Menier Chocolate Factory's La Cage Headed to the West End

The Menier Chocolate Factory's revival of La Cage aux Folles will bow on the West End at the Playhouse Theatre. Based on the play by Jean Poiret and the 1978 screen adaptation, the new production stars Douglas Hodge and Denis Lawson, and features music and lyrics by Jerry Herman and a book by Harvey Fierstein. Previews begin October 20 for a limited engagement run opening October 30, directed by Terry Johnson.

La Cage aux Folles is the story of Georges and Albin, a flamboyant gay couple who attempt to conceal their lifestyle when meeting their son's potential father-in-law. Featuring Herman classics such as "I Am What I Am" and "The Best of Times, the show debuted on Broadway in 1983 and won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book of a Musical. A Broadway revival in 2004 earned two more Tonys, including Best Revival of a Musical. In 1986, La Cage premiered in the West End at the London Palladium, starring Denis Quilley, George Hearn and Jonathon Morris.

Douglas Hodge will reprise his acclaimed performance as Albin. His recent credits include: Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls opposite Ewan McGregor, Titus Andronicus, Dumb Show, Pericles and more than ten Pinter plays including Moonlight and The Caretaker in the West End. His film credits include Vanity Fair, Mansfield Park and Scenes of a Sexual Nature. His television credits include regular roles in Spooks and Redcap.

Denis Lawson's stage credits include Oleanna, Lust and Volpone. Film credits include the Star Wars trilogy, Providence, Local Hero and The Man in the Iron Mask. His many roles in television include Holby City, The Passion, Robin Hood and Bleak House.