This October, Emma Rice is launching her brand new theatre company, Wise Children, with a playful adaptation of the novel of the same name. And today, the cast of this highly-anticipated production has been announced.
Starring in the world premiere of Wise Children will be Sam Archer, Ankur Bahl, Stu Barker, Omari Douglas, Mirabelle Gremaud, Alex Heane, Paul Hunter, Melissa James, Bettrys Jones, Patrycja Kujawska, Etta Murfitt, Katy Owen, Ian Ross, Gareth Snook, and Mike Shepherd.
The show is set in Brixton and follows Nora and Dora Chance – twin chorus girls celebrating their 70th birthday. But over the river in Chelsea, their father, Melchior Hazard – the greatest actor of his generation – turns 100. As does his twin, Nora and Dora’s uncle, Peregrine – if he’s even alive, and if Melchior is even their father…
This big tangle of joy and heartbreak is a celebration of family, forgiveness, show business and hope.
Emma’s latest production, Brief Encounter, recently concluded its run at the Haymarket Cinema. It was an innovative and ingenious fusion of cinema and live theatre. Her other productions include Romantics Anonymous, Tristan And Yseult, and The Flying Lovers Of Vitebsk. For Wise Children, she’s bringing her unique vision and playfulness to Angela Carter’s great last novel.