Jonathan Groff to Get Caught in West End Deathtrap with Simon Russell Beale

Jonathan Groff is set to make his West End debut opposite Simon Russell Beale and Anna Massey in the first West End revival of Ira Levin’s Deathtrap at the Noel Coward Theatre. Matthew Warchus will direct the show, with performances beginning on August 21. Opening night is set for September 7.

The play follows famous playwright Sidney Bruhl (Beale) and his relationship with talented, young writer Clifford Anderson (Groff) who he plans to murder and take credit for Anderson’s work as his own. Massey will play Helga ten Dorp, a local psychic who suspects Bruhl’s foul play.

Groff, who was Tony-nominated for his performance in Spring Awakening, recently joined the cast of TV’sGlee. Regarded as one of Britain’s most accomplished actors, Beale can currently be seen in London Assurance. His other stage credits include Humble Boy, Much Ado About Nothing and Spamalot. Massey’s theater work includes Mary Stuart and The Importance of Being Earnest. Tony winner Warchus’ directing can currently be seen on Broadway with God of Carnage.

Deathtrap made its Broadway debut in 1978 starring John Wood and Victor Garber. The show, which was nominated for a Best Play Tony Award, ran for 1793 performances before closing on June 13, 1982. Deathtrap was also made into a 1982 film directed by Sidney Lumet and starring Michael Caine and Christopher Reeve.