The Office and Hello Ladies star Stephen Merchant continues to expand his horizon beyond being Ricky Gervais partner in crime, as he’s now set to make his West End debut this summer in The Mentalists at London’s Wyndham’s Theatre.

The play is written by Richard Bean, best known for his recent award winning success with One Man, Two Guvnors. Merchant will star alongside Gavin and Stacey star Steffan Rhodri, with the pair playing two friends dealing with the frustrations of working men battling against the world.

Stephen Merchant has long been the somewhat under-appreciated  partner of Ricky Gervais, co-writing The Office, Extras and Life’s Too Short. Having most recently starred in the Hello Ladies TV Movie it’s encouraging to see the towering British comic continue to spread his wings.