The life of David Tomlinson expressed by comic and actor Miles Jump comes to the Theatre Royal

Stand-up comedian and actor Miles Jupp is to perform his solo performance in James Kettle’s new stage comedy The Life I Lead, a biographical play based on the life of quintessentially English gentleman actor David Tomlinson, next month at the Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds.

As a World War Two fighter pilot, David Tomlinson’s early life contained action and adventure; but he suffered huge heartbreak with the tragic death of his first wife, and his fight to have his son Willie recognised as one of the first British cases of autism. The man who portrayed one of cinema’s most famous patriarchs was also defined by his relationship with his own father – a remote eccentric, who was hiding an extraordinary tragicomic secret.

Best remembered for playing Mr Banks in Disney’s classic film Mary Poppins, and Professor Emelius Browne in Bedknobs and Broomsticks, David was renowned for playing the classic English gent: forthright, proper, and a lovable fool. The Life I Lead sees Miles bring his remarkable story to life, a richly comic and moving tale of fathers and sons across the generations which fills in the blanks behind a very well-known face. Produced by Jonathan Church Productions and Exeter Northcott Theatre.

Described by the Telegraph as “a very British tour-de-force”, Miles Jupp is a stand-up comedian and actor, known for his performances in Mock the Week, Rev and Balamory and also as the current host of The News Quiz on BBC Radio 4.

James Kettle is both a narrative and entertainment comedy writer and a long-time collaborator with Miles Jupp; lead writer of The News Quiz, and numerous episodes of In and Out the Kitchen. His other writing credits include four series of the Rose D’Or nominated Tom Wrigglesworth’s Hang Ups, three series of Can’t Tell Nathan Caton Nothing, four series of Wordaholics and he also writes live tour material for comedians such as Joe Lycett, Jason Byrne and Susan Calman.

The Life I Lead has four performances at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds from Thursday to Saturday, May 7 to 9. Tickets are on sale at the Box Office, call 01284 769505, book online at www.theatreroyal.org/shows/the-life-i-lead/or visit the theatre in person.