John Malkovich Finds Stars for GOOD CANARY at the Rose Theatre

The Daily Mail writes that Freya Mavor, Michael Simkins and Sally Rogers will star in STRANGER THAN FICTION screenwriter Zach Helm's play GOOD CANARY, directed by Broadway vet John Malkovich this autumn at the Rose Theatre. Performances start September 16.

As previously reported, GOOD CANARY "is about a novelist whose wife is driven to popping amphetamines when his book does well." The play premiered in 2007 in Paris, directed by Malkovich. The helmer has since directed Spanish language productions of the piece.

Mavor will play the wife, Annie. She last took the stage in 2013's BOYS at the Arcola and is best known for playing 'Mini McGuinness' in the teen drama TV series SKINS.

Simkins starred onstage in THE ARGUMENT this spring and has appeared in the West End in COMPANY and HALF IN ERNEST, as well as MAMMA MIA! and CHICAGO. He previously worked with Malkovich in BURN THIS and has also starred in stage productions of THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL, A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE, RICHARD III, Mary Stuart, YES PRIME MINISTER, OH WHAT A LOVELY WAR and HAY FEVER.

Rogers starred in HANGMEN in the West End last year and is well known for her role as 'Sgt. Jo Masters' in ITV's THE BILL. The actress has also appeared in many productions with the Royal National Theatre.

Among Malkovich's previous credits as a stage director are ARMS AND THE MAN and THE CARETAKER on Broadway, as well as A CELEBRATION OF Harold Pinter in Edinburgh and off-Broadway.

He has appeared onstage in Broadway's DEATH OF A SALESMAN (the TV adaptation earned him an Emmy in 1985), ARMS AND THE MAN and BURN THIS. The actor launched his stage career with Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago. He received his first Oscar nomination for his role in PLACES IN THE HEART. Among his other film credits are THE KILLING FIELDS, EMPIRE OF THE SUN, THE GLASS MENAGERIE, DANGEROUS LIAISONS, OF MICE AND MEN, IN THE LINE OF FIRE, BEING John Malkovich, JONAH HEX and more.