Andy Capp: back after more than 30 years

Andy Capp The Musical, by Alan Price and Trevor Peacock, runs at the Finborough Theatre from 7 February.

The Finborough commissioned production is the first professional UK production of the poignant British musical for more than 30 years.

Andy Capp The Musical premiered in 1982 at the Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester, and then transferred to the West End, where it was nominated for the Olivier Award for Musical of the Year.

The musical centres on work-shy Andy, who routinely squanders his rent money on beer and stumbles home late. His long suffering missus Flo vows to leave him, but Andy promises his racing pigeons will one day make them a fortune. The rediscovered British musical is a warm-hearted look at relationships and the simple pleasures in overcoming life’s obstacles.

Author of the book and co-lyricist Trevor Peacock is best known for his acting work on screen, most notably as Jim Trott in the BBC’s long-running sitcom, The Vicar of Dibley. Composer and co-lyricist Alan Price is best known as keyboardist for the 1960’s rhythm and blues band, The Animals, who found international acclaim with hit songs House of the Rising Sun, Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood and Bring It On Home To Me. Director Jake Smith is currently the trainee director in residence at Chichester Festival Theatre and staff director on Breakfast At Tiffany’s, Theatre Royal Haymarket and National Tour. Andy Capp runs at the Finborough Theatre from 7 to 23 February 2016