ON the heels of Lenny Henry in Othello, fellow funny turn Les Dennis is to make his West Yorkshire Playhouse debut in JB Priestley’s comedy When We Are Married from April 4 to 25.

A co-production between the Leeds company and Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse, this satirical account of the sanctity of marriage will open in Priestley’s home county of West Yorkshire before transferring to Les’s home city of Liverpool from April 30 to May 23.

“Ever since I saw Priestley’s Dangerous Corner at the West Yorkshire Playhouse I’ve wanted to work at the theatre. I’m thrilled that my chance to do so is in a Priestley play,” says Les, who has appeared elsewhere in such plays as Art, Misery, Skylight and Neville’s Island.

“When We Are Married is a wonderfully funny ensemble piece that still has a relevance for today’s audience. Herbert Soppitt is a lovely part and for me and the added bonus is that I also get to play the role in my hometown when it transfers to Liverpool Playhouse.”

Brown had been talking to Dennis for “quite some time” about working on a play with him.

“So when I began to think about my new production of When We Are Married I immediately thought of Les,” says Ian. “The role of Mr Soppitt appeared to be a perfect fit; it just seemed like a really great part for him.”

For Leeds tickets, phone 0113 213 7700 or visit wyp.org.uk; for Liverpool, 0151 709 4776 or everymanplayhouse.com