Simpsons star Harry Shearer is to make his theatre debut in UK, appearing in a comic love story alongside Maureen Lipman.

Mr Shearer, who voices the villainous Mr Burns character in the long-running animated series, is cast with Mrs Lipman in Daytona, about a couple’s shared passion for ballroom dancing, and how their relationship is disrupted by the unexpected arrival of a character from their past.

Beyond The Simpsons, Mr Shearer, 69, is best known to UK audiences as the bassist of spoof rock band Spinal Tap, Derek Smalls. In The Simpsons he also plays Ned Flanders, Kent Brockman and Scratchy (but not Itchy).

The actor has reportedly been taking dance lessons to prepare for his latest role.

The play opens at the Park Theatre, in Finsbury Park, north London, on July 10.