Emily Watson, Colin Firth, Rupert Everett and comedian Russell Brand are set to star in St. Trinian’s, Ealing Studios’ new version of the classic British comedy franchise that spawned several popular movies in the 1950s and 1960s.
Ealing executive Barnaby Thompson, will make his helming debut, co-directing with his regular collaborator, Oliver Parker. Thompson and Parker will also share the producing credit.
St. Trinian’s, originally inspired by books and cartoons by Ronald Searle, centers on the madcap adventures of a group of unruly girls who attend the eponymous boarding school.
The latest revival is written by Piers Ashworth and Nick Moorcroft.
Watson will play the central teacher character (played in the original pics by Joyce Grenfell), while Everett will play the double cross-dressing role of the headmistress and her unscrupulous brother (originally Alistair Sim). Brand will play Flash Harry, the local small-time crook who helps the girls get into scrapes.
Cast also includes Caterina Murino (Casino Royale), Jodie Whittaker (Venus), Talulah Riley and Tamsin Egerton; Richard E. Grant and Stephen Fry do cameos.
Production is due to begin March 26.
