Stephen Berkoff, the renowned Cockney thesp perhaps best known for his plays East (1975), West (1983), and, naturally, his appearance in the 'Science' episode of Chris Morris's satirical spoof documentary series Brass Eye ("She was hit by a ton of invisible lead soup ... that could be your mother"), is set to bring Budd Schulberg's On The Waterfront to the London stage.

The last incarnation of the 1954 film, produced on Broadway in the mid-'90s, was a terrific flop, lasting for only eight performances.

Mr. Berkoff is considering following Baron Lloyd-Webber's example by holding a televised national audition to find a Marlon Brando-alike for the lead role.

Mr. Berkoff says, "I've been in New York meeting with Budd about it and we're hoping it will happen. I'm keen to have a crack at directing it myself, but I'm not sure who should play Terry Malloy."

Image from Beatnic's photostream