The Country Girl, Starring Seagrove and Shaw, Sets West End Transfer

Judge John Deed stars Martin Shaw and Jenny Seagrove are set to star in the West End revival of The Country Girl. Rufus Norris’ production of Clifford Odets’ drama transfers to the Apollo Theatre following a UK tour. Performances begin on October 6, 2010.

The Country Girl is a classic backstage story featuring the title character, Georgie McDormand (Seagrove), who is married to actor Frank Elgin (Shaw), once a great theater star and now down on his luck. When Frank is offered a major role by hotshot director Bernie Dodd Gallagher, he has the chance to make a major comeback.

Joining Shaw and Seagrove in the cast is Mark Letheren as Bernie Dodd as well as Peter Harding, Nicholas Day, Luke Shaw and Thomasin Rand. The production features scenic and costume design by Scott Pask, lighting design by Mark Howett and sound design by Ben Harrison.

The Country Girl premiered on Broadway in 1950, starring Uta Hagen, Paul Kelly and Steven Hill. The 1954 film version of the play, which starred Grace Kelly, Bing Crosby and William Holden, was nominated for an Academy Award and won an Oscar for Kelly. The play was last seen in the West End in 1983, starring Shaw as Dodd.