Frank and Percy, the tender comedy that won hearts in Windsor and the West End, is being adapted for the big screen. Roger Allam, acclaimed for his subtle yet powerful performance as Frank, will reprise the role alongside Sir Ian McKellen’s flamboyant Percy.
Written by Ben Weatherill, Frank and Percy premiered at Theatre Royal Windsor in June 2023 before transferring to The Other Palace in London. Directed by Sean Mathias, the play quickly gained praise for its mix of humor and poignancy. The story follows Frank, a retired schoolteacher, and Percy, an outspoken elder statesman, who meet while walking their dogs on Hampstead Heath. What starts as casual conversation gradually develops into a moving exploration of friendship, love, and late-life connection.
The production was a runaway success. Audiences were charmed by its balance of humor and poignancy, and critics were quick to praise the chemistry between its two stars. The Guardian admired the “unembarrassed depiction of desire after middle-age,” while LondonTheatre.co.uk called Allam and McKellen “charming company in this sweet love story.”
Across reviews, Allam’s Frank was repeatedly praised for his quiet depth. He captured the hesitancy of a man who has lost love and is unsure whether to open his heart again. This understated approach provided balance to McKellen’s lively delivery, creating the authentic, heartfelt chemistry that made the play such a success.
As LondonTheatre.co.uk observed, one of the play’s most appealing aspects was “the performers’ self-evident pleasure in being in one another’s presence… as if the script may simply be a pretext for allowing them a shared laugh eight times a week.” That sense of joy and camaraderie will now be captured on film for a wider audience.
The film will also feature an impressive supporting cast of British talent. Alongside Allam and McKellen, the ensemble includes Stephen Fry, Joanna Lumley, Derek Jacobi, Jessica Gunning, Ncuti Gatwa, and Siân Phillips. With such a line-up, the adaptation is shaping up to be a celebration of British stage and screen.
Sean Mathias will return to direct the film, with Martin Sherman adapting Ben Weatherill’s script for the screen. The project is backed by John Gore Studios and BK Studios, with Kaleidoscope Film Distribution handling international rights. Production begins this month, with a cinema release planned for 2026.
I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to hear this news!! I went to see the stage version in London and it was so wonderful that I have never forgotten it. Being a Roger Allam admirer I was hoping that it might somehow end up in the cinema and then on DVD.
Tickled to see this news. Their show at The Other Palace was the first theatre production I ever saw on my own. I flew over to London from the Pacific Northwest specifically to see it. I reckoned tomorrow was promised to no man, and I loved Roger Allam’s work in Endeavour so very much. Excited to share the goodness with friends and family here back home once it’s released!
For me, Frank and Percy was a perfect play with a perfect cast. I have never enjoyed a play as much. It was full of humour and pathos and believable human behaviour. Being right near the front , l felt l was part of play. I hope the actors enjoyed the performance as much as l did.
Can we see Frank and Percy in Yorkshire ?
There won’t be any more live performances with Ian and Roger as leads, but you can watch their performances at the movies soon!
I am over the moon to know frank and Percy is coming to the big screen I went with a friend to see the play in bath but we had to leave half way through and we were devasted because it was amazing we can’t wait to see it
Who cannot admire or love Sir Ian Mckellen or Roger Allam’s work! And with them both together, acting at the Old Vic! Frank and Percy was the most memorable evening I think I’ve ever had. The theatre was so sweet the way it wrapped around the stage making you feel that wherever you sat, you were part of the play and it felt like Sir Ian and Roger where specially performing for you. The story is funny and also makes you want to cry. I shall say no more as it will spoil the film if you haven’t seen the play. Be ready for a rollercoaster of laughter and tears.
Best wishes,
Judy Belcher.
Who cannot admire or love Sir Ian Mckellen or Roger Allam’s work! And with them both together, acting at the Old Vic! Frank and Percy was the most memorable evening I think I’ve ever had. The theatre was so sweet the way it wrapped around the stage making you feel that wherever you sat, you were part of the play and it felt like Sir Ian and Roger where specially performing for you. The story is funny and also makes you want to cry. I shall say no more as it will spoil the film if you haven’t seen the play. Be ready for a rollercoaster of laughter and tears.
Best wishes,
Judy Belcher.