Rain Man takes to the stage at Theatr Clwyd

The stage version of the 1980s hit film, Rain Man, comes to the stage at Theatr Clwyd from February 25 - March 2.

Starring Paul Nicholls as Raymond Babbit and Chris Fountain as his brother Charlie it tells of self-centred salesman Charlie Babbit discovers that his long-lost brother Raymond, an autistic genius, has inherited the family fortune he sets out to get ‘his half’. ‘Borrowing’ Raymond from the institution where he has spent most of his life the brothers embark on a road trip across America, where Charlie discovers that Raymond is worth more than he could have ever imagined.

Paul Nicholls became a household name when he joined EastEnders as the troubled Joe Wicks in the mid-1990s. He has also appeared in acclaimed dramas including channel 4s Ackley Bridge and his films include Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason. In the West End he appeared with Jessica Lange in Long Day’s Journey into Night.

Chris Fountain is a well-known face from prime time TV, including Coronation Street, Dancing on Ice and, most recently, Kay Mellor’s Girlfriends on ITV last year.

At just 15 he left school and joined the cast of Hollyoaks to play Justin Burton. He remembers: “I really grew up there, spending the next seven years in the public eye and on set and learning so much. Soap is a relentless schedule with no room for mistakes. The turnover of scenes in a day is absolutely incredible because you’ve got to get the episodes out. I was always surrounded by my family and friends who kept me grounded, but do look back and think ‘that was pretty intense’.

He said: “Rain Man is one of my favourite films, a really interesting story that’s got a bit of everything. It’s funny, heartfelt and emotional. My character Charlie is not a nice person at the start of the show. I don’t like him. He thinks he’s going to be left a fortune after his father dies but then there’s a bombshell. He finds out he’s got a brother, Raymond, who is getting all the money. At first all Charlie’s interested in is his half of the money but as the show progresses the two go on a journey and start to bond. By the end of the evening audiences will see Charlie in a different light.

“Of all the parts I’ve done in my career, this is probably the biggest. Get ready for a whirlwind of emotions, laughs, sadness and a heartwarming night at the theatre."

Rain Man is presented by the Classic Screen to Stage Theatre Company by arrangement with MGM Studios and directed by Jonathan O’Boyle. Tickets are available from 01352 701521