The upcoming production of Bitter Wheat had already got Theatreland excited when they announced that John Malkovich would be performing in the lead role, after a 30 year- absence from the stage. And with rehearsals now underway, the complete cast of Bitter Wheat has now been revealed.
Joining the previously announced John Malkovich as Barney Fein is Doon Mackichan as Barney’s assistant, Sondra. A BAFTA nominee, Doon has an extensive TV career, including acting and creating iconic comedy shows including Smack The Pony, Knowing Me, Knowing You with Alan Partridge, Plebs and Two Doors Down. Her latest project is the soon-to-be-released Good Omens for BBC where she’ll star alongside Michael Sheen, Jon Hamm and Miranda Richardson.
Making her West End debut as Yung Kim Li is Ioanna Kimbook. Although she’s just making her first mark on the West End stage, keep your eyes peeled in the upcoming series of BBC’s Inside No.9, as she’s recently filmed an episode for the next series.
Alexander Arnold will be playing the role of Roberto. Alexander’s previous theatre credits include Shells and Mud at Southwark Playhouse, and Luna Gale and Four Minutes Twelve Seconds at Hampstead Theatre. He’s also acted in the upcoming Danny Boyle film, Yesterday and was also in the BAFTA-nominated series, Save Me, and Channel 4’s teen drama, Skins.
The role of Doctor Wald will be played by Teddy Kempner. Also no stranger to the theatre, Teddy recently performed in the Olivier-nominated show Caroline, or Change, as well as Three Sisters and Nicholas Nickleby for the RSC. He’s also appeared in several films including Truly Madly Deeply and Yentl.
Matthew Pidgeon is taking on the role of The Writer. His theatre credits include Local Hero and The Glass Menagerie at the Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh; This House in Chichester West End and on tour, as well as Wolf Hall and Bring up the Bodies for the RSC. On the silver screen, he’s appeared in Mary Queen of Scots, State and Main and A Shot of Glory.
Taking on the role of Charles Arthur Brown is Zephryn Taitte. Zephryn has already appeared in a David Mamet play before, having recently completed a tour of Glengarry Glen Ross. His film credits include No Shade, Dirty Money and Run it Off. TV credits include Call the Midwife, Urban Myths and The Hour. Zephryn was featured in the Financial Times as ‘One to Watch’.
Making his West End return for Bitter Wheat, John will play Barney Fein, a powerful Hollywood producer with a dark history to hide. In this dark comedy-drama, the show explores the monstrous Barney Fein’s fall from power to worldwide shame, with a helping of chaos and comedy.
The show is written and directed by David Mamet, who over the last 50 years has written iconic plays including Chicago, American Buffalo and Glengarry Glen Ross. An award-winning writer, David has won a Pulitzer prize for his previous work.
Bitter Wheat will run at the Garrick Theatre between 7 June – 21 September. Tickets are available now.