A musical version of hit '90s film Groundhog Day will premiere at Waterloo’s Old Vic theatre next year, directed by Matthew Warchus.
The production will feature songs by comedic composer and lyricist Tim Minchin, choreography from Peter Darling and design by Rob Howell, all three of whom also worked with Warchus on his hit West End musical Matilda.
The 1993 cult film tells the story of a TV weatherman – played by Bill Murray – who is sent to a small town in Pennsylvania where he finds himself stuck in a time loop and is forced to re-live one day over and over again.
The musical’s story will be loyal to the original, with the film’s co-writer Danny Rubin working alongside the creative team. It will open in June 2016 and transfer to New York's Broadway once its run ends.
In an interview with the BBC, Warchus described the show as "an intelligent mainstream Broadway classic" that was ideal for the Old Vic. "It needs a large audience and a large stage, and I wanted to start it in this country, so it's the perfect match."
He added that the film had made him laugh and cry. "It is really about how little time you have to become the best version of yourself. It's sophisticated meaty stuff in a romantic comedy package."
Warchus has replaced Kevin Spacey as the Old Vic's artistic director, with this production forming a key part of his inaugural season.
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