SOUTHAMPTON’s Nuffield theatre will co-produce The Hudsucker Proxy this May with Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse.

This is also in association with internationally acclaimed company Complicite.

The cast is headed up by Joseph Timms (Privates on Parade, Noel Coward; Twelfth Night and Richard III, Belasco Theatre NYC; Bracken Moor, Tricycle Theatre, Atlantis, BBC1) as Norville Barnes, the unexpected hero who finds himself at the top of Hudsucker Industries.

This production will mark the first time a Coen Brothers film has been adapted for the stage.

Based on the Coen Brothers’ joyful, wise-cracking romantic comedy that established them among the most entertaining and distinctive filmmakers of our time, the production is directed by Simon Dormandy and Toby Sedgwick (War Horse, The 39 Steps).

Sam Hodges, Nuffield’s director and chief executive, said: “We’re thrilled to have Complicite come on board as a partner on this very exciting project – we look forward to exploring the possibility of touring this production around the world with them in the future.”

Gemma Bodinetz, Everyman & Playhouse artistic director, said: “From its inception this co-production with the Nuffield has been an extraordinarily exciting part of our season.

“We are delighted that the world-renowned Complicite have joined us as partners and that we have assembled such a talented and distinguished cast.”

The ensemble cast are Rob Castell, Nick Cavaliere, Tamzin Griffin, Sinead Matthews, Nathan McMullen, David Webber and Clive Wood.

The Hudsucker Proxy will open at Nuffield in Southampton on Wednesday, May 13, and at the Liverpool Playhouse from Wednesday, June 3.