American Buffalo, Wyndham's Theatre

American Buffalo is certainly a classic. Named best play by the New York Drama Critics' award adapted into a hit film adaptation starring Dustin Hoffman it derides the idea of the American Dream. The show buzzes with Mamet's characteristic wit and verve in a sharp, snappy exploration of petty crime. Three small time scammers attempt a major heist and the result is much trickery and, as greed takes of both tragedy and violence.

Stage and screen actor Damian Lewis

A household name thanks to his captivatingly tense portrayal of Nicholas Brody in Emmy and Golden Globe winning series Homeland, Lewis has also impressed on stage with roles in Ibsen,Shakespeare and Moliere. After graduating form Guildhall school of Music and Drama he joined the RSC, before being spotted by Stephen Spielberg and subsequently cast in a breakthrough role in Band of Brothers. Along with stage and television, Lewis is also starring in upcoming Hollywood blockbusters including The Silent Storm and Our Kind Of Traitor. Such high-octane action still comes alongside more classic drama: Lewis will play Henry VIII opposite Mark Rylance in the forthcoming BBC adaptation of Wolf Hall and Bring up the Bodies, which is sure to make him an even hotter name in 2015. With such a focus on film and television, the closest Lewis has been to the London stage in recent years was supporting his wife Helen McCory on the sidelines as she stormed the National Theatre playing a tortured Medea. It is exciting to see such an established actor return to the intimacy of the theatre.

Director Daniel Evans

American Buffalo will be a creative reunion as actor turned director Daniel Evans will work Damian Lewis for the first time since the pair were at drama school together. "I've admired his work ever since we trained together at Guildhall School of Music and Drama and I know his particular qualities as an actor will offer us something very special in this part.", Evans explains. With an Oliver award plus a Tony nomination for his acting work, Evan offers a broad perspective as a director. After a successful stage career, with roles at the RSC, National, Donmar and Royal Court, he moved out of the spotlight to instead take creative helm. He's been Artistic Director of Sheffield Theatre since 2009, which, under his reign, has scooped two consecutive Best Regional Theatre awards.

American Buffalo: tickets

The combination of a Hollywood star, the revival of a classic play and a short run makes American Buffalo a hot ticket. Book fast to avoid disappointment. 

Wyndham's Theatre
16 Apr 2015 – 27 Jun 2015, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM