reed.
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The word is that the new version will be set in the 1960s with Iannucci being given access to the Kubrick archive (via Variety).
Steve Coogan said: “The idea of putting Dr Strangelove on stage is daunting. A huge responsibility. It’s also an exciting challenge, an opportunity to bring this timeless classic to a new audience. Knowing that I will be part of a creative team led by Sean Foley and Armando Iannucci means I will be working with the best people. Sean is a master of stage comedy and Armando and I started working with each other over 30 years ago. We made some memorable comedy together so it’s great to be collaborating with him once again.”
Speaking about the planned Dr Strangelove theatre production, Iannucci also said:
“It’s a tale of our time and it needs one of the most amazing talents of our time to tell it: I’ve seen Steve Coogan close-up for many years now, and can tell you that no-one gets right under the skin of a character the way he does. There’s a total focus on how each character would speak and move and even think, added to which is an instinctive comic timing and dramatic charisma that’s second to none. He’s able to get huge audiences to connect with the vulnerabilities and fine details of each character he brings to life. We’re all so delighted he’ll be bringing these amazing gifts to the stage for the hugely contrasting roles in ‘Dr Strangelove’ and I for one can’t wait to see Steve make them his own. It’s going to be a thrill for all of us.”
Co-writer and director, Sean Foley added: “I’m thrilled and excited to finally be able to say that one of our very finest actor-comedians, the amazingly talented Steve Coogan, is to play the lead in our world premiere stage version of Dr Strangelove. Across stand up, sitcom, tv, and film, and in both comic and dramatic roles, Steve has excelled being able to make people belly laugh even while they wince – sensing the maladroit, the madness, and the menace in his extraordinary characters… I can think of no better actor to convey the ’nightmare comedy’ of Strangelove.”
Tickets go on sale tomorrow at the official website (27th September).
The Dr. Strangelove theatre production is produced by Patrick Myles and David Luff, in association with Tulchin Bartner Productions and Playful Productions. Jonathan Cameron is the Executive Producer for the Stanley Kubrick Estate.
