Casting for the production directed by Maureen Lipman has been confirmed ahead of it opening at the Charing Cross Theatre on the 4th September.
Based on the iconic 1979 TV film written by Jack Rosenthal, Maureen Lipman directs her late husband’s play adapted for the stage for the first time.
The Knowledge follows the struggles of four Londoners as they attempt to better themselves by attempting the fearsome “Knowledge” – the process of becoming a London black cab driver. Standing between them and the coveted Green Badge is the eccentric Mr. Burgess, the examiner. Also known as “The Vampire”, he is on an obsessive mission to maintain standards.
Casting for the production is set to include: Steven Pacey as Mr. Burgess, Celine Abrahams, James Alexandrou, Jenna Augen, Louise Callaghan , Ben Caplan, Michael Chance, Alice Felgate, Fabien Frankel.
Steven Pacey was Olivier Award nominated for his role as Bertie Wooster in the musical By Jeeves. His other West End credits include appearances as Peter in Relative Values, King Arthur in Spamalot, Larkin in Six Degrees of Separation, George in La Cage Aux Folles.
Celine Abrahams has previously been seen as Roxanne in McMafia (BBC), Olga in Three Sisters (Union Theatre) and 5 Kinds of Silence (Arcola).
James Alexandrou is best known for playing Martin Fowler in Eastenders. His appearances on stage include Romeo in Romeo & Juliet at The Globe, Milo in Sleuth and Paul Baumer in All Quiet on the Western Front.
Jenna Augen won Best Actor in a Supporting Role at the UK Theatre Awards for her portrayal of Daphna in Bad Jews (St James Theatre/Arts Theatre). Her other roles include Foible in The Way of the World (Chichester Festival Theatre) and Ada Kahn in Chicken Soup with Barley (Royal Court).
Louise Callaghan played Sarah Box in Foxfinder (Theatre 503), Lynette in Noughts and Crosses (Royal Shakespeare Company) and Lizzie Bains in Holding Fire! (Shakespeare’s Globe).
Ben Caplan (Ted) was series regular PC Peter Noakes in Call the Midwife and Walter “Smokey” Gordon in the 6-part HBO series Band of Brothers. In the West End he played Eddie Kassner in Sunny Afternoon.
Michael Chance (Arab tourist) was most recently in Lettice and Lovage (Menier Chocolate Factory).
Alice Felgate (Janet) was series regular Ellie Mason in You, Me & Them (Gold) and Lila in Plaques & Tangles (Royal Court Theatre).
Fabien Frankel (Chris) recently graduated from LAMDA. He is making his professional debut in The Knowledge.
The creative team for the production of The Knowledge includes: set design by Nicolai Hart-Hansen, costume design by Jonathan Lipman, sound design by Andrew Johnson and is produced by Vaughan Williams and Steven M. Levy.
The Knowledge will play at the Charing Cross Theatre from the 4th September until the 11th November. For more information visit: http://charingcrosstheatre.co.uk/theatre/the-knowledge