James Marlowe will take on the title role in the world premiere of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, a new musical based on the short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Performances will begin May 15 at London's Southwark Playhouse. Opening night is set for May 17.

Joining Marlowe (The Play That Goes Wrong) will be an ensemble of actors assuming multiple roles: Matthew Burns (The Wind in the Willows), Rosalind Ford (Mother Courage and Her Children), Joey Hickman (We're Going on a Bearhunt), and Philippa Hogg (The Scarecrow's Wedding).

Featuring a book and lyrics by Jethro Compton and music and lyrics by Darren Clark, the Celtic musical tells the surreal tale of a boy born as an old man and aging in reverse. He finds companionship in Elowen Keene, but as the first World War looms, both time and battle threaten their relationship.

Compton also directs the production, which features sets and lighting design by Schönlatern, costumes by Cecilia Trono, sound design by Juan Coolio, puppetry by In the Bellows, and movement direction by Chi-San Howard.

Performances are scheduled through June 8.