LAUGHTER at the Lyric beckons with The Painkiller, a new comedy co-produced by one of Belfast’s most famous thespian sons, Kenneth Branagh, and writer/director Sean Foley.
The Painkiller stars Branagh along with comedian of the moment Rob Brydon in the English language première of Francis Veber’s speedy, rollicking farce.
“The Painkiller is a remarkable play,” said a sprightly Branagh back in his hometown for the beginning of rehearsals.
“Sean Foley, the director, is a fantastic talent, familiar to Belfast audiences.
“When he showed me his modern adaptation of Francis Veber’s farce, I knew I wanted to be involved. It’s also a particular thrill to partner on stage with the brilliant Rob Brydon.
“I was lucky enough to begin my career with Graham Reid’s Billy, in my home town of Belfast, exactly 30 years ago. I feel equally lucky to be back, and at the Lyric.”
“This is my first stage play and I couldn’t be more pleased than to be working alongside as great a talent as Kenneth Branagh, under the
direction of the excellent Sean Foley,” added Rob Brydon during a press conference at the revamped theatre.
Branagh, most famous for starring in and directing several film adaptations of Shakespearean works, began his career with Graham Reid’s Billy Plays, attended RADA and made a name for himself at the RSC. Romeo and Juliet, Twelfth Night, Henry V, Richard III, Hamlet, As You Like It - it seems he’s appeared in or helped produce adaptations of almost every play in the Shakespearean corpus.
And of course he featured prominently in 1994 blockbuster Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, alongside Robert de Niro and Helena Bonham Carter. This year saw the release of Thor, a film about the Marvel superhero starring Natalie Portman, which Branagh directed.
Welsh star Rob Brydon is famous for being incredibly funny on television and among many other things, has played Uncle Bryn in Gavin and Stacey, hosted panel quiz show Would I Lie to You?, starred in Rob Brydon’s Annually Retentive and played Keith Barret in BBC comedy Marion and Geoff. He a hosts the Rob Brydon Show and has worked with comedians like Steve Coogan.
The action of The Painkiller is frenetic and focuses on the misadventures of one Brian Dudley (Rob Brydon). His wife has just left him for her psychiatrist and so Dudley is lovelorn and desperate in a hotel room with suicide in mind.
In the adjoining room, a hit man called Ralph Smith (Kenneth Branagh) is poised to complete his latest assignment with the use of a telescopic rifle; he’s in the business of ‘pain removal’after all.
Caught between Brian and the hit man is the hapless concierge, desperate to finish his shift before disaster strikes. Added to this are the machinations of policemen, a case of mistaken identity, lots of frantic coming and going and some near falling out of windows - the whole climaxing at incredible velocity.
“We are looking forward to plenty of laughter at the Lyric in this stylish comedy,” said artistic director of the theatre Richard Croxford, obviously tickled to have two such big stars on the stage.
The cast also includes Mark Hadfield, Stuart Graham, Claudia Harrison and Andy Moore.
The Painkiller, which is supported by Clear Pharmacy, runs at the Lyric Theatre on the Northern Bank Stage September 23 - October 16.
To book tickets call the box office on 02890 381081 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 02890 381081 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or visit www.lyrictheatre.co.uk.
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