Celebrities turned out in London’s West End this week night to see the classic film The Ladykillers brought back to life on the stage.

Comedians Rob Brydon and Peter Serafinowicz were in the audience for the show’s opening night at the Gielgud Theatre.

The play stars Peter Capaldi as criminal mastermind Professor Marcus, a role made famous by Sir Alec Guinness in the 1955 Ealing comedy. Ben Miller, James Fleet and Marcia Warren also feature in the show, which sees the professor rent a room in the home of an unsuspecting old lady so he and his associates can plot a robbery.

The Ladykillers was adapted for the stage by The IT Crowd writer Graham Linehan and has moved to London after a run in Liverpool.

It follows a 2004 Hollywood remake of the original film, starring Tom Hanks. Glaswegian actor Mr Capaldi has described his latest alter ego as “far more dangerous” than Malcolm Tucker, the foul-mouthed spin doctor he plays in BBC comedy The Thick Of It.

Rob Brydon gave the show a thumbs-up, saying: “I loved it. Peter Capaldi gave a superb performance.” I imagine he’ll be winning awards for that.”

Speaking at the after-party at London restaurant Spice Market, Mr Capaldi said he was “very pleased” with the opening night – despite a door handle falling off by mistake during the performance.

“I was a bit nervous because it’s always a slightly different feeling when it’s a first night. But it went very well. It’s a wonderful cast and everyone rose to the occasion.”

He said his energetic performance as Professor Marcus saved him from having to go to the gym. “It’s quite exhausting. I have to have a shower afterwards because I’m always soaked with sweat. I’ve lost about half a stone. My wife gives me rice pudding after I come off stage because the weight seems to be dropping off.”