Gay Soap Star to Lead U.K. Premiere of Next Fall

Next Fall, a gay-themed drama by out playwright Geoffrey Nauffts, will receive its U.K. premiere this fall.

Directed by Luke Sheppard, the Tony Award-nominated play begins September 24 and runs through October 25 at London's Southwark Playhouse.

"Next Fall portrays the ups and downs of Adam and Luke's long-term relationship and how they make it work -- despite their differences," according to press notes about the production. "Luke is devoutly religious, while Adam is an atheist. However, following an unexpected accident which changes everything, Adam must turn to Luke's family and friends for support... and answers."

The role of Adam will be played by Charlie Condou, an out actor best known for playing Marcus Dent, a popular gay character, on the British soap opera Coronation Street. Condou, a vocal gay-rights activist who was named Attitude's 2012 "Man of the Year," has two children with partner Cameron Laux.

The cast also includes Nancy Crane, Ben Cura, Martin Delaney, Mitchell Mullen, and Sirine Saba.

Next Fall debuted off-Broadway in 2009 and transfered the following year to Broadway's Helen Hayes Theatre, where it was produced by partners Elton John and David Furnish. The Advocate named the play among the best LGBT-inclusive New York theater of 2009, calling it "stunning" and "wholly satisfying."

"Next Fall is a lot more than a gay love story," Nauffts told The Advocate. "At the core it's an exploration of faith, but the fact that the couple at the center of our story is gay complicates the issue of belief even further."

For tickets and more information visit SouthwarkPlayhouse.co.uk.