Theater News

Kenneth Branagh, Rob Brydon to Star in Lyric Theatre Belfast’s The Painkiller

Publicity art for The Painkiller
Publicity art for The Painkiller

Kenneth Branagh and Rob Brydon will star in the world premiere comedy The Painkiller, at the Lyric Theatre Belfast, September 23-October 16. Sean Foley will direct, with design by Alice Power.

The play is about two men in hotel rooms that have an adjoining door. Brian (Brydon) is suicidal, while Ralph (Branagh) is a professional killer. On any other day, Brian would have successfully ended things. On any other day, Ralph would have successfully ended someone. But today is different.

Branagh’s many stage credits include Another Country, Twelfth Night, As You Like It, Look Back in Anger, Richard III, Edmond, and Ivanov. His film work includes adaptations of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, Hamlet, Love’s Labours Lost, and Othello. He is currently directing the movie version of Thor, based on the famed Marvel comic book.

Brydon is best known for his work in the BBC comedy Gavin and Stacey, with film and television credits also including Oliver Twist, The Way We Live Now, and A Cock and Bull Story.

For tickets and more information, click here.