Hampstead Theatre has revealed that the premieres of two new plays will take place there this year, titled Lawrence after Arabia, and Wild.
Lawrence after Arabia by Howard Brenton will run from 28th April until 4th June, and Wild by Mike Bartlett is playing from 10th June until 16th July.
Not one, but two world premieres
Howard Brenton’s Lawrence after Arabia is directed by John Dove. It is set in August 1922, and follows the tale of archaeologist and legendary desert warrior T.E. Lawrence, who has disappeared.
Set in the idyllic calm of the village of Ayot St Lawrence, the play explores what it’s like to crave normality when the world calls for you to be a hero.
Following this will be Wild, directed by James Macdonald. During the play, main character Andrew goes from lunching in KFC and discussing apartments with his girlfriend one week to being on the run in Moscow at the risk of assassination the next.
Described as darkly comic, Wild portrays the upheaval of the life of one man of no particular significance, who suddenly finds himself as America’s most wanted.
Reasons to be Happy casting
Hampstead Theatre has also announced casting for the UK premiere of Neil LaBute’s romantic comedy Reasons to be Happy, which is running from 17th March to 16th April.
The cast features Tom Burke, Warren Brown, Robyn Addison, and Lauren O’Neil.
Directed by Michael Attenborough and designed by Soutra Gilmour, Reasons to be Happy is a romantic comedy that follows the lives of four friends as they search for happiness.
Neil LaBute’s drama explores the topic of unfinished business, focusing on a couple called Greg and Steph who have broken up but are considering reuniting.
Tom Burke plays Greg, reprising his role from the 2011 production of Reasons to be Pretty which was also directed by Michael Attenborough. Tom is best known for playing the role of Athos in the BBC series The Musketeers.
Lauren O’Neil plays Steph. Her recent theatre credits include Richard III and King Lear, and her television credits include Silent Witness, Phone Shop and Lewis.
Warren Brown, who played DS Justin Ripley in the BBC’s Luther, will also star, as will Robyn Addison whose recent theatre credits include Black Comedy and Chalet Lines.
Group booking
GTOs will receive a free ticket for every nine bought. Tickets are bookable by calling the box office on 020-7722 9301.
For further group travel information visit www.hampsteadtheatre.com.
