Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, Louis De Bernières’ award-winning 1994 novel, captured hearts when it hit the screen in 2001 with Nicolas Cage and Penélope Cruz cast as a pair of fitful romantics falling in love in an impossible situation. Now, 25 years after it was first published, the story is to endear a new generation of fans when the stage adaptation tours to UK theatres from April to June.
Set on the Greek island of Cephalonia, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin follows the entwined lives of Dr Iannis, his strong-willed daughter Pelagia and Italian Captain Antonio Corelli, who fall in love during the Italian and German occupation of the island in World War II when the captain is cared for by the doctor and his daughter.
The 2019 UK tour is the first major stage production of the novel and features an ensemble cast of 15 with Alex Mugnaioni (pictured above) playing the title character and Madison Clare, Fred Fergus and Joseph Long playing Pelagia, Francesco and Dr Iannis respectively.
The stage version has been adapted from the novel by Golden Globe and BAFTA Award nominee Rona Munro. Directed by Olivier and Tony Award nominee Melly Still, it is co-produced by Neil Laidlaw, Rose Theatre Kingston and Birmingham Repertory Theatre.
The play previews at Leicester Curve (13-20 April), before heading to Rose Theatre Kingston (23 April to 12 May), Theatre Royal Bath (14-18 May), Newcastle Theatre Royal (21-25 May), Birmingham Repertory Theatre (29 May to 15 June), King’s Theatre Edinburgh (18-22 June) and Glasgow Theatre Royal (25- 29 June).