The Old Vic announces casting for Art

The Old Vic has announced the cast for its forthcoming production of Yasmina Reza's Art, translated by Christopher Hampton, which begins previews on 10th December 2016, with an official opening scheduled for 3rd January 2017 and a limited engagement through to 18th February.

The prodction, helmed by the Old Vic's Artistic Director Matthew Warchus, will star Tim Key, Paul Ritter and Rufus Sewell, who can currently be seen starring as Lord Melbourne in the hit ITV drama "Victoria."

Tim Key takes on the role of Yvan. He has previously performed in the Old Vic production of 'Tree' and is perhaps best known for his TV appearances on "Midmorning Matters" (alongside Alan Partridge), "Peep Show" and "Foreign Bodies."

Paul Ritter, who will be playing Marc, won an Olivier Award for his performance as Otis Gardiner in 'Coram Boy' at the National Theatre and earned Olivier and Tony nominations for his role in 'The Norman Conquests' at the Old Vic and on Broadway. His other theatre credits include playing John Major opposite Helen Mirren in The Audience, as well as The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time and The Hothouse.

Rufus Sewell, who has been cast as Serge, was last seen on the West End stage in the Donmar Warehouse revival of 'Closer.' Other theatre credits include his Olivier Award-winning and Tony-nominated performance in 'Rock N' Roll,' and Olivier-nominated turn in 'Arcadia' at the National Theatre, as well as 'Old Times,' 'Macbeth,' 'Rat in the Skull,' 'Translations,' and 'Making It Better.' His most notable screen credits include "A Knight's Tale," "The Holiday," "The Man in the High Castle," "Hercules," and "Dark City."

The premise of Art revolves around three friends and a white painting and is billed as a "dazzling study of friendship, prejudice and tolerance." The play premiered in London twenty years ago to win the Olivier Award and also went on to win the Molière Award in France and Tony Award in New York. The original West End production starred Ken Stott, Albert Finney and Tom Courtenay.

Director Matthew Warchus has reunited the original creative team for the Old Vic revival, including scenic design by Mark Thompson, lighting design by Hugh Vanstone, sound design by Mic Pool, and music by Gary Yershon.