The production is directed by John Doyle, whose acclaimed version of Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd transferred from the West End to Broadway in 2005. As with that show, Mack and Mabel features a cast of actor-musicians. When "hash-slinger" Mabel Normand turns up on the set of filmmaker Mack Sennett, creator of the Keystone Cops, she catches his eye and soon captures his heart. Before long, Mabel is starring in Sennett’s two-reelers. This poignant story of unrequited love is considered to be amongst Jerry Herman’s finest work.

Speaking to Playbill.com Herman, who has flown to London for the production, said, "It came very much as a surprise that John Doyle wanted to add his magic to the show. It’s wonderful to be given a second chance with a show and a score I love."

Double Tony-winner Herman’s string of Broadway successes started with Milk and Honey in 1961 and includes Mame (which is to be revived this year at the Kennedy Center), Hello, Dolly! and La Cage aux Folles.

David Soul is best known as the blonde half of the seventies TV show “Starsky and Hutch.” He has also carved out a successful stage career in London, most recently taking on the title role in Jerry Springer the Opera.

Janie Dee appeared with Soul in Ayckbourn’s Comic Potential as the robot Jacie, a role which she reprised for the transfer to New York's Manhattan Theatre Club.

Double Olivier Award winner Dee’s other credits include My One and Only and Carousel. She was last seen in the West End in Peter Hall's production of Pinter’s Betrayal.

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