How about this for a leading duo? Oslo and Lost In Space star Toby Stephens and Outnumbered’s Claire Skinner are reuniting in a West End revival of the modern classic play, A Day In The Death Of Joe Egg.
The play, written by Peter Nichols’ based on his own experiences in similar circumstances, is all about a couple struggling to cope with the difficulties of raising their disabled 10-year-old daughter. To make light of their plight, they nickname her “Joe Egg” and indulge in fantasy games – but only time will tell if their family will survive.
The production, directed by Killer Joe’s Simon Evans, will run at Trafalgar Studios from Saturday 21 September until Saturday 30 November.
A Day In The Death Of Joe Egg made its premiere in 1967, and was last seen on the West End stage in 2001, starring Eddie Izzard and Victoria Hamilton. It became known as a ground-breaking play in its generation, exploring the two parents’ issues through bittersweet comedy and startlingly honesty which promises to resonate today.
It’s Toby’s first appearance on the West End stage since starring in the hit show Oslo, while Claire has previously performed in shows including Florian Zeller’s The Father. It’s also the duo’s first performance together in 18 years – since BBC’s Perfect Strangers.
Of the play, Claire said: “I’m really looking forward to coming back to the West End with this complex, thought provoking and funny play and I’m also looking forward to working with Toby again after 18 years!”
Toby added: “I’m thrilled to be part of a revival of this fantastic play. Reading it for the first time, I couldn’t believe that it had been written in the late sixties; it felt so vivid, dark and anarchically funny. The play still feels very raw and relevant, today.”