It has been revealed that Rowan Atkinson is returning to the West End early next year to play the title role in a revival of Simon Gray's Quartermaine's Terms and I cannot describe in words how much this news excites me! Prior to opening in the West End the play will complete two short short runs at the The Theatre Royal Brighton from the 8th – 12th January 2013 and the Theatre Royal Bath from the 14th - 19th January 2012. The play will then begin previewing in the West End at the Wyndham's Theatre from the 23rd January 2013 until the official opening on Tuesday 29th January 2012.
Set in the 1960s in an English language school for foreigners, Gray's 1971 play is a humorous and poignant account of several years in the lives of seven teachers. At the heart of the group is St John Quartermaine (Atkinson) – kind, pleasant and agreeable, but utterly hopeless as a teacher. An almost permanent feature in the staff room, he's always available to listen to the problems of his self-obsessed colleagues. But when a new Principal is appointed, Quartermaine’s future looks precarious.
It is almost 25 years since Rowan Atkinson appeared in a play however he was more recently as Fagin in Cameron Mackintosh’s revival of the musical Oliver. I saw him playing the role and he stole the show. He knew exactly how to make the audience love and really belongs on the stage. I cannot wait to see him in this production, it's nice to see Rowan Atkinson back where he belongs...
The rest of the cast is yet to be announced.
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