Steve Coogan to star in West End production of Stanley Kubrick’s Dr Strangelove
Alan Partridge star will play multiple roles in West End adaptation
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Steve Coogan will star in the world premiere stage production of Stanley Kubrick’s 1964 classic Dr Strangelove.
The Alan Partridge actor and comedian, who will be seen next playing Jimmy Saville in controversial BBC drama The Reckoning, will lead the first ever adaptation of Kubrick’s film in the West End.
Coogan, 57, will play multiple roles in the production, which runs at London’s Noel Coward Theatre from 8 October 2024 until 21 December 2024.
For priority booking, audiences can sign up here by 10am today (26 September). Public booking will open at 10am on Wednesday (27 September).
The comedy, about a rogue US General who triggers a nuclear crisis, has been co-adapted by The Thick of It creator Armando Iannucci and theatre director Sean Foley.
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.”
Veep writer Iannucci was one of the creators of Alan Partridge, and wrote with Coogan on Knowing Me Knowing You with Alan Partridge and I’m Alan Partridge.
He described Dr Strangelove as “a tale of our time”, adding: “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.
“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.”
Released in 1964, Kubrick’s Cold War sature – full title Dr Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb –starred Peter Sellers in multiple roles. The actor had previously multiroled in the 1959 film The Mouse That Roars, and played a character who assumes several roles when working with Kubrick on 1962’s Lolita.
George C Scott, Sterling Hayden and James Earl Jones also starred.
Dr Strangelove is widely considered to be one of the best comedies ever made, and was nominated for four Oscars including Best Picture and Best Director.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments