Rob Brydon to make West End debut

Rob Brydon is to make his West End acting debut later this year in Alan Ayckbourn's A Chorus of Disapproval.

The comedian will star opposite EastEnders star Nigel Harman and Ugly Betty's Ashley Jensen in the production at the Harold Pinter Theatre.

Trevor Nunn will direct the play about a young widower who joins an amateur operatic society and becomes a hit with the ladies of the cast.

Previews will begin on 17 September, with the show running until 5 January.

Producers added that there would be more than 100 £10 tickets available for every performance.

Although Brydon, whose BBC Two chat show is currently in its third series, has appeared in the West End before, it will be his acting debut.

In 2009, the Welsh star had a three-week London stint as part of his 87-date UK stand-up tour.

A Chorus of Disapproval was first performed at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough in 1984.

It had its London premiere a year later at the National Theatre starring Bob Peck, Michael Gambon and Imelda Staunton.

It was also made into a film in 1989, directed by Michael Winner, and starring Jeremy Irons, Anthony Hopkins and Prunella Scales.

The production at the Harold Pinter Theatre will be the first time the play has been seen in London for more than 25 years.