Natalie Dew, who was recently Olivier Award-nominated for her performance in Bend It Like Beckham, will return to the London stage in Stef Smith’s new play Human Animals at the Royal Court.
Dew is joined in the cast by Ian Gelder, Stella Gonet, Lisa McGrillis, Sargon Yelda and Ashley Zhangazha.
The production, which begins its run at the Jerwood Theatre Upstairs at the Royal Court on 18 May, tells the story of an overcrowded city where nature is getting out of control. The mice are scratching between walls, the pigeons are diseased and the foxes are beginning to rule the streets. The problem is growing and it has to be stopped before it’s too late.
The six strong cast is directed by Royal Court Associate Director Hamish Pirie, who is reunited with two of the performers he previously directed in Teh Internet Is Serious Business, Dew and Yelda.
The entire cast, though, are Court veterans. London stage regulars Gelder and Gonet previously appeared at the Sloane Square venue in productions including The Low Road and Hope respectively.
Zhangazha’s Court credits include Belong and Truth And Reconciliation, while McGrillis’ starred in The Pass, both at the Royal Court and in the film adaptation that recently opened the BFI Flare festival.
Human Animals opens at the new writing venue’s smaller space following the current production of Cyprus Avenue, starring Stephen Rea, which runs until 7 May.