Top line up in award winning show (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Top line up in award winning show

THE hit show ART which has won Tony, Olivier and Moliere awards comes to the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham from March 18-23.

Produced by Sean Connery - yes, THE Sean Connery - and David Pugh, the show stars Simon Shepherd (Peak Practice), as Serge, Philip Franks (Heartbeat) as Yvan and Leigh Lawson (Roman Polanski's 'Tess') as Marc.

ART, which is written by Yasmina Reza and translated by Christopher Hamilton, first opened in London in 1996 to huge acclaim, receiving the most ever nominations for an Olivier Award for a play.

Two years later, its success was repeated in America, where it added a Tony award to its accolades and became the most successful play in Broadway history.

"We have been fortunate enough to win some of the most prestigious awards in the theatre today.

"Art is a truly exceptional show as the response from critics and public alike proves.

"We are absolutely delighted that the production is touring again," said Sean Connery and David Pugh.

The play was first seen in Paris by Sean Connery's wife, who liked it so much that she persuaded her husband to go and see it.

He was bowled over and decided to work with David Pugh and co-produce an English production.

Since then this modern masterpiece has been seen by people all over the world, including Woody Allen, Michael Caine, Cindy Crawford, Tom Cruise, Robert De Niro, Whoopi Goldberg, Dustin Hoffman, Nicole Kidman, Sir Paul McCartney and Julia Roberts.

Tickets from the box office on 01242 572573.