Clarke Peters to Star in Revival of Five Guys Named Moe at Edinburgh Fringe

The world-class, award-winning musical Five Guys Named Moe will open at McEwan Hall on 4 August 2010, starring The Wire's Clarke Peters as Nomax and directed by Paulette Randall. With choreography by original cast member and Olivier nominee Paul J Medford.

Clarke Peters, who wrote the book of Five Guys Named Moe, will play the pivotal role of Nomax in this revival of a show that originated at the Theatre Royal Stratford East in 1990. Clarke Peters has become internationally famous through his role as Lester Freamon in the enormously successful TV series, The Wire. He will also soon be seen in the HBO TV series Treme, set in New Orleans, and written by the creator of The Wire, David Simon. Peters is also recognised as a hugely accomplished stage actor and was recently seen in the title role of Porgy in Porgy and Bess at the Savoy Theatre directed by Trevor Nunn.

"I am over the moon that twenty years on Five Guys still has the power to excite people with expectation. There are fond memories for those who "partayed" with us before and joyful curiosity for those who didn't. I don't think they will be disappointed. To be taking it to Edinburgh is an added bonus as so many people around the world will be exposed to this show. I'm excited it's happening." Clarke Peters

This 20th anniversary production of the smash hit West End and Broadway musical follows broke and newly single Nomax as Five Guys Named Moe (Big Moe, Four-Eyed Moe, Eat Moe, No Moe, and Little Moe) emerge from his 1930s-style radio in an attempt to cajole and comfort him. Blasting out hit songs from Jazz legend Louis Jordan including 'Early In The Morning', 'Choo, Choo, Ch'Boogie' and 'Saturday Night Fish Fry', this great 1930s composer and saxophonist brought a popular new slant to jazz that paved the way for the rock-and-roll of the 1950s.

"Twenty years on people still talk about how fantastic the show was and once this revival hits the stage I'm sure they'll continue to talk about it for many more years to come." Kerry Michael, Artistic Director, Theatre Royal Stratford East

"We're delighted to be working with Theatre Royal Stratford East and Clarke Peters on this exciting new production of Five Guys Named Moe. It's a chance to bring quality, professional theatre to the Fringe and it's the perfect festival show for all ages. There's a reason why the show ran for 6 years in the West End and that's because it's fun, fast paced and packed full of great music. We're so pleased to be launching the show in Edinburgh". Ed Bartlam, Director, Underbelly

Paulette Randall is a former artistic director of the Talawa Theatre Company in the UK. She is one of Britain's best established and most respected black theater directors. Paulette is Chair of the Board of the Clean Break Theatre Company. Directing credits include King Hedley II, Two Trains Running, Gem of the Ocean (all at Tricycle Theatre), Blest be the Tie (Royal Court) and Urban Afro Saxons (Theatre Royal Stratford East). Randall co-produced, directed and wrote TV sitcoms The Real McCoy and Porkpie.

Choreographer Paul J Medford is currently appearing in the Menier Chocolate Factory production of Sweet Charity at the Theatre Royal Haymarket. Paul was in the original company of Five Guys Named Moe playing Little Moe a role for which he was nominated for an Olivier Award. He has also appeared as the originAl West End Banzai in Disney's ‘The Lion King'. He has appeared in numerous television shows including a regular role as Kelvin in Eastenders.

Full casting to be announced. Underbelly's McEwan Hall www.underbelly.co.uk