Jon Culshaw will play author Bill Bryson on stage in an adaptation of his Notes From A Small Island.

The book – which sold more than 2million copies – covers the Iowa-born author’s travels through his adapted home of Britain, sampling its eccentricities.

Bryson said: ‘I am naturally intrigued and excited to see how Notes From A Small Island will be translated into a theatrical experience. I am especially delighted that Jon Culshaw will be taking the lead role. I have no doubt that he will be a better me than I am!’

Culshaw added: ‘It’s a great pleasure and honour to have chance to portray Bill Bryson. His delicious wit makes preparing the role an absolute joy.’

The stage version, adapted by playwright  Tim Whitnall, will open at the Watermill Theatre, Newbury, on September 24 and then tour to Malvern, Cambridge and Richmond.