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CLASSIC: (Left to right) Phylicia Rashad, Adrian Lester, Sanaa Lathan, and James Earl Jones

THE STARS of an all-black production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, including legendary US actor James Earl Jones, are preparing to take the West End stage by storm.

Rehearsals for the hugely anticipated production, which opens at London’s Novello Theatre on November 21, began last month. The adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ classic play enjoyed a sell-out run on Broadway last year.

Jones and Cosby Show actress Phylicia Rashad play the leading roles as Big Daddy and Big Mama, heads of a powerful Southern family.

The veteran actor says getting older sometimes makes his job more challenging, but he’s ready for the show.

“Sometimes memorising lines takes a little longer than it used to,” the 78-year-old said.

He added: “Stamina can sometimes be an issue - you never really know how you’re gonna do eight shows a week until you get out there and do it. But I’m up for the challenge!”

US actress Sanaa Lathan, and British stars Adrian Lester and Richard Blackwood are also among the cast.

Lester, who plays alcoholic former football hero Brick, finished filming BBC’s Hustle days before starting rehearsals for the play.

“I didn’t get much of a break,” he laughed. “I came from one job, said ‘Hi’ to the kids and then was off to this one! But I think it’s a blessing to be able to go from one job to another, and I’m excited to be a part of this.”

Rashad’s sister, Fame star Debbie Allen, directs the production.

“When Debbie was putting this production together, she said to me, ‘You’d better play this part or I’ll tell Mama’,” Rashad told The Voice.

“But really, I consider it an honour to be a part of this production because Debbie has worked with some real veterans. This play was immensely popular in the States, amongst a variety of people, so I’m looking forward to it playing here in London for a whole new audience.”

Published: 11 November 2009
Issue: 0

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