Julian Clary returns to the London stage in Le Grand Mort

Last seen on the London stage in Cinderella at the London Palladium, Julian Clary is set to star in the world premiere of a play written specifically for him by the late playwright Stephen Clark. Le Grand Mort will debut at Trafalgar Studios on 25th September, following previews from 20th September. It is due to run until 28th October 2017.

The black comedy tells the story of Michael as he prepares dinner for two at his stylish yet sterile Notting Hill home. As he meticulously cuts the vegetables with almost a surgeon's precision, he talks, with knife-like wit, about cases in history where the human body has continued to prove useful even after death. As he slices and chops, one wonders who is coming for dinner and what the main course might be. When Tim, his young guest arrives, they engage in a series of funny, thrilling but searingly dangerous mind games, as they try to unravel the reasons why they are both there. Only when the games turn deadly do they catch a glimpse of the sadness and loss within each of them that enables them to at least begin to connect with the truth, using whatever damaged shreds of humanity they still have left.

Playwright Stephen Clark is known for his Jefferson Award-winning play Stripped, as well as his Olivier Award-winning turn as lyricist for the musical Martin Guerre. His other musical credits include The Far Pavilions, Zorro and Love Story, as well as adapting the libretto for a 2006 revival of La Traviata at ENO.

The production will be directed by Christopher Renshaw, with design by Justin Nardella and lighting by Jamie Platt. Le Grand Mort is produced by Danielle Tarento.

Clary will also return to the London Palladium this December to play 'The Spirit of the Bells' in Dick Whittington.