Matthew Macfadyen leads the cast of The Pain And The Itch, which opens at the Royal Court Jerwood Theatre Downstairs on 21 June. The production is the first directed by the Royal Court's new Artistic Director Dominic Cooke.
RADA graduate Macfadyen is best known for his screen roles in Spooks and Pride And Prejudice, though he has also received award nominations for his work on stage. For the Royal Shakespeare Company he appeared in A Midsummer Night's Dream and School For Scandal, and for Cheek By Jowl he starred in The Duchess Of Malfi and Much Ado About Nothing. He was last seen in London at the National Theatre, where he played Hal in Henry IV Parts 1 & 2 opposite Michael Gambon.
The Pain And The Itch is written by American Bruce Norris, and receives its UK premiere at the Royal Court. It was first seen at the Steppenwolf Theater in Chicago before enjoying a sold-out run off-Broadway. Norris uses a Thanksgiving dinner for six to explore liberal attitudes in this hilarious social satire.
The Pain And The Itch previews from 14 June and runs until 21 July. Further casting will be announced later in the year.
MA