Olivier Award-winning actors David Bedella and Sara Kestelman will star in Douglas Hodge’s forthcoming production Torch Song Trilogy which begins previews at the Menier Chocolate Factory next month.
Currently starring as Billy Flynn in Chicago, Bedella will play the lead role of Arnold Beckoff in Harvey Fierstein’s Tony Award-winning play. Last seen in the West End in 1985, the poignant story centres on drag queen Arnold who encounters passion, thrills and loss in his search for love and acceptance.
Best known for his award-winning role in Jerry Springer – The Opera, Bedella was last seen at the Menier Chocolate Factory in 2011’s Road Show. The actor’s other stage credits include West End productions of Hedwig And The Angry Inch and The Rocky Horror Show. On screen he has appeared in Alexander and Batman Begins.
Kestelman, who will play Arnold’s mother Mrs Beckoff, is currently appearing in the Donmar Warhouse’s triptych of plays Making Noise Quietly. On the stage the actress has been seen in National Theatre productions of Hamlet and Copenhagan, and Nine at the Donmar Warehouse. Her screen credits include Trial And Retribution, The Last Romantics and The Rivals Of Sherlock Holmes.
Torch Song Trilogy is not the first time Hodge has taken a backstage role, with the award-winning actor directing See How They Run at the Duchess theatre and Absurdia at the Donmar Warehouse.