Clement & La Frenais pen new play for Soho Theatre Christmas run
- Porridge creators Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais have written a new play about the music industry
- Chasing Bono is based on I Was Bono's Doppelganger. It's about a gangster who kidnaps his biographer
- The new production will be staged at Soho Theatre from 6th December 2018
Comedy writers Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais have penned a new play.
Best known as the creators of sitcoms such as Porridge and The Likely Lads, Chasing Bono will be staged at London's Soho Theatre over the Christmas period.
Based on the memoir I Was Bono's Doppelganger by Neil McCormick, it previously adapted into the 2011 feature film Killing Bono, whose screenplay was also written by Clement and La Frenais. The storyline follows an
To be directed by Gordon Anderson (Fresh Meat), the show runs from 6th December to 19th January 2019. The plot is based around a gangster who kidnaps his biographer.
Producers explain: "The year is 1987 and Dublin gangster Danny Machin wants a fair and balanced profile written of his life, whilst now-writer Neil is thinking of ending his. Danny sees an opportunity and kidnaps Neil. Neil becomes Danny's biographer. Danny becomes Neil's shrink. Probing the reasons of bad decisions, including his break-up with his girlfriend, Gloria, Chasing Bono is about music, aspiration and self-discovery, and Neil's life-long friendship and rivalry with mate and international superstar Bono."
The writers say: "Chasing Bono has elements of some of our previous work. Like Porridge it is set in a captive situation. It's Irish, like The Commitments. And it's funny. (Unless nobody laughs, in which case it's a tragedy.) Oh and it's about music, aspiration and self-discovery. And there are lots of good restaurants within walking distance of Soho Theatre. All good reasons to come along."
Sir Elton John described McCormick's original book as "the best book I have ever read about trying to make it in the music business".
The show will be produced by Sally Wood for Sally Humphreys Productions, and Douglas McJannet for Covent Garden Productions.
Wood says: "It's a huge honour to be working alongside the brilliant Ian La Frenais and Dick Clement, and it's great to be back at Soho Theatre (having produced Sadie Frost in 2012 here). I'm very excited about this production and look forward to seeing you there!"
Further information, including cast and creative, are to be announced at a later date.