Ray Fearon, Richie Campbell and Anthony Welsh are to star in Beau Willimon’s Lower Ninth at the Trafalgar Studios next month, directed by Charlotte Westenra as part of the new Donmar Trafalgar season.
Fearon, who plays Malcolm in this tale of two African Americans waiting for rescue after Hurricane Katrina, has previously worked with director Westenra on World Music at the Donmar Warehouse. His stage credits also include The Soldier’s Fortune at the Young Vic, Sing Yer Heart Out For The Lads at the National Theatre and many credits for the Royal Shakespeare Company, though he is still remembered for playing series regular Nathan in Coronation Street.
Campbell, who plays Malcolm’s rooftop companion E-Z, has appeared in Dirty Butterfly at the Young Vic and 93.2FM for the Royal Court, while his television work includes Game Over, The Bill and Babyfather. Welsh was recently seen in Sucker Punch at the Royal Court, Pornography at the Tricycle theatre and The Brothers Size at the Young Vic.
The Donmar Trafalgar season is a new initiative from prestigious Covent Garden venue the Donmar Warehouse to showcase the work of graduates from its Resident Assistant Director (RAD) scheme. Westenra took part in the scheme in 2004 when she assisted directors including Josie Rourke, Roger Michell and Donmar Artistic Director Michael Grandage. Since graduating Westenra has directed at the Tricycle theatre, Shakespeare’s Globe, the Sheffield Crucible and the Edinburgh Festival.
Lower Ninth, which plays from 30 September to 23 October (press night 4 October) is followed in the Donmar Trafalgar season by Novecento (28 October to 20 November) directed by Roisin McBrinn and Les Parents Terribles (25 November to 18 December) directed by Chris Rolls.
CB