Bertie Carvel to star in The Hairy Ape at the Old Vic

The Old Vic has announced that Bertie Carvel will be leading the cast in The Hairy Ape, which will run at the venue from 17 October to 21 November 2015, with an official opening on 29 October 2015.

Carvel will play the role of Robert Smith 'Yank' in the production, which will be directed by Richard Jones.

Synopsis: "The story of story of Yank, a labourer who revels in his status as the strongest stoker on a transatlantic ocean liner. But when Yank is called a 'filthy beast' by the overbred daughter of a steel merchant, he experiences an awakening of consciousness that leads him on a journey through the wealthy neighbourhoods and disenfranchised underbelly of New York society. Searching for a way to belong, Yank is forced to confront primal questions about his true place in the world."

Bertie Carvel won an Olivier award for Best Actor in a Musical for playing Mrs Trunchbull in "Matilda The Musical" at the West End's Cambridge Theatre, a role that he created. He is soon to appear alongside Ben Whishaw in Bakkhai at the Almeida Theatre in north London.

The Hairy Ape is written by Nobel prize-winner Eugene O'Neill and has been described as "an iconic piece of American drama".