Alix Dunmore, Richard Durden, John Hopkins and Ben Jones will together portray more than 12,059 characters (probably) in Patrick Barlow’s adaptation of Ben Hur at the Tricycle Theatre this winter.
The quartet comprises the full cast for the fast-paced comedy, which plays from 19 November to 9 January at the Kilburn venue.
Dunmore comes to the production following her recent role – or should that be roles? – in Barlow’s fellow theatrical romp The 39 Steps. The actress’ other theatre credits include Southwark Playhouse’s What The Women Did and London Wall at the St James Theatre.
Durden’s recent stage appearances include the Royal Shakespeare Company’s A Mad World My Masters and Titus Andronicus. RSC regular Hopkins was last seen on the capital’s stage in Holy Warriors at Shakespeare’s Globe, while Jones’ London stage credits include The Bone Room at the Young Vic.
Transforming the Tricycle Theatre’s stage into what promises to be “one of the most authentic versions of ancient Rome ever seen”, Ben Hur will bring General ‘Lew’ Wallace’s timeless classic to the stage in a production featuring “stunning combat, a 103% bona fide chariot race, an authentic sea battle and a decadent Roman orgy that is suitable for all ages”.
The production, which is directed by Tim Carroll, reunites playwright Barlow with producers Fiery Angel, whose production of The 39 Steps had delighted West End audiences for nine years before it closed at the Criterion Theatre last month.
Ben Hur will open at the Tricycle Theatre following the forthcoming run of Marcus Gardley’s A Wolf In Snakeskin Shoes, which stars Lucian Msamati and Sharon D Clarke from 8 October.