Lesley Sharp, James Lance and Indira Varma are to star in Nick Grosso’s new comedy about addiction, Ingredient X, at the Royal Court from 20 May to 19 June (press night 26 May).
Stage regular Sharp plays X Factor addict Rosanna. Sharp has been a regular presence in the West End of late, appearing in productions including The Rise And Fall Of Little Voice at the Vaudeville, Harper Regan at the National Theatre and Ghosts, which ended its curtailed run at the Duchess theatre last week. She returns to the Royal Court after previously appearing there in Top Girls, Our Country’s Good and The Recruiting Officer. Sharp’s screen work includes Bob And Rose, Red Riding and The Diary Of Anne Frank as well as the films Vera Drake and The Full Monty.
Lance, known for his television work including Teachers, Boy Meets Girl and Moving Wallpaper, plays Rosanna’s next-door neighbour, recovering alcoholic Frank. Last seen on stage at the Trafalgar Studios in Ordinary Dreams last year, Lance’s other stage credits include Pirandello’s Henry IV at the Donmar Warehouse and several productions at the Bush theatre.
Varma, who plays Frank’s wife Katie, last appeared at the Royal Court in David Hare’s The Vertical Hour. She was more recently seen playing Olivia in the Donmar West End production of Twelfth Night. Her television work includes Hustle, Torchwood and Rome.
Ingredient X, directed by Deborah Bruce, plays at the Royal Court Jerwood Theatre Upstairs following DC Moore’s The Empire, which runs until 1 May.
CB