The Underpants was written in 1910 by Carl Sternheim, but four years ago, Martin adapted for the modern stage. However, it was never a runaway success and was only performed for a few months in the States.
The slender plot is that a young wife’s underwear falls around her ankles as she watches the Kaiser’s parade, causing her domineering husband to rant about the damage to his reputation, his position as a junior clerk and their entire financial future.
Previous stars of the US show included Dan Castellaneta, who provides the voice of Homer Simpson.
The London premiere, starting at Islington fringe theatre the Old Red Lion on October 24, will star Owen Brenman, who is best known for playing Victor Meldrew’s drippy neighbour Nick Swainey for a decade.
