Since 1999

Trusted News & Reviews

25

years

best of british theatre

Official
tickets

Pick
your seats

Since 1999

25 years

Official tickets

Pick seats

Casting announced for stage adaptation of The Knowledge

Published on

August 1, 2017

By

markludmon

The cast has been announced for the world premiere of a new stage adaptation of Jack Rosenthal’s classic British film, The Knowledge. Steven Pacey, Celine Abrahams, James Alexandrou, Jenna Augen, Louise Callaghan, Ben Caplan, Michael Chance, Alice Felgate and Fabien Frankel have joined the show which runs at Charing Cross Theatre from 4 September to 11 November.

It will be directed by Maureen Lipman who not only played one of the lead roles in the film but is also the widow of Jack Rosenthal. It has been adapted for the stage by Simon Block.

The 1979 movie, which also starred Nigel Hawthorne, follows the hilarious struggles of four Londoners as they attempt to better themselves by attempting the fearsome “Knowledge” - the process of becoming a London black cab taxi driver.

Standing between them and the coveted Green Badge is the eccentric Mr Burgess, the examiner, also known as “The Vampire”, who is on an obsessive mission to maintain standards.

Mr Burgess will be played in the stage show by Steven Pacey who has an extensive stage and TV career, most recently appearing in the acclaimed Royal Shakespeare Company productions of Love’s Labour’s Lost and Much Ado About Nothing at the Theatre Royal Haymarket.

James Alexandrou is best known for playing Martin Fowler in EastEnders for 11 years but has more recently been more active on stage. Jenna Augen’s career includes winning Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the UK Theatre Awards for Bad Jews at the Theatre Royal Bath, St James Theatre and Arts Theatre in London.

Ben Caplan was series regular PC Peter Noakes in Call the Midwife and Walter “Smokey” Gordon in the six-part HBO series Band of Brothers.

The Knowledge is produced by Vaughan Williams and Steven M Levy. Set design is by Nicolai Hart-Hansen, costume design by Jonathan Lipman and sound design by Andrew Johnson.

THE KNOWLEDGE TICKETS

The BritishTheatre.com website was created to celebrate the rich and diverse theatrical culture of the United Kingdom. Our mission is to provide the latest UK theatre news, West End reviews, and insights into both regional theatre and London theatre tickets, ensuring enthusiasts can stay up to date with everything from the biggest West End musicals to cutting-edge fringe theatre. We are passionate about encouraging and nurturing the performing arts in all their forms.

The spirit of theatre is alive and thriving, and BritishTheatre.com is at the forefront of delivering timely, authoritative news and information to theatre lovers. Our dedicated team of theatre journalists and critics works tirelessly to cover every production and event, making it easy for you to access the latest reviews and book London theatre tickets for must-see shows.