Simon Lipkin joins Dan Skinner in the world premiere of Brian & Roger – A Highly Offensive Play

Simon Lipkin is to join the world premiere of Brian & Roger – A Highly Offensive Play.

The piece will preview at the Menier Chocolate Factory from 22 October running to 18 December at the company’s new space The Mixing Room.

Simon Lipkin joins Dan Skinner in the play, which is inspired by Skinner and Harry Peacock’s hit podcast Brian & Roger.

Harry Peacock said today: “I’m enormously grateful to Simon for stepping in at such short notice to enable the run of Brian & Roger to go ahead as planned at the Menier.

“Stepping back from the show was an incredibly difficult decision, but ultimately the right one for my health and the production, and I can’t wait to enjoy the show from the comfort of the auditorium. There may however be action if he’s better than me…”

Artistic Director of the Menier David Babani added: “Harry and Dan have created an incredibly funny, rude, genius podcast, and have brought all of that to the stage. It’s with Harry’s blessing that we welcome Simon back to the Menier to join Dan and bring this piece to life on the stage, and we’ll continue to have Harry’s support and brilliance as we move forward to production.”

Meanwhile Simon Lipkin quipped: “Can you please go away. I’m trying to learn my lines.”

Directed by David Babani, the production has set and costume design by Robert Jones, video design by Timothy Bird, lighting design by Paul Anderson and sound design by Gregory Clarke.

Brian and Roger met at a support group for recently divorced men. Roger was attending because he was genuinely grieving the loss of his marriage. Brian was instructed to attend by his solicitor if he wanted to dodge paying alimony. Roger is in need of guidance and support, which Brian willingly supplies. Both are starting again. Both are finding it hard. One of them is nice.

Tickets are on sale now from menierchocolatefactory.com

About the author: Josh Darvill

Josh is Stageberry's editor with over five years of experience writing about theatre in the West End and across the UK. Prior to following his passion for musicals, he worked for more than a decade as a TV journalist.