Mark Rylance to Reprise Tony-Winning Jerusalem Role in West End

Jerusalem will return to the West End this fall with Tony and Olivier Award-winning star Mark Rylance reprising the role of Johnny "Rooster" Byron. Performances begin October 8 at the Apollo Theatre, with opening night set for October 17. The limited engagement will close on January 14, 2012.

The London production will also feature Tony nominee Mackenzie Crook (Ginger), Max Baker (Wesley), Alan David (The Professor), Aimeé-Ffion Edwards (Phaedra), Geraldine Hughes (Dawn), Danny Kirrane (Davey), Charlotte Mills (Tanya), Sarah Moyle (Ms. Fawcett) and Harvey Robinson (Mr. Parsons). John Gallagher Jr., who currently plays Lee on Broadway, will not follow the production to the West End. Johnny Flynn will take over the role.

Jerusalem follows the eccentric Johnny "Rooster" Byron, who lives in a dilapidated trailer deep in the woods of a suburban British town. Despite frequent eviction notices Byron refuses to leave his home. When a final notice arrives, Byron ignores the request from the local authorities and parties hard with a rag-tag group of teenagers.

The production, directed by Ian Rickson, originated at London's Royal Court Theatre in 2009 before transferring to the West End the following year. Rylance followed the show to Broadway where it opened on April 21, 2011 at the Music Box Theatre. The show earned Rylance a Best Actor Tony Award and was nominated for Best Play. Jerusalem will play its final performance on Broadway on August 21.