Griff Rhys Jones Cast In West End Production Of I'm Sorry, Prime Minister
Griff Rhys Jones is set to return to the West End to star in I’m Sorry, Prime Minister, at the Apollo Theatre from 30 January, 2026. The production will play a limited run through 25 April, 2026.
The production is the final chapter of Yes, Minister, which began as a 1980s comedy series on TV, written by Jonathan Lynn and Antony Jay, and follows the hilarious antics and ministerial career of Jim Hacker. A sequel to the series and stage play followed, both entitled Yes, Prime Minister, the latter resulting in a West End transfer after premiering at Chichester Festival Theatre in May 2010.
Jones will take the reins as ex-Prime Minister Jim Hacker alongside Clive Francis, who will reprise his role of Sir Humphry Appleby from the play's run at The Barn Theatre.
Jones commented: “I am delighted and honoured to be stepping into the shoes of Jim Hacker in this, the final, funny and poignant episode of his long career. The great TV series, and latterly the plays, are part of my architecture of British Comedy. They have always been the first and last word on the shenanigans that we call politics. (What Americans have taken to calling the swamp.) “Sorry, Prime Minister” is as acute and apposite as ever. It will be a hoot. What can the great comedy sparring partners make of what the modern world throws at them? I urge everybody - old fans, young fans, and yet-to-be fans to come and join us at the Apollo to find out.”
Lynn also said: "I wanted to write the final chapter about Jim Hacker and Sir Humphrey Appleby, now in their 80s, discarded, ignored, watching today's world with utter bewilderment. An elegiac play about old age and loss - loss of power, loss of influence, loss of friends, loss of family. The only play I've ever seen on this theme is King Lear. This will be funnier."
BAFTA Award-winner Jonathan Lynn writes and directs the production, and Michael Gyngell co-directs.
Additional casting and creatives will be announced at a later date.
Book tickets to I'm Sorry, Prime Minister on TheatreTickets-London.co.uk