Peter Forbes joins the cast of JACK ABSOLUTE FLIES AGAIN at the National Theatre

It has been announced that Peter Forbes (Follies) will join the cast of Jack Absolute Flies Again, which opens in the National’s Olivier Theatre from 2 July.

This riotous and comedic new version of Sheridan’s The Rivals is co-written by Richard Bean and Oliver Chris.

July 1940. After an aerial dog fight, Pilot Officer Jack Absolute flies home to win the heart of his old flame, Lydia Languish. Back on British soil, Jack’s advances soon turn to anarchy when the young heiress demands to be loved on her own, very particular, terms.

Forbes will play Anthony Absolute alongside the previously announced Laurie Davidson (Cats) as Jack Absolute, Caroline Quentin (Jonathan Creek) as Mrs Malaprop, Natalie Simpson (Three Sisters) as Lydia Languish, Kelvin Fletcher (Emmerdale) as Dudley Scunthorpe and Kerry Howard (Him & Her) as Lucy.

Completing the company are James Corrigan, Theo Cowan, Shailan Gohil, Millie Hikasa, George Kemp, Joanne McGuinness, Jordan Metcalfe, Akshay Sharan, Tim Steed, Geoffrey Towers, Shona White and Helena Wilson.

Director Emily Burns said: “Jack Absolute is a delightfully silly and exuberant refashioning of The Rivals that sends Sheridan’s play barrel-rolling into the Battle of Britain, and the adrenalised hedonism of a summer of life-or-death love. Richard and Oli’s adaptation is a dream to work on - fresh, sharp, joyous and full of heart. I can’t wait to get started.”

The production features set and costume design by Mark Thompson, lighting by Tim Lutkin, composition by Paul Englishby, sound by Paul Arditti, video and projection by Jeff Sugg, and choreography by Lizzi Gee.

Jack Absolute Flies Again will also be broadcast to cinemas via NT Live on 6 October.

For more information and to book tickets, please click here.