‘American Psycho’ musical to star Matt Smith of ‘Doctor Who’

Patrick Bateman, the homicidal Wall Street executive of Bret Easton Ellis’ ultra-gory novel “American Psycho,” was memorably played by Christian Bale in the 2000 movie adaptation. For the coming stage musical version, producers have cast another British actor -- Matt Smith, the most recent star of the enduring BBC television series “Doctor Who.”

The “American Psycho” musical is set to debut at London’s Almeida Theatre in December. Duncan Sheik has written the music, while playwright Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa has penned the adaptation. Rupert Goold is directing the production.

The musical got some publicity for launching a Kickstarter campaign that eventually raised more than $150,000 toward the production’s budget.

Smith is the most recent actor to play the hero of “Doctor Who.” (He will be succeeded by Peter Capaldi.)

“American Psycho” will also feature Ben Aldridge, Susannah Fielding and Simon Gregor. The musical is scheduled to begin previews Dec. 3 and will run through Jan. 25.