Ian Hislop and Nick Newman’s new comedy will run at the Newbury based theatre from the 7th February until the 22nd March.
Casting has now been announced for the upcoming stage adaptation of A.G Macdonell’s The Autobiography of a Cad, adapted by Ian Hislop and Nick Newman.
Directed by Paul Hart, the production will star: James Mack who will return to the Watermill to play the eponymous ‘Cad’, Rhiannon Neads will play ‘Miss Appleby’ and Mitesh Soni will play ‘Mr Collins’.
Chronicling the rise of self-proclaimed political titan Edward Percival Fox-Ingleby from Eton to Oxford and then on to Parliament, the Cad’s story contains all the hallmarks of success: university escapades with friends taking the blame, courageously signing up to be on the administrative frontline of the First World War effort and doing the decent thing and joining the Tory party in the 1920s.
Committed to ploughing his own way through life, righting the wrongs of his unforgivably liberal parents and armed with a universal disregard for the rules, the truth, and the women in his life, this is Edward Fox-Ingleby, a man who no-one loves as much as himself. This happily fictitious memoir about serving the nation bears absolutely no relation to any politicians past, present or future.
Ian Hislop and Nick Newman said, “We are thrilled to be returning to the Watermill Theatre with our new play, The Autobiography of a Cad. The Watermill has been an enthusiastic supporter of new writing, and this is our fifth play for the theatre, after A Bunch of Amateurs, The Wipers Times, Trial By Laughter and Spike.
Based on A.G. Macdonell’s satirical masterpiece and set in the decades before and after World War One, The Autobiography of a Cad follows in the rich tradition of outrageously subversive British humour. Once again, it is a privilege to have our work showcased by a theatre renowned for staging world-class productions.
We are also delighted to be working once again with James Mack. He was superb in our play Spike, and brings great charm and energy to the role of Cad. He gets our vote!”
Meanwhile, the production’s creative team includes: direction by Paul Hart, assisted by Elsa Strachan, with set and costume design by Ceci Calf, with lighting design by Charly Dunford, sound design by Steven Atkinson and projection design by Rachel Sampley. In addition, two members of the Watermill Elemental artist development scheme will be working on the show. These are Jacob Wu as assistant designer, and Nicola Crawford as assistant lighting designer.
To book tickets visit: https://www.watermill.org.uk/cad