LES Dennis is preparing to make his debut at the RSC in Stratford.
The veteran presenter will take to the stage in two Restoration plays being staged at the Swan Theatre.
He will appear as Colonel Bully in John Vanbrugh’s comedy The Provoked Wife, and as Priuli in Thomas Otway’s tragedy Venice Preserved.
Dennis first made his name as a comedian in the 1970s. He then became a stalwart of Saturday night TV in the 80s and 90s starring in The Russ Abbott Show and The Les Dennis Laughter Show performing sketches and impressions, but remains most famous as the host of Family Fortunes for 15 years.
His theatre work has included playing Amos Hart in Chicago, Bill Snibson in Me and My Girl in the West End, and Uncle Fester in a UK tour of the musical production of The Addams Family.
The production will also see the return to the RSC of Rufus Hound to play Constant in The Provoked Wife. He last appeared as Sancho Panza in the acclaimed 2016 production of Don Quixote in the Swan.
The Provoked Wife cast also includes Alexandra Gilbreath (Lady Brute), Caroline Quentin (Lady Fancyfull) and Jonathan Slinger (Sir John Brute).
The Provoked Wife follows the fortunes of Lady Brute who is tired of her tedious, loveless marriage and her tedious, drunk husband. When she decides to spice up her love life with a younger man, scandal threatens to ruin her.
Venice Preserved sees two disaffected noblemen, driven by love and revenge, join a revolutionary movement in a bid to overthrow the corrupt leaders of their failed city state.
The Provoked Wife, directed by Philip Breen, opens on May 2, and Venice Preserved, directed by Prasanna Puwanarajah, on May 24.
Visit www.rsc.org.uk for tickets and further details.