Olivier Award-winning actress Jenna Russell will star in Mr Burns when it receives its European premiere at the Almeida Theatre in June.
Anne Washburn’s critically acclaimed tale, which imagines the future of TV’s most famous family The Simpsons, will now play from 5 June to 26 July, a week longer than originally billed.
Directed by Robert Icke, Mr Burns tells the story of a group of survivors who recall an episode of the popular American cartoon, which is then repeated again and again as it is handed down through generations, changing along the way.
Russell, who is currently appearing in Jamie Lloyd’s hit production of Urinetown The Musical at the St James Theatre, is joined in the cast by Adrian Der Gregorian, Annabel Scholey, Justine Mitchell and Michael Schaeffer.
Der Gregorian’s forthcoming performance in the post-apocalyptic play precedes his role in the musical adaptation of Made In Dagenham, in which he will star alongside Gemma Arterton from 9 October. Scholey returns to the London stage following her 2013 performance in Passion Play at the Duke of York’s Theatre, while Mitchell and Schaeffer have both notched up recent credits at the National Theatre: Mitchell for Children Of The Sun and Detroit, and Schaeffer for Table and London Road.
The cast of Icke’s production is completed by Demetri Goritsas (His Girl Friday, National Theatre), Adey Grummet (English National Opera’s Dr Dee), Wunmi Mosaku (Truth And Reconciliation, Royal Court) and Fiona Digney.
Mr Burns will open at the Almeida Theatre following current hit King Charles III, which plays until 31 May. The second of Icke’s productions to open at the Almeida Theatre this year, Mr Burns will play alongside his acclaimed production of 1984, which has transferred to the Playhouse Theatre following its successful run at the Islington venue earlier this year.