Anarchic and ‘terminally depressed’ Irish comedian Sean Hughes has begun a new role as Mr Perks in the Olivier Award-winning production of The Railway Children.
Hughes joined Mike Kenny’s stage adaptation of E. Nesbit’s famous novel in March.
Born in London, but raised in Ireland, Hughes’ career took off in the in the late ’80s. His first Edinburgh show, A One Night Stand with Sean Hughes won the prestigious Perrier Comedy Award and he fast acquired a cult following.
He was a team captain on the original and irreverent line-up of Never Mind the Buzzcocks but quit the show in 2002 and has since been outspoken about his dislike of comedy panel shows like Mock the Week.
His acting credits include The Last Detective and Coronation Street, as well as an appearance in Alan Parker’s film The Commitments.
The cast of The Railway Children includes Caroline Harker as Mother, Louise Calf as Phyllis, and Clare Corbett as Mrs Perks.
Edith Nesbit’s classic children’s book The Railway Children was first published in 1906 and has subsequently been adapted for the stage and screen, most famously in the 1970 film version directed by Lionel Jeffries and starring Jenny Agutter.
The Railway Children at King’s Cross Theatre, London is currently booking until September 6. Contact the Box Office on 0844 871 7604 or see www.railwaychildrenlondon.com
