James Bolam and Steve John Shepherd will reprise their roles in William Ivory’s Bomber’s Moon when the Park Theatre production transfers to the Trafalgar Studio 2 next month.
The World War II-set tale, which is written by the writer behind hit film Made In Dagenham, will play at the intimate Whitehall venue from 20 April (press night 24 April) to 23 May.
New Tricks’ Bolam takes on the role of former RAF gunner Jimmy whose routine is disrupted by the arrival of sensitive care assistant David, played by EastEnders’ Shepherd, who finds Jimmy’s cantankerous outlook and colourful language too much to handle.
As Jimmy increasingly snaps back to the adrenaline-fuelled terror of his WWII bombing raids and David’s new found faith is tested to breaking point, both men discover that a lasting peace is not easily won.
Described by The Guardian’s Michael Billington as “A highly accomplished look at faith and wartime memories”, Bomber’s Moon opened at the Park Theatre in April 2014, when it was praised by critics and audiences alike for its tender and funny portrayal of the duo’s relationship.
Packed full of gritty realism and razor-sharp humour, the production will open at the Trafalgar Studio 2 following the current run of The Father, starring EastEnders’ Alex Ferns, which closes on 11 April.
While Bomber’s Moon plays in the smaller Studio 2, another transfer runs in the Trafalgar Studio 1. Previously a hit at the Young Vic, Golem (14 April to 22 May) uses animation, music and performance to question who’s in control, us or our technology.