Writer Bruce Robinson's celebrated 1987 cult film "Withnail and I" has finally staggered onto the stage in the most deliriously unhinged and wildly entertaining adaptation imaginable! Directed with anarchic flair by Sean Foley at the Birmingham Rep, this production bottles the drunken debauchery, rapid-fire witticisms, and elegant squalor that made the original movie an enduring cult phenomenon.
An Iconic Duo Reborn
At the blazing centre are the iconic duo of unemployed actors - the flamboyant lush Withnail (played with electrifying, manic bravado by Robert Sheehan) and his long-suffering friend Marwood (beautifully, exasperatedly portrayed by Adonis Siddique). Trapped in a dilapidated 1969 Camden flat, they booze, do drugs, and desperately dream of their big acting break as their lives careen increasingly out of control.
"We want the finest wines available to humanity. We want them here and we want them now!" - Withnail's immortal, slurred decree
When they finally escape the city for a disastrous holiday in the countryside, the chaos and side-splitting hilarity ramp up to even dizzier heights.
A Masterclass in Debauched Comedy 
Robinson's script is a veritable distillery of the same quotable, disgracefully funny dialogue that made the film a beloved favourite. But it's the spectacular, alchemical performances that truly transform this material into comedic gold. Sheehan is a whirlwind of drunken arrogance and showboating theatrics as Withnail, while Siddique masterfully balances weary exasperation with deep, resigned affection for his hopelessly unfiltered friend.  
A Riotous Supporting Cast
The supporting cast provides a master class in debauched comedy as well. Malcolm Sinclair is riotously, deliciously campy as Withnail's predatory uncle harbouring unmistakable desires for the youthful Marwood. And director Foley choreographs the anarchic action with a fluidly cinematic touch, aided by Alice Power's ingeniously dingy set design.
An Intoxicating Must-See
For rabid fans of the movie, this stage version will feel like reuniting with some very debauched old friends. For the uninitiated, it offers a wildly entertaining, raucously intoxicating introduction to one of British comedy's most irreverent cult classics. Whether you worship at the altar of Withnail or not, you'll likely find yourself gripped by his immortal, slurred decree. An alchemical, booze-soaked theatrical triumph - raise a glass!   WITHNAIL AND I Fri 10 May–Sat 25 May 2024
Presented by Birmingham Rep, Handmade Films and George Waud for Groove International Based on the film Withnail and I, written and directed by Bruce Robinson, produced by Handmade Films Written by Bruce Robinson Directed by Sean Foley Designed by Alice Power Price From £19.50 Age Guidance 14+ Please note, no under 5s will be admitted to the auditorium. Content Advice Please note, this production contains strong language, including racist terms and homophobic references, and scenes of drug/alcohol use and smoking. Running Time Approximately 2 hrs 15 mins including a 20 minute interval. Access Performances Audio Described: Sat 25 May 2.30pm (described by Carolyn Smith) A Free Touch Tour is available to book before the Audio Described performance.  BSL Interpreted: Wed 15 May 7.30pm (interpreted by Karen Ward-Welch). Captioned: Tue 21 May 7.30pm (captioned by Cara Lawless) Relaxed: Mon 20 May 7.30pm Special Offers 3 for 2: Add 3 shows into your basket and at checkout enjoy 33% off each production for selected productions. T&Cs apply – Find Out More Teens Go Free: Receive one complimentary young persons ticket (13-19 years) when you book one standard ticket for selected productions. Discount will be applied automatically at checkout when you add both tickets to your basket. T&Cs apply – Find Out More Fees & Charges Please note, there is a transaction fee of £3.50 on all payment types.   Susan Vickers