Bruce Robinson's 1987 British comedy film Withnail & I is being adapted as a stage show. It will premiere at Birmingham Repertory Theatre in May 2024.

Written and adapted for the stage by Robinson himself, the show will "bring to life some of the most iconic comic characters ever created". The film (pictured), based on Robinson's unpublished novel, was produced by Handmade Films and starred Richard E. Grant, Paul McGann and Richard Griffiths.

The producers explain: "September 1969... the swinging '60's, rock 'n' roll, counter culture bohemianism... and two young unemployed actors - the flamboyant, boozy Withnail, and the shy, contemplative Marwood - live in utter squalor in a flat in Camden Town, praying for a job... Their only visitor is their drug dealer, Danny; their only expeditions are to the local pubs; and their only friends each other...

"Needing a break from the atrocious state of their acting careers, they hit upon the idea of a nice holiday - and Marwood proposes a trip to a cottage in the Lake District, owned by Withnail's wealthy Uncle Monty. Monty lives in Chelsea, and after a few drinks together, agrees to lend them the key to the cottage - for a price...

"Regarded as one of the finest British film's ever made, this world premiere stage version brings to life the classic dialogue, the insane situations, and above all the boozy, irresistibly hilarious relationship of one of the most famous slacker duo's ever created..."

The stage version, which will run from 3rd to 25th May, will be directed by Sean Foley and designed by Alice Power. Casting details will be announced in due course.

Foley says: "Hilarious, tragic, and wild, Withnail & I is a comedy like no other, and I'm thrilled to be working with the legendary Bruce Robinson to bring it to life on stage... In fact, where better for the extraordinarily funny tale of two unemployed actors who go on holiday, 'by mistake'? Rightly regarded as one of the finest British film's ever made, our world premiere stage version brings to life the classic dialogue, the insane situations, and above all the boozy, irresistibly hilarious relationship of one of the most famous slacker duo's ever created..."

17th April 2024 update

Photos of Robert Sheehan as Withnail and Adonis Siddique as Marwood have been released.

Designed by Alice Power, the play will have its premiere at Birmingham Repertory Theatre on 3rd May, with performances until 25th May. Tickets

The cast is completed by Malcolm Sinclair (Uncle Monty), Adam Young (Danny), Israel J Fredericks (Presuming Ed), Morgan Philpott (Wanker/Jake the Poacher), Matt Devitt (Farmer/Colonel & Band), Adam Sopp (Geezer/Policeman, Band & Musical Director) and Sooz Kempner (Miss Blenehassitt/Policewoman & Band).

The creative team joining the writer, director and designer are: Jessica Hung Han Yun (Lighting Design), Ben & Max Ringham (Sound & Composition), Akhila Krishnan (Video Design), Candida Caldicott (Music Supervision), Ginny Schiller (Casting Director), Alison de Burgh (Fight Director), Sara Joyce (Associate Director), Simon Marlow (Production Manager), Jennifer Taillefer (Production Environmental Manager), Kay Wilton (Costume Supervisor), Robin Morgan (Props Supervisor) and Andriea Nelson (Wigs Supervisor).