New West End revival of modern classic

Tim Key is to appear in the new London production of Art at the Old Vic.

The comic and poet will star as Yvan alongside Victoria heartthrob Rufus Sewell as Serge and Friday Night Dinner’s Paul Ritter as Marc.

Yasmina Reza’s play follows three middle-class friends in Paris, whose friendship is tested when one buys an expensive work of art.

It is not the first time Key has trod the Old Vic’s boards, having previously appeared alongside Daniel Kitson in the latter’s two-hander, Tree.

Art, translated from the French by Christopher Hampton premiered in London 20 years ago with with Albert Finney, Tom Courtenay and Ken Stott and went on to win the Olivier Award. 

A 2002 production starred the League Of Gentlemen’s Reece Shearsmith, Mark Gatiss and Steve Pemberton, while Jack Dee, Frank Skinner and Sean Hughes have all appeared in it, too.

The new production has been directed by Matthew Warchus, the theatre’s artistic director, fresh from working with Tim Minchin on the Groundhog Day musical.

Art runs at the Old Vic from December 20 to February 18, with previews from 10 December. Tickets.

Published: 30 Sep 2016