Stephanie Cole will star in Stella Feehily’s topical play This May Hurt A Bit when it brings its tale about the NHS to the St James Theatre later this year following a UK tour.
The Coronation Street actress, who has appeared in stage productions including Noises Off and Blithe Spirit in the West End, and boasts screen roles in television series including Waiting For God and Tenko, will take on the role of Iris, a witty and feisty supporter of the NHS who finds herself unexpectedly in its care.
Cole will be joined in the production about one family’s journey through the digestive system of the UK’s health service by Brian Protheroe, last seen on the London stage in Broken Glass at the Tricycle Theatre, Frances Ashman, who recently appeared in People at the National Theatre, and Natalie Klamar, whose latest stage credits include All’s Well That Ends Well and As You Like It for the RSC.
Siblings Jane and Tristram Wymark complete the cast. Jane is best known for her long-running role as Joyce Barnaby in Midsomer Murders and has appeared on stage in productions including Short Sharp Shock at the Theatre Royal Stratford East, while Tristram has appeared in television series including Call The Midwife and Kavanagh QC.
The Out Of Joint production, which is directed by the company’s Artistic Director Max Stafford-Clark and inspired by his own treatment following a major stroke in 2006, will play at the Victoria venue from 14 May to 21 June. It will follow the UK premiere of Tony Award-winning musical Urinetown, directed by Jamie Lloyd.