Berkoff Helms and Acts in ON THE WATERFRONT at Haymarket 1/28

A new adaptation of On the Waterfront by Steven Berkoff  will make the transfer to the West End this month.

The new production, which has been conceived and directed by Berkoff, will preview at the Theatre Royal Haymarket from January 28th before opening on February 12th.

It is based on the 1954 film in which Marlon Brando played the part of Terry Malloy, an ex-prize fighter turned longshoreman who stands up to his corrupt union mob bosses after being implicated in a murder. Malloy will be played by Simon Merrells who has previously essayed roles in The Life of Galileo and Sing Yer Heart Out for the Lads at The National Theatre.

Berkoff, who co-wrote the new adaptation with the original screenplay's author, Budd Schulberg, will play the part of Johnny Friendly. It premiered at the Nottingham Playhouse in April 2008 before having a successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe in August.

The production of Treasure Island featuring Keith Allen at the Theatre Royal Haymarket posted an early closing notice and ended its run on January 10th.