Matt Smith plays womanising murderer in musical version of American Psycho

 
Murderous: Matt Smith holds up an axe in his new role as Patrick Bateman in the musical version of American Psycho
Alastair Muir/REX
Rachel Blundy13 December 2013

Doctor Who fanatics beware - Matt Smith has developed a murderous streak.

The actor, 31, is starring in a musical adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis's American Psycho at London's Almeida Theatre.

Playing serial killer Patrick Bateman, the former Doctor will be wielding an axe on stage from tomorrow until the beginning of February.

Bloody: Smith will be starring in the show until February (Picture: Alastair Muir/REX)
Alastair Muir/REX

The show follows Smith's character as he enjoys the high life in 1980s Manhattan but becomes embroiled in a brutal murder campaign.

A film version of the cult novel starred Hollywood actor Christian Bale in the lead role.

Evil stare: Smith (centre) as Manhattan businessman Patrick Bateman (Picture: Alastair Muir/REX)
Alastair Muir/REX

In an interview with Radio Times, Smith described feeling apprehensive about his stint on stage.

He said: "It’s a bizarre challenge, especially as I’ve never sung before. I thought, why not give it a stab... foolishly.

"I mean, it’s not like other musicals – which is why I took it. It’s difficult and challenging."

Suspicious: the former Doctor Who actor poses with other members of the cast (Picture: Alastair Muir/REX)
Alastair Muir/REX

Easton Ellis, who received death threats when the book was originally published, tweeted earlier this year he was "happy" about Smith's selection but would have also supported Book of Mormon star Andrew Dannells being chosen as the lead.

Rupert Goold directs the latest musical with American composer Duncan Sheik providing the music.

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